Her father was a founder of Conservation International. [32] In November 2022, Siebel Newsom testified in court that, in 2005, Weinstein had raped her in a hotel room, having lured her there under the pretenses of holding a professional discussion about film projects. She has covered crime, local and state government, hospitals, social services, prisons and national politics. her eldest sister Stacey, 8, was killed in a golf cart accident while the family was on vacation in . Editorials and other Opinion content offer perspectives on issues important to our community and are independent from the work of our newsroom reporters. Although Newsom didn't reach celebrity status, she did snag roles in projects like "Life," "Numb3rs," and "Presidio Med," per IMDb. Her father was an investment manager, and her mother is a co-founder of the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito. In The Great American Lie, Siebel Newsom takes on the economic policies of President Ronald Reagan, who she revered while growing up in a conservative household in wealthy Marin County, just north of San Francisco. The film interweaves stories from teenage girls with interviews with, among others, Condoleezza Rice, Lisa Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rosario Dawson, and Gloria Steinem discussing the media and its message regarding women. While the governor's recent investment will add additional school counselors to the workforce, there will be an even greater need to access films and curriculum support material such as Siebel Newsom's documentary series," Whitson said. "We had so much in common, we were blown away from our love for Africa to our interests in political issues to art and the wine business and college sports," she revealed. I tried all sorts of therapies, trying to make sense of it all, trying to heal the physical manifestations of trauma. Its not easy, being Gavin Newsoms girlfriend. That background, she says, helps her empathize with a range of people, including conservatives featured in her films. She has been featured in media outlets such as NPR, ABC, MSNBC, Fox News, Forbes, The Chicago Tribune, O Magazine, and Vogue. When Siebel Newsom was 6, her older sister died in a golf cart accident, which she said fostered a sense of guilt and a need "to help people because I couldn't help her." Siebel Newsom said. Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a filmmaker and the wife of California Gov. "She has enormous empathy for the traumatic experiences young people and their families experienced during the pandemic and has been instrumental in organizing awareness around these issues as well as resources for social-emotional supports and practices for schools," Darling-Hammond said. [13][14], Siebel Newsom's third film was The Great American Lie.[15]. Her own experiences, as well as those of other parents, have helped shape her advocacy efforts. And after all these years, it feels like were only getting started. In 2002, Siebel Newsom moved to Hollywood, where she concentrated on building her acting career. She knows firsthand, she said, what it feels like to be a child who's experienced loss and trauma, like so many California children have endured during the pandemic. I wouldnt be with him if he werent.. You can read more about Jennifer's world at her As the Girl Turns website. When Siebel Newsom was 6 years old, her older sister died in an accident, leaving her to navigate grief and emotional upheaval at a young age. She won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2022, was a Pulitzer finalist for commentary in 2021, for editorial writing in 2020 and for commentary in 2019. Newsom has three sisters; a fourth died in childhood in an incident involving a golf cart. (Tim Mosenfelder) He also said she didn't make her lack of consent clear during the alleged . "We are so grateful for the support of both her and the governor's office in acknowledging the vital role this plays in student success, in school and in life. Very interesting article giving insight into who Siebel Newsom is and why her interest in mental health. She received the Mike Royko Award for Commentary and Column Writing from the News Leaders Association in 2022 and 2019, as well as the Scripps Howard Walker Stone Award for Opinion Writing in 2018. former king of Hollywood Harvey Weinstein, I never asked to join this club. Jennifer Siebel Newsom broke barriers when she adopted the title "first partner" in place of the traditional "first lady" after her husband, Gavin Newsom, became the governor of California. A 2018 interview with Mamalode revealed that the budding actor's career was put on hold not because she couldn't land roles, but because she didn't want to fall victim to misogyny in Hollywood. mayors girlfriend offers glimpse into her life and career, Marin Municipal Water District selects strategy for new water supplies, Parkinsons symptoms eased by non-surgical procedure, study shows, Marin company proposes housing projects in South Bay, Ex-NFL players who had concussion symptoms performed worse on cognitive tests decades after retirement: Boston study, Marin DA's office hit with racial discrimination claims, Novato City Council approves theater sale agreement, Former San Quentin guard sentenced for cellphone smuggling, Drought