Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Elizabeth Smart

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

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

Elizabeth Smart is an American child safety activist and commentator. At 14, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. For nine months, Smart was held captive, repeatedly raped, and assaulted by Mitchell until her rescue by police in Sandy, Utah. After her rescue, she dedicated her life to child safety advocacy.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 8, 2006: Smart speaks before Congress

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: Appearance 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.

2009: Smart comments on Dugard kidnapping

In 2009, Elizabeth Smart commented on the kidnapping of Jaycee Lee Dugard, sharing her experience of recovering from trauma.

July 7, 2011: ABC News Commentator

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

May 1, 2013: Smart discusses human trafficking

On May 1, 2013, Elizabeth Smart spoke at a human trafficking conference at Johns Hopkins University, discussing individual self-worth and dispelling cultural myths.

October 2013: My Story Book Release

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

February 2014: Testimony for HB 286

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

2015: Featured in Faith Counts Video

In early 2015, Elizabeth Smart was featured in a Faith Counts video, explaining how her religion helped her heal.

September 2016: Correspondent for Crime Watch Daily

As of September 2016, Elizabeth Smart is 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.

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2018: Where There's Hope Book Publication

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

2019: Participation in Smart Justice Documentary

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

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2019: Alleged Groping Incident and Smart Defense Program

In 2019, while traveling home to Utah aboard a Delta Air Lines flight, Elizabeth Smart alleged a male passenger groped her. She reported the incident and started a self-defense program called Smart Defense.