Our Team
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Elizabeth Smart
FOUNDER
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 endured daily sexual assault, starvation, and abuse for nine months. Elizabeth returned back to her family on March 12, 2003 and went on to testify before her captors, which led to their convictions. Through this experience, Elizabeth has become an advocate for change and has helped promote the international AMBER Alert system, the Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act, and other safety legislation to help prevent abductions. She founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011.
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Heather Stockdale
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Heather Stockdale is the Executive Director of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Heather has been instrumental in the field of anti-sexual violence since 2008, working with federal partners, non-governmental organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, medical providers, and youth serving agencies to forge multidisciplinary partnerships. Her experience helps her focus on strategies that support holistic health and youth development, while strengthening community efforts to fight sexual violence and human trafficking. Heather is a certified victim’s advocate, has her SHRM-CP certification and has been the recipient of several awards, including 30 Under 30 Nonprofit Leader in 2016 and the League of Women Voter’s Bright Star Award in 2019. She serves on several advisory boards and groups for trafficking and youth related issues and is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia.
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Miyo Strong
SMART DEFENSE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Miyo Strong is the Program Director of Smart Defense. As a survivor and advocate, Miyo has taught self-defense for over a decade and has led programs for Temple MMA and Empower Self-Defense. After chasing down her photography goals and earning her master’s and craftsman degrees from Professional Photographers of America, Miyo decided to pursue Jiu Jitsu full time as a competitor and coach in 2016. A black belt under Johnny Carlquist, Miyo also holds certification as a strength and conditioning coach from the prestigious Gym Jones. Miyo is a 5x Jiu Jitsu World Master Champion in both Gi and No Gi, a former MMA fighter, and holds a record of 6-0 in Jiu Jitsu super fights.
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Jordin Petersen
PROGRAM MANAGER
Jordin Petersen is a NOVA Certified Victim Advocate and Program Manager for the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. After graduating from Utah State University with a bachelor’s in political science and pre-law, life threw her some major curve balls—prompting her to pursue a new career in victim advocacy. She enrolled at The Center for Legal Studies, with a specific focus on childhood trauma. She firmly believes that with proper early intervention, long-term trauma effects can be significantly reduced. She continues to educate herself on all aspects of childhood trauma, specifically child sexual exploitation, and helping children live happy, fulfilled lives.
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Randi Kendrick
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Randi Kendrick is the Operations Coordinator at the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. She manages administrative tasks, fosters collaboration, and streamlines processes to ensure initiatives are executed effectively and efficiently—ultimately enhancing their impact in the community. Randi holds a dual major in business administration and marketing, along with a minor in entrepreneurship. After spending most of her career in the for-profit sector, she transitioned to the non-profit space, where she discovered a deeper alignment with her values and goals. Randi loves working for the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and being a part of an organization that’s making a real difference in the fight against sexual violence.