In this episode of Penny for Your Shots, I sat down with the inspiring Laura Fogarty—a safety educator, advocate, and champion for women’s empowerment. Laura’s journey is rooted in a lifetime of service, from her decades working with military veterans to her current mission of equipping women with tools, education, and confidence to protect themselves.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to stay safe or what steps to take to protect yourself and loved ones, Laura’s story and her work with Damsel in Defense will inspire you to take action.

From a Lifetime of Service to a New Mission

Laura spent 25 years working at the Armed Forces Retirement Home, where she served as Recreation Director and later as a Safety and Occupational Health Officer. She described the evolution of her work in continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), providing veterans with a safe, supportive environment as they transitioned through stages of care.

Laura’s passion for helping others didn’t stop when she retired. After relocating to Florida, she found herself asking, what’s next? It was during this time that a friend introduced her to Damsel in Defense—a mission-driven company focused on empowering women and families with tools, resources, and education to prevent violence and protect themselves.

The Mission: Equip, Empower, Educate

Laura was drawn to Damsel in Defense’s powerful mission: to equip, empower, and educate women and families on personal safety. Through workshops, safety tools, and education, Laura helps others become more confident and prepared in any situation.

As she says:

"You don’t need to be paranoid to be prepared. It’s about situational awareness—paying attention, trusting your intuition, and knowing you have options to protect yourself."

Why Situational Awareness Matters

One of the core principles Laura teaches is situational awareness. She encourages women to live their lives fully, without fear, while staying alert to their surroundings.

Simple tips can make a huge difference:

• Face the door when you sit in a restaurant.

• Avoid distractions like texting or wearing earbuds when walking alone.

• Pay attention to unusual behavior or anything that feels “not right.”

Laura shares practical strategies, tools, and stories to help women recognize threats and respond effectively—without panic.

Empowerment Through Tools and Training

Laura equips women with non-lethal self-defense tools, such as:

• Pepper sprays and stun guns with safety features

• Breakaway keychains for quick access to protection

• Safety alarms with GPS tracking for emergencies

She stresses that empowerment isn’t just about having tools—it’s about knowing how to use them confidently. As Laura says:

"The moment you pick up a tool and feel prepared, your posture changes. You feel empowered because you know you can protect yourself."

Making a Difference, One Woman at a Time

Laura’s mission goes far beyond products. She conducts safety workshops for businesses, schools, and communities, covering topics like:

• City Safety: How to stay safe in parking garages, gas stations, and elevators

• Sister Safety: Healthy relationships for high school and college-aged women

• Domestic Violence Awareness: Recognizing and responding to dangerous situations

Through her work, Laura empowers women to trust their instincts, practice awareness, and take control of their safety.

"Attackers look for easy targets—distracted, unaware individuals. If you’re prepared and alert, you’re far less likely to become a victim."

A Global Mission: Fighting Human Trafficking

Beyond empowering women locally, Laura’s work supports a global mission to fight human trafficking through Damsel in Defense’s Damsel House Project. This initiative funds safe houses that provide food, counseling, and education for survivors, helping them build new futures.

The statistics are sobering, but Laura remains committed to creating change:

• The United States is the #1 consumer of human trafficking services worldwide.

• Florida, California, and Texas are the top states for human trafficking, with Sarasota, Miami, and Tampa leading in Florida.

"Even if we make a difference for one person—it matters. That’s our purpose."

Safe Hearts: Protecting Our Children

Laura also introduced Safe Hearts, a program designed to help families discuss tough topics like grooming, healthy boundaries, and tricky people. Through storybooks, games, and parent guides, Safe Hearts empowers parents to protect their children in an age-appropriate way.

Take Action: Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Laura’s message is clear: don’t wait until it’s too late to take safety seriously.

Whether it’s equipping yourself with protection tools, attending a workshop, or having open conversations with your family, you have the power to protect yourself and others.

If you’d like to connect with Laura, host a safety workshop, or learn more about Damsel in Defense, visit her website or reach out directly:

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 703-346-6045

A Story That Matters

To close, Laura shared a story about the Starfish Effect:

An old man saw a young woman throwing starfish back into the ocean. He told her, "You can’t possibly save them all.” She replied, "I made a difference for that one."

Laura’s work is about making a difference, one woman, one family, and one community at a time. Her passion for safety and empowerment is changing lives—and reminding us all that we have the power to protect ourselves and others.

- Laura's website: https://www.mydamselpro.net/safetyfirst123
- Laura's contact info: [email protected], 703 - 346 - 6045.
- SPARCC, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center: https://www.sparcc.net/
- Information about Damsel House: https://damselindefense.net/damsel-house/
- Links to statistics and resources: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/statistics