Malouf Foundation Holds Annual Education Summit at Utah Capitol

Furniture World News Desk on 5/12/2023

The Malouf Foundation™  reported that it recently held its annual education summit at the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City. The event uses the Foundation’s three pillars—education, healing and advocacy—to guide conversation and awareness on sexual violence and exploitation. To watch this year’s full event, visit malouffoundation.org/summit2023.

“We’re sometimes asked about the goal of this event,” said Malouf Foundation™ Board Chair Kacie Malouf in her opening address. “The purpose is to think of ways we can work together to combat sexual exploitation and to create resources that will help survivors.” She continued, “We all have unique areas of influence, which means we have the power to lead positive change in our communities.”

The event kicked off with a session focused on the importance of education and awareness. Speakers included John Walsh, co-founder of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and creator and host of America’s Most Wanted; Dr. Susan Madsen, the Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University; and Sarah Gonzales, director of state and local affairs for Delta Airlines.

“The culture at Delta is all about using the power of our brand and the power of our people to do something good,” Gonzales said. “Our drive to end trafficking starts at the C-suite and goes through every division of our company because it’s deeply personal for us. One victim of human trafficking is far too many, and we’re in this fight for the long-term.”

Following the first session, survivor leaders discussed their lived experiences and personalized pathways to healing. Sayeh Rivazfar was a keynote speaker, sharing how she has overcome violence and abuse and now advocates for other victims. Afterwards, summit attendees heard from a panel of male survivors, Aaron Crowley and Rabbi Avremi Zippel.

“Healing is a continuous journey, and frankly, it’s one I’ll be on for a very long time,” Zippel said. “I have found that being an advocate in this space and sharing my story is the most healing thing I can do for myself, and hopefully it helps others as well.”

The final session revolved around advocacy, with survivor leader and advocate Sara Kruzan as the main speaker. Kruzan recounted parts of her story as a formerly incarcerated community member and highlighted programs she’s designed to improve the criminal legal system for other victims. To wrap up the event, Elizabeth Smart shared reflections from the day and the work she’s done since her rescue 20 years ago.

“When I came home, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world because I was rescued from my nightmare, and I still feel that way today. Everything I do in advocacy is to bring that same happy ending to other children,” Smart said. “As a community, we can become informed. We bring these conversations to our homes. And we can truly make a difference.”

To watch the summit, and for more information about the Malouf Foundation™, visit malouffoundation.org/summit2023. 

If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual violence, call 9-1-1 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or via live chat at rainn.org. If you suspect human trafficking in your community, report a tip to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or text “Info” to 233733.

About the Malouf Foundation™
 Formalized in 2016 and operating out of Logan, Utah, the Malouf Foundation™ is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to confronting child sexual exploitation, specifically sex trafficking and online abuse. The Foundation fulfills their mission by providing education through OnWatch™, Smart Defense™ and the Raise App; promoting healing through the Juniper Scholarship™, Rooms Restored™ and restorative care services; and advocating for survivors through Heroes Landing™ and the "We Believe You" campaign. In January 2022, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation officially became a part of the Malouf Foundation™ to broaden the impact of both organizations. For more information or to make a donation, visit malouffoundation.org.