Event, News

Elizabeth Smart Urges Child Empowerment

Media
April 2nd, 2026

CONROE, TX – Elizabeth Smart, the nationally recognized child safety advocate and survivor, delivered a powerful keynote address to a packed house at the Conroe Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting this past Friday, December 1, 2023. Speaking at the Margaritaville Lake Resort, Smart shared a poignant message of hope, resilience, and the critical importance of empowering children to protect themselves.

Smart, whose own abduction story captivated and horrified the nation over two decades ago, now dedicates her life to advocating for the safety of children. She recounted the terrifying nine months she spent in captivity after being abducted from her Salt Lake City, Utah, bedroom at age 14 in June 2002. Her abductors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee, subjected her to unimaginable horrors until her rescue on March 12, 2003, in Sandy, Utah.

During her address in Conroe, Smart emphasized that while her story is chilling, the takeaway should not be fear, but rather a call to proactive prevention. “My story is horrific, but it’s not a reason to live in fear,” Smart told the attentive audience. “It’s a reason to empower our children, to teach them, and to give them the tools they need to protect themselves.”

She urged parents and community members to educate and empower children, teaching them about “red flags” – warning signs or situations that feel unsafe – and the importance of speaking up when something feels wrong. Smart stressed that the biggest danger often comes from those children know and trust, rather than strangers, and that maintaining open lines of communication with kids is crucial. She encouraged parents to allow their children to live their lives, but with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate potential dangers safely.

Dan Hauser, President of the Conroe Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the significance of Smart’s presence. “Elizabeth Smart’s story of resilience is incredibly moving, and her message resonates deeply with our community,” Hauser stated. “Her focus on empowerment and open communication provides invaluable insights for every parent, guardian, and leader here in Conroe. We were honored to host such an inspiring figure at our annual meeting, reminding us all of our collective responsibility in protecting our children.”

Attendees expressed the profound impact of her words. “Her words truly moved me,” commented Sarah Miller, a Conroe mother of two who attended the event. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed by fear, but she gave practical advice and a sense of hope that we can truly make a difference by talking to our kids and giving them the power to speak up.”

Following her powerful address, attendees had the opportunity to take photos with Smart, many sharing personal stories and thanking her for her courage and advocacy.

Since her rescue, Smart has become a leading voice in child safety, serving as the founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. The foundation works to prevent child abduction and sexual violence through education, dispelling myths, and promoting preventative measures. She is also the author of the New York Times bestseller “My Story,” and “Where There’s Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up.”

Her visit to Conroe served as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit and the ongoing need for vigilance and education in safeguarding the next generation. For more information on Elizabeth Smart’s advocacy and resources for child safety, visit the Elizabeth Smart Foundation website at [www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org](https://www.elizabethsmartfoundation.org/). Details on the Conroe Chamber of Commerce and future events can be found at [https://conroe.org/](https://conroe.org/).

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