Child safety advocate Elizabeth Smart to speak at WCTC on Tuesday, April 30

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PEWAUKEE, Wis. (Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019) -- To kick off the first event of the Waukesha County Technical College Speaker Series, and to recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, WCTC is hosting Elizabeth Smart on Tuesday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Building S on the main Pewaukee Campus, 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, Wis.

WCTC’s Student Government Association (SGA) and the Office of Compliance and Equity are partnering to sponsor this event.

“SGA is ecstatic to host Elizabeth Smart. In searching for an impactful speaker, we looked for someone who could provide a powerful message -- a lasting takeaway for our students, staff and community,” said Rahsaan Dunn, WCTC’s coordinator of Student Development. “SGA understands that our student body has a unique make-up of nontraditional students, and we will continue to offer programs that are engaging and inclusive for all.”

The abduction of Smart was one of the most followed cases in recent history. She was kidnapped in June 2002 at age 14, and her abductors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape. Fortunately, the police safely returned Smart to her family in March 2003, after she was held captive for nine grueling months.

Smart will share her poignant, personal story of being a survivor of child abduction and how she has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs and national legislation.

“In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is a pleasure and honor to have Elizabeth Smart on our campus,” said Sherry Simmons, director of WCTC’s Office of Compliance and Equity. “We’ve read or heard about her abduction, and what she endured at the hands of her captors, but it’s her story of bravery, survival and hope that will inspire all in attendance.”

Cost of the event is $40 for community members and includes a light lunch; proceeds will benefit sexual assault awareness programs. Additionally, Smart’s memoir, “My Story,” will be available for purchase at the event. Registration is required and opens Monday, Feb. 18. For more information, visit: www.wctc.edu/elizabeth.