Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver is a leader whose work has fostered change and advanced some of our nation’s most pressing issues. As a member of the Kennedy family, she has remained dedicated to societal improvement throughout her career. A prominent figure in the field of journalism, Shriver began her career at CBS station KYW-TV, later joining NBC News in 1986 and eventually becoming a special anchor. Her reporting and producing skills earned her a Peabody Award in 1998 and two Emmy Awards. She was also the executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning documentary series "The Alzheimer's Project" on HBO, a project that underscored her commitment to Alzheimer's disease awareness.

As an author, Shriver has published multiple books. The New York Times bestseller "I've Been Thinking...: Reflections Prayers and Meditations for a Meaningful Life" and its companion journal, as well as a children's book called "Grandpa, Do you Know Who I Am?" which deals with Alzheimer's, are among her contributions. Additionally, she authored a coloring book for people with Alzheimer's named "Color Your Mind."

From November 17, 2003, to January 3, 2011, Shriver served as the 35th First Lady of California. Her tenure was marked by initiatives such as the Women's Conference, which she led from 2003 and became the nation's premier forum for women under her leadership. She also established The Minerva Awards to honor outstanding California women. Shriver's commitment to women's empowerment was further demonstrated by "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything," a national study examining the impact of women in the United States workforce.

Shriver's tireless advocacy work extends to Alzheimer's disease. After her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2003, she became an advocate and fundraiser for Alzheimer's patient care and biomedical research. She is the founder of the nonprofit organization The Women's Alzheimer's Movement and serves as the chair of the California Alzheimer's Task Force. She has also made significant contributions to the field of intellectual disabilities, serving as a member of the International Board of Special Olympics and Chair of the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shriver has initiated several successful ventures. She launched an ice cream company called Lovin' Scoopful with her brother, Tim Shriver, with proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics. Together with her daughter, Christina Schwarzenegger, she co-executive produced the documentary "Take Your Pills."