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The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time.
At the tender age of 14, just before celebrating her middle school graduation, Elizabeth went to sleep in her family home just as she had always done. Awakened hours later to a knife held roughly against her throat, she was taken from her home and family and held captive for nine long months.
In this captivating message, Elizabeth shares her incredible story of perseverance in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Her speech not only tells her personal story, but also discusses topics such as overcoming extreme adversity, the importance and process of recovery, and not allowing your past to dictate your life’s future.
Elizabeth knows that there is nothing more important than having hope in a difficult situation. Having lived through an extreme circumstance as a young teenager, Elizabeth gives great insight and hope to all.
Elizabeth Smart’s story of survival and resilience captivated the world when, at just 14 years old, she was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. For nine grueling months, she endured unimaginable abuse before being miraculously rescued. Today, Elizabeth is not just a survivor; she is a symbol of hope, a powerful advocate for change, and a globally recognized keynote speaker. Her journey serves as a living testament that even in the darkest times, there is a path to healing and transformation.
Through her work as an author, advocate, and speaker, Elizabeth has become an influential figure in the fight against child abduction and abuse. Her voice extends beyond her personal experience as she champions for policy change, inspires audiences worldwide, and works to protect and support those who have suffered trauma. Elizabeth’s ability to take her personal tragedy and turn it into a mission of advocacy and education makes her a trusted and compelling speaker.
The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Elizabeth was abducted on June 5, 2002, and her captors controlled her by threatening to kill her and her family if she tried to escape.
Fortunately, the police safely returned Elizabeth back to her family on March 12, 2003, after being held a prisoner for 9 grueling months. Through this traumatic experience, Elizabeth has become an advocate for change related to child abduction, recovery programs, and National legislation.
Elizabeth triumphantly testified before her captor and the world about the very private nightmare she suffered during her abduction, which led to conviction. The Founder of the “Elizabeth Smart Foundation”, Elizabeth has also helped promote The National AMBER Alert, The Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions.
Elizabeth Smart’s journey from tragedy to triumph has made her one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world. Her story is one of unimaginable pain, but also of extraordinary resilience and hope. Through her work as an advocate, author, and speaker, Elizabeth continues to make a profound difference in the lives of those she touches, whether they are survivors of trauma or simply looking for inspiration in overcoming adversity.
Event planners who book Elizabeth Smart are bringing in a speaker whose message transcends the personal to touch on universal themes of strength, hope, and healing. Her presence on stage is both commanding and compassionate, and her message is one that will resonate long after the event concludes. With the support of Speakers Inc, booking Elizabeth Smart is not just about filling a spot on the agenda—it’s about making a lasting impact on your audience.
Elizabeth has chronicled her experiences in the New York Times best-selling book, “My Story.”
In addition, she and other abduction survivors worked with the Department of Justice to create a survivor’s guide, entitled, “You’re Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment.” This guide is meant to encourage children who have gone through similar experiences not to give up but to know that there is hope for a rewarding life. Elizabeth has recently released a new powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life.
“Where There’s Hope” is the result of Elizabeth’s mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future.
Elizabeth’s abduction and recovery continue to motivate parents, law enforcement and leaders worldwide to focus on children’s safety. She emphasizes vigilance by “everyday” people and the belief that hope always exists to find every missing child. Smart attended Brigham Young University, studying music as a harp performance major.
She married her husband Matthew in 2012, and they now have two beautiful children. Elizabeth’s example is a daily demonstration that there really is life after tragedy.
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