Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Elizabeth Smart

How Elizabeth Smart built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Elizabeth Smart is an American child safety activist and commentator for ABC News. At the age of 14, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and held captive for nine months with his wife, Wanda Barzee. Smart was eventually rescued by police officers in Sandy, Utah. Following her rescue, Smart has become a prominent advocate for child safety and has shared her story to raise awareness about abduction and abuse.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 8, 2006: Smart's Congressional testimony

On March 8, 2006, Elizabeth Smart spoke before the United States Congress to support sexual predator legislation and the Amber alert system.

July 26, 2006: Smart speaks at Adam Walsh Act event

On July 26, 2006, Elizabeth Smart spoke at an event following the signing of the Adam Walsh Act.

May 2008: Smart at book event

In May 2008, Elizabeth Smart appeared at an event promoting the book "You're Not Alone", to which she contributed.

October 2009: Smart speaks at Women's Conference

In October 2009, Elizabeth Smart spoke at the 2009 Women's Conference in California, hosted by Maria Shriver, on overcoming obstacles in life.

November 11, 2009: LDS Missionary in Paris

On November 11, 2009, Elizabeth Smart began to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paris.

July 7, 2011: Smart joins ABC News

On July 7, 2011, ABC News announced that Elizabeth Smart would work as a commentator for them, mainly focusing on missing persons.

May 1, 2013: Smart speaks at Johns Hopkins

On May 1, 2013, Elizabeth Smart spoke at a human trafficking conference at Johns Hopkins University, discussing individual self-worth and dispelling myths surrounding loss of value upon sexual contact.

October 2013: My Story memoir published

In October 2013, "My Story", a memoir of Elizabeth Smart's experience co-written with Chris Stewart, was published by St. Martin's Press.

February 2014: Smart testifies for HB 286

In February 2014, Elizabeth Smart testified before the Utah State House of Representatives in favor of HB 286, a bill creating an optional curriculum for child sexual abuse prevention.

September 2016: Correspondent for Crime Watch Daily

As of September 2016, Elizabeth Smart became a correspondent for the true-crime show Crime Watch Daily.

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June 5, 2017: I Am Elizabeth Smart film airs

On June 5, 2017, on the 15th anniversary of her abduction, Lifetime aired the made-for-TV film titled "I Am Elizabeth Smart", narrated and produced by Elizabeth Smart, which tells the story of her kidnapping from her perspective.

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2018: Where There's Hope published

In 2018, Elizabeth Smart published "Where There's Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up" with St. Martin's Press.

2019: Self-Defense Program

In 2019, Elizabeth Smart alleged a male passenger groped her on a Delta Air Lines flight. She reported the incident and began a self-defense program for women and girls called Smart Defense.

2019: Smart Justice documentary

In 2019, Elizabeth Smart participated in the Lifetime documentary "Smart Justice: The Jayme Closs Case", offering her perspective on healing and recovery.

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