Early Life and Education of Kara Swisher: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 11, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Kara Swisher. A timeline of key moments.

Kara Swisher is an American journalist who has extensively covered the internet business since 1994. She is known for her insightful reporting and commentary on the technology industry. As of 2023, Swisher is a contributing editor at New York Magazine and hosts/co-hosts the podcasts *On with Kara Swisher* and *Pivot*, solidifying her position as a prominent voice in tech journalism and commentary.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 11, 1962: Kara Swisher Born

On December 11, 1962, Kara Anne Swisher was born. She would later become an American journalist known for covering the internet business.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Obtained Undergraduate Degree

In 1984, Kara Swisher obtained her undergraduate degree from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

1985: Graduated from Columbia University

In 1985, Kara Swisher graduated from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism with an M.S. in journalism.

1999: Married Megan Smith

In 1999, Kara Swisher married Megan Smith in Marin County, at a time when same-sex marriage was not legal in California.

2003: Legal Wedding Ceremony in Niagara Falls

In 2003, Kara Swisher and Megan Smith had an additional legal wedding ceremony in Niagara Falls, Canada.

2004: San Francisco Same-Sex Wedding

In 2004, Kara Swisher and Megan Smith participated in the San Francisco 2004 same-sex weddings.

November 2008: Wedding Before Proposition 8

In November 2008, Kara Swisher and Megan Smith had another wedding in San Francisco in advance of California Proposition 8.

2011: Suffered Mini-Stroke

In 2011, Kara Swisher suffered a "mini-stroke" while on a flight to Hong Kong, leading to hospitalization and anticoagulant medication.

2014: Separated from Megan Smith

Kara Swisher and Megan Smith separated in 2014.

2016: Announced Plans to Run for Mayor of San Francisco

In 2016, Kara Swisher announced her intention to run for mayor of San Francisco as a Democrat in 2023, potentially on a progressive platform.

2016: John McLaughlin's Death

Kara Swisher reflected on John McLaughlin's death from prostate cancer in 2016.

2017: Divorced from Megan Smith

As of 2017, Kara Swisher and Megan Smith were divorced.

2019: Remembered Mini-Stroke

In 2019, Kara Swisher wrote about her 2011 "mini-stroke" experience in a remembrance of Luke Perry, after a stroke led to his death.

October 3, 2020: Married Amanda Katz

On October 3, 2020, Kara Swisher married Amanda Katz, with whom she has two children.

2021: Childhood Ambitions

In 2021, during an interview with Bryan Elliott for Inc.'s Behind The Brand, Kara Swisher revealed that as a child, she aspired to work in the military, military intelligence, or the CIA.