is now over in more than half of California, including the Bay Area, feds say, Novato police arrest burglary suspect after scuffle, Mill Valley planning board clears housing element, Bay Area layoffs worsen: Rivian Auto, Impossible Foods chop hundreds, Rain and cold return to Marin County this weekend, Novato civic volunteer gets "citizen of the year" honor, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The money will go toward a slew of programs, including: As first partner, Siebel Newsom has pushed for improved nutrition in schools, better access to the outdoors for children and other initiatives related to youth well-being. Her Spanish now allows her to communicate with millions of Californians in a way that her husband cant. The couple said their vows just months after their engagement on a ranch in Montana, per SFGate. While pursuing her MBA, Siebel Newsom also studied at the American Conservatory Theater, where she completed a certificate program. She is the second oldest of five girls and attended Ross Grammar School and The Branson School. [1] The couple announced their engagement in January 2008. And I really am focused on self-care, because I know that it's challenging being a working mother, but we're needed. Click here for EdSource's Comments Policy. I had to learn to ground (them), and myself too. 40,000 new school counselors and other mental health professionals. We break women by ignoring the very real ramifications of sexual assault and violence against them. High Stakes: Sports Betting in California, After Ohio's toxic train derailment, Biden orders door-to-door checks, Washington avalanche: Body of 1 climber recovered; 2 others still buried in the snow, Road closures at Mt. Then, when a victim later comes to terms with whats happened, we say that version of events must be a lie. As Californias first partner, a term she prefers to the traditional first lady because it is gender neutral and could apply to the spouse of a future woman or LGBT governor, Siebel Newsom is marrying the activism shes done through her filmmaking with the governing agenda of her husband, a Democrat in his first term leading the nations most populous state. got her into California's Stanford University, began working with Conservation International, explores the underrepresentation of women in influential roles, multiple sexual assault charges he faces in Los Angeles. Their father, who had grown up poor in Illinois, had gone to the University of Wisconsin on an athletic scholarship, and he saw sports as the path to freedom., Siebel remains athletic. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Jennifer writes on Politics and Pop Culture, with occasional detours into Reinvention, Yoga, and Food. She intends to testify at his trial to seek some measure of justice for survivors and as part of her life's work to improve the lives of women.". During high school, she played varsity basketball, soccer, and tennis. The Newsoms have four children. As Newsoms First Partner, she plans to launch an effort this fall probing negative effects of media and technology on children. During her tenure as the wife of the governor, the role of first lady has been retitled first partner to be gender inclusive. Her father, the son of steel mill workers, put himself through college on a scholarship and then went into the wealth management business where Siebel Newsom said he reaped benefits from so-called Reaganomics that favored less taxes and government regulation. Let us plant more school gardens! Darling-Hammond said that Siebel Newsom , cares about the states 6 million children with the same sense of concern and compassion she holds for her own four., Californias Community Colleges: At a Crossroads, Adjuncts gig economy at CA community colleges, College And Covid: Freshman Year Disrupted, Education during Covid: California families struggle to learn, Tainted Taps: Lead puts California Students at Risk, Full Circle: California Schools Work To Transform Discipline, Californias Homeless Students: Undercounted, Underfunded And Growing, Eyes on the Early Years Newsletter Archive, Click here for EdSource's Comments Policy, College and Covid: Freshman Year Disrupted, Education During Covid: Families Struggle to Learn. Jerry Brown, who was 81 when he left office. One of her solutions to these challenges is to get young people outside more, and to eat more-nutritious food. In 2012 Jennifer was also an Executive Producer of the Oscar-Nominated documentary, The Invisible War, which unveils the epidemic of rape in the U.S. military. Anyone who does not understand what shes talking about and wants to should read The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, by Bessel van der Kolk. (Video: Jennifer Siebel Newsom . Jennifer Siebel Newsom's eye-opening experiences as an actor led her to become a filmmaker. Yet they're respectful of each other. A 2007 Marin Independent Journal article quoted Newsom as saying that she was involved and that she. And all it took was decades of pain for dozens of women, more than 90 of whom have accused him. Is the second of five daughters, though the eldest surviving one. Her older sister Stacy died in a golf cart accident in 1981. Gavin Newsom. "I tried to be two people, be perfect, because I didn't feel like I was enough," she said. Beyond the camera, Siebel Newsom has been a persistent, outspoken advocate in her husbands administration for students experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression and other emotional hardships. During high school, she played varsity basketball, soccer, and tennis. [20] A subsequent investigation by Open The Books, a government transparency organization, found the Representation Project was out of compliance with California charity registration requirements which disclose fundraising activity. Jennifer defines herself as a sensitive woman who wears her heart on her sleeve. . Sarah Morris / Getty Images Jennifer Siebel Newsom, filmmaker and the wife of California Gov. Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a key witness in Harvey Weinstein's trial, urged the entertainment and tech industries to stand up for women in a video posted Feb. 23. "When I went into acting, my agent told me to lie about my age (I was 28) and take my Stanford MBA off of my resume," Newsom revealed. Newsom was a well-rounded student and was also involved in sports. A good percentage of entertainment and tech that were putting out into the world is questionable in terms of the impact its having on our kids minds and hearts and well-being, she said. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011, followed by her launch of The Representation Project nonprofit group that writes curricula about gender in media. In "Miss Representation," Newsom explores the underrepresentation of women in influential rolesin the media and culture. Her agenda is cultural change", "Girlfriend, uninterrupted / Actress Jennifer Siebel is standing by her man, who happens to be Mayor Gavin Newsom, and says there's no trouble in their romance", "S.F. She has had mini-roles in films like Somethings Got To Give with Jack Nicholson and larger parts on several TV dramas and in independent films like The Trouble With Romance, which premiered last month at the Cinequest in San Francisco. An internationally recognized speaker, Newsom has spoken at The World Bank, TEDxWomen, Google, Deutsche Bank, Charles Schwab, Fortunes Most Powerful Womens Summit, Soroptimist International of the Americas Conference, Harvard University, MIT, The California Senate, and The National Coalition of Girls Schools to name a few. She was a chief backer of the state's Farm to School grant program, a $60 million initiative to pay for school gardens, cooking classes and other projects to bring healthier, fresher food to schools and teach children where their food comes from. The mother of four went on to reveal that the accident shaped her into who she is today. From the article: Newsom's sister . "As Gavin introduced me to various women in politics, I saw a complete disconnect between these powerful women in the real world and how the media portrayed powerful women," the movie maker explained. That talk with her book club led Siebel Newsom to bring a host of other topics to her husbands attention, keeping him up long past midnight. Gavin Newsom's baby boy Hunter born", "Lt. The woman died on Christmas Day and is the cousin of Lt. ICSO deputy dies in crash while responding to call - KYMA the woman is the culprit. [9] She later graduated with honors from Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American studies in 1996 and Master of Business Administration in 2001. She holds a vibrant vision for whole-child, whole-family, whole-community education systems that truly nurture all students so that they can thrive feeding their bodies with nutritious food, their minds with opportunities for deep inquiry, and their hearts with a sense of belonging, acceptance and love.. [citation needed], At Stanford, she was recruited to play on the women's soccer team. After being sentenced to 23 years in prison for criminal sexual acts and rape, Weinstein is set to go on trial once again for the multiple sexual assault charges he faces in Los Angeles. LOS ANGELES Jennifer Siebel Newsom, a documentary filmmaker and the wife of the California governor, Gavin Newsom, began testifying on Monday that Harvey Weinstein had sexually . Jennifer Siebel Newsom, married to Gov. During high school, she played varsity . [11] On February 10, 2011, Oprah Winfrey announced that she had acquired the film for the OWN Documentary Film Club. Amy Cranston, executive director of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for California, said Siebel Newsom's advocacy has helped draw attention to the youth mental health crisis and promote wellness in schools. Linda Darling-Hammond, president of the State Board of Education, praised Siebel Newsoms consistent and insistent efforts on behalf of Californias children, families and teachers. Their extravagant destination wedding included a star-studded guest list and swanky cabins for those wealthy guests. As an adult who has young siblings who have suffered their entire lives with mental health, its wonderful to know that more attention is being paid to our youth and their needs. Very inspiring seeing the work and dedication Siebel Newsom has done for youth mental health. "The Mask You Live In," released in 2015, looks at how boys struggle with expectations around masculinity. Shes not trying to speak on behalf of any group, shes trying to give voice and a platform to communities that often are not invited or dont have the opportunity or the luxury of being in the room or at the table, Carrillo said. However, although Newsom had a safe home with hardworking parents, she did experience a childhood tragedy that still brings her to tears, as Marin Independent Journal revealed. The former actor went on to explain that she hopes other spouses of elected officials are inspired to take on the title of first partner. The couple got engaged in 2008 while Gavin was still the mayor of San Francisco. When we ignore a womans cries of pain, Siebel Newsom said in the video, when we tell her she is to blame, that she asked for it, that this was just business as usual, when we insist that her memory is imperfect, that perhaps she was too ambitious, we dont just deny her experience, we deny her natural trauma response, which is at first to internally underplay all thats happened for survivals sake. I dont have to say things anymore - hes been listening for a long time, Siebel Newsom said of her husband of 11 years. When I told my own mother that Id been raped, decades after the fact, she at first insisted that that couldnt be the case. While the governors recent investment will add additional school counselors to the workforce, there will be an even greater need to access films and curriculum support material such as Siebel Newsoms documentary series, Whitson said. How do I take care of myself? Even though Jennifer Siebel Newsom had a Stanford education under her belt as a young adult, she had aspirations far beyond diving into a traditional career. Victims of sexual violence have one hell of an ally in the newly unshackled Jennifer Siebel Newsom, feminist documentary filmmaker and wife of California Gov. Jennifer Siebel Newsom's smarts got her into California's Stanford University, where she eventually earned a Bachelor's degree in Latin American studies and a Minor in Human Biology. It may be safe to say that Jennifer is an expert in balancing her career and motherhood, because her resum is just as impressive as her husband's. Jennifer was born on June 19, 1974, to Judy and Ken Siebel in San Francisco, California. When she was six, her older sister Stacy died at age eight from a golf cart accident. "This is a public health emergency," she said. ", Darling-Hammond said that Siebel Newsom"cares about the state's 6 million children with the same sense of concern and compassion she holds for her own four.". This is a public health emergency, she said. October 10, 2022 / 11:36 PM / AP. He held traditional views of family, with him as the breadwinner and his wife maintaining the home and caring for five daughters. "She holds a vibrant vision for whole-child, whole-family, whole-community education systems that truly nurture all students so that they can thrive -- feeding their bodies with nutritious food, their minds with opportunities for deep inquiry, and their hearts with a sense of belonging, acceptance and love.". She knows firsthand, she said, what it feels like to be a child who's experienced loss and trauma, like so many California children have endured during the pandemic. Jennifer Newsom has noted she brings a lot of guilt as she was current at the time of the accident. And, it all starts with the women." Her parents were Kenneth and Judy Siebel. A prosecutor I know once pointed out that when someones house has been broken into more than once, we never ask, Wow, whats wrong with your house that it keeps getting burglarized? Yet even now, we do blame the victims of sex crimes for whats happened to them. "I'm always going be the person to say that the elephant in the room is technology addiction and social media addiction and everything that comes with that," she told EdSource. Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Gavin Newsom's wife, is known as Jane Doe No. Jennifer Siebel Newsom Biography. I still ski hard.. When she was 6 years old her elder sister known as Stacy passed away at the age of 8 from a golf cart accident. Her father also helped developConservation International, a nonprofit environmental organization. Gavin Newsom, took the stand in Harvey Weinstein's sexual assault trial in Los Angeles on Monday, at times breaking into. See Jennifer Siebel Newsom, MBA's video on Meet Jennifer Siebel Newsom Inspiring stories about mothers taking a stand, Women reduced to Barbie Dolls despite achievement, Advice for parents: hyper-sexualization of our girls with slutty Halloween costumes, Boys and media and "The Mask You Live In", How dads can make a difference and support their daughters, How girls can find their voice in the classroom, How parents can create positive images for daughters, How parents can raise their daughters beyond youth, beauty & sexuality, How parents should handle offensive media with their kids, Making the documentary Miss Representation, The effects of athletics on girls' self esteem, The reality of sexual assault in the military, What Jennifer Siebel Newsom hopes everyone learns from Miss Representation, What parents can do in a culture of hyper-sexualization and pornography, What parents should tell their children about commercials, More Parenting Videos from Jennifer Siebel Newsom, MBA >, Three important rules about your baby's first foods, Postnatal depression and loneliness advice, The importance of spending quality time during early childhood, Bonding with your baby after a less-than-perfect birth. Soon she landed on Newsweek's List of "150 Fearless Women Who Shake the World", Fast Companys League of Extraordinary Women, and San Francisco Business Times Most Influential Women in Business. He makes me laugh., Despite the ruckus, she says, she and Newsom are still solid., As a two-hour interview moves to a close, Siebel tries to explain why she is driven to give back., On a family vacation in Hawaii when she was 6, her sister Stacey, 8, was killed in an accident involving a golf cart, and I was a participant., She carried feelings of blame and guilt for years. Jennifer Siebel Newsom, one of Harvey Weinstein's accusers who testified against him on Monday, is no stranger to the limelight. [10] The film went on to screen at numerous other festivals, including the San Francisco International Film Festival, Athena Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the Palo Alto International Film Festival. [30], Siebel Newsom was registered as a Republican until 2008, before re-registering as No Party Preference. And in one way, Im sorry about that. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. During an interview with Ms. Magazine, Jennifer explained that her passion for gender equality led her to make this groundbreaking decision. Women lawmakers see new allies in the Newsoms, parents of four children under 10, compared to former Gov. Hi. We're needed to be a part of the larger society that is involved in making sure that we create a healthier culture for future generations. Siebel Newsom is also a mother of four who, like most parents, experienced the anguish of watching her children suffer through emotional distress during the pandemic. Her lawyer, Beth Fegan, told CNN, "Like many other women, my client was sexually assaulted by Harvey Weinstein at a purported business meeting that turned out to be a trap. Siebel Newsoms parents instilled a commitment to service, and she followed in her fathers footsteps by working with the nonprofit Conservation International in Latin America and Africa in between getting her bachelors degree and an MBA at Stanford University. No one did.. Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of California Gov. Jennifer Oliver O'Connell (As the Girl Turns) is a contributor at Redstate and other publications. While speaking with Mamalode, she revealed that Hollywood's inaccurate portrayals of women inspired her to produce her documentary, "Miss Representation." Thank you so much, Carolyn, for writing such a compelling and informative article. . At 32, Siebel is strikingly slim, with large, expressive eyes, a tumble of blond hair and a quick, tender smile. Gov. I'm married to California Lt. She spent the next year one of the most enriching years of my life working for Conservation International in Washington, D.C., Latin America, Africa and Europe. Theres no timidity with Jen when it comes to things she cares about and causes she holds dear, he said. She stood alongside him and women lawmakers in May when he announced a parents agenda that includes two more weeks of leave per parent, a bigger tax credit for low-income families and tax cuts on tampons on diapers. [28] In 2019, Siebel Newsom and her family moved to Fair Oaks, California. [1] Jennifer and Gavin wed in July of the same year at her parents' ranch in Stevensville, Montana. Gavin Newsom, broke down crying Monday at Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes trial, where she is testifying . Jennifer was the oldest of four sisters and she studied at Ross Grammar School as well as The Branson School. She also interviews a number of notable women to showcase their perspectives, per Vogue. [3][4][5] She was previously the state's second lady from 2011 to 2019 and first lady of San Francisco from 2008 to 2011. They're pretty in sync with the way they feel about some things.". The pace of her life is hectic I only sleep six hours a night and since October it has included almost weekly visits to San Francisco to be with Newsom. She talked about growing up in Ross, playing sports at Branson School and Stanford, working in Africa, switching to an acting career and dealing with a family tragedy that shaped her life. Her three younger sisters were athletes, too: Melissa, Jessica and Brooke, who later played tennis at Duke. Siebel Newsom is the second oldest of five girls and attended Ross Grammar School and The Branson School. As a two-hour interview moves to a close, Siebel tries to explain why she is driven to "give back." On a family vacation in Hawaii when she was 6, her sister Stacey, 8, was killed in an. Jennifer opened up about why she and her now-husband were first drawn to each other during an interview with The Chronicle (via SFGate). It really helped, she told a recent conference of counselors and school administrators in Napa. Must Reads: Jennifer Siebel Newsom will be California's 'first partner.' Her agenda is cultural change . There are two sides to every story, Siebel told the Chronicle. It's personal. Amy Cranston, executive director of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for California, said Siebel Newsoms advocacy has helped draw attention