Maria Shriver is a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend
MARIA SHRIVER is a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend.
She is also a best selling author and an award-winning broadcast journalist. In January, 2004, Shriver left her job at NBC News to embark on a new phase of her life, saying, "it became clear to me that as I tried to move forward and balance my career as a news journalist with my new role as First Lady of California, my journalistic integrity and that of NBC News would be constantly scrutinized." After numerous discussions with NBC and many of my colleagues throughout journalism whose opinions I sought and respect, it became apparent to me that it would be difficult to maintain my journalistic credentials and still be an active First Lady of the State of California. Therefore, after much soul searching I asked to be relieved of my duties at NBC News." Shriver will, however, continue to work "on air" for NBC Productions and other television outlets.
During her more than eighteen years at NBC News, Shriver was the anchor for numerous shows from SUNDAY TODAY, WEEKEND NIGHTLY NEWS, to the award winning children's program, MAIN STREET, and DATELINE, as well as a regular substitute anchor for the TODAY SHOW. In addition to her anchoring duties, she reported on a wide range of topics: from provocative, award winning issue-oriented hours, to news making events, including the Olympics, the Clinton impeachment hearings, the '00, '96 and '92 election and inauguration coverage, and the Columbine shootings. She is an Emmy Award winner and she won the prestigious PEABODY Award for the DATELINE documentary hour on welfare reform in Wisconsin titled, "Checks and Balances".
Before joining NBC News, Shriver was at CBS News. She began as a reporter in the Los Angeles bureau and went on to become the co-anchor, with Forrest Sawyer, of the CBS MORNING NEWS. Before joining CBS News, she was a national correspondent for Group W's PM MAGAZINE. She began her career in the newsroom at KYW-TV, Philadelphia. She went on to Baltimore's WJZ-TV where she was producer.
In addition to her journalism, Shriver is also a best selling author. Her three highly acclaimed books are all national and New York Times best sellers. Her first book, WHAT'S HEAVEN, was written to help children deal with the issue of death. Shriver's second, TEN THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN BEFORE I WENT OUT INTO THE REAL WORLD chronicles her life and her entry into the world of journalism. Her third, WHAT'S WRONG WITH TIMMY, whose proceeds went to Special Olympics and the Best Buddies organization, is another children's book written to help families understand those with disabilities.
Shriver's fourth book, "WHAT'S HAPPENING TO GRANDPA?", which will be released in May, 2004, deals with the issue of Alzheimer's, and it is already generating rave reviews. Nancy Reagan says, "I hope every child - and every adult - will have the chance to read What's Happening to Grandpa? It offers a realistic, but reassuring, glimpse into the ways everyone in a family can help to ease the burden of the Alzheimer's struggle." Dr. Phil McGraw says, "Maria Shriver has written a deeply meaningful book that artfully helps parents demystify Alzheimer's for children. Alzheimer's is a silent yet brutal disease that mysteriously robs children of some of the most pivotal people in their lives. Maria has written a beautiful book that empowers children to understand by answering their tough questions. What's Happening to Grandpa? is a compassionate story that meets children where they are to help dispel their fear and confusion." Jamie Lee Curtis says, "Another beautiful book from Maria Shriver and such an important guide to help children and families navigate the complex, difficult and often confusing terrain of Alzheimer's. Sheldon Goldberg, President & CEO, Alzheimer's Association says, "Maria Shriver has done a real service for the millions of American families coping with Alzheimer's disease. The effect on children and their loving relationship with older relatives is all too often overlooked. Maria helps fill that void. She not only enables children to better understand what's happening to their loved ones, but she also provides honest, yet positive ways that family members can discuss the situation with their children, and help support their loved one."
In addition to shining the spotlight on Alzheimer's, in her role as First Lady, Maria Shriver will continue her support of Special Olympics, the largest and most respected sports organization in the world for the developmentally disabled, and of "Best Buddies", a one on one partnership program for people with disabilities. She is serving as an Honorary Chair for the Hearst Castle Bicycle Challenge, a bicycle ride on October 16, 2004, which will benefit the Best Buddies organization in the State of California. She and the Governor are also honorary co-chairs of After School All Stars, which provides after school support to kids in need.
In addition, to her support of these organizations, she will continue to champion the contributions of women throughout the State of California. "Woman have played a vital role in California history and they play a critical role in our day to day life. California is the #1 State in the U.S. for women owned businesses. We are mothers, daughters, and sisters, we are activists, volunteers, businesswomen, we are educators, we are environmentalists, we are caretakers. There is no part of California life that we do not participate in. I want to celebrate our strengths, our services, and our accomplishments". To that end, Shriver plans to establish a permanent exhibit honoring California's women at the California State History Museum in Sacramento. The first phase of the exhibit will open in May 2004. She will also chair the Governor's Conference on Women and Family Issues on December 7, 2004 in Long Beach, California. Shriver is also the Honorary Chair of the Governor's Office of Service. "I believe that every Californian can serve this State. We can clean our beaches together, we can build playgrounds together, plant gardens in our schools. We can work in hospitals, in schools, in community centers. I want every Californian, no matter what their age, who wants to serve, to be able to serve. The Governor's Office of Service can help you find a way to make a difference in our State. I firmly believe that together we can rebuild our State. I'm really excited about this new phase of my life and I want to shine a spotlight on California and the incredible things Californians do to serve and enhance our State."
Shriver is a graduate of Georgetown and mother of four children. The Shriver-Schwarzeneggers continue to make their home in LA. She spends part of each week in Sacramento.
