Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart will speak about healing and resilience at an event in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The presentation, hosted by Mid-State Technical College, is scheduled for April 7 at Sentry Theater. Smart's talk draws from her experiences to inspire audiences on overcoming adversity.
Elizabeth Smart, known worldwide for surviving a kidnapping at age 14, is set to deliver a presentation titled "From Survival to Strength: Resilience in the Face of Trauma" on April 7 at 7 p.m. The event will take place at Sentry Theater, located at 1800 North Point Drive in Stevens Point, and is hosted by Mid-State Technical College.
Smart was abducted from her home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 2, 2002. She endured nine months in captivity, during which she faced sexual assault, restraints, and daily death threats. Authorities rescued her on March 12, 2003, just 18 miles from her home.
Since her rescue, Smart has become a bestselling author, passionate public speaker, and advocate for child safety and survivor empowerment. She has transformed her ordeal into a platform for change, focusing on prevention, recovery, and advocacy to offer hope and practical guidance to those facing adversity. According to a news release from Mid-State Technical College, Smart emphasizes that her past is part of her story but does not define her future. Her message highlights reclaiming life and finding purpose amid challenges.
Smart's efforts have shaped national legislation, including the National AMBER Alert and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which is now integrated into the Malouf Foundation, aiming to combat sexual violence and exploitation through various programs.
The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required via mstc.edu/elizabeth-smart. Additionally, Smart's story reached new audiences with the January debut of the Netflix documentary "Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart," which includes firsthand accounts from her, her family, and investigators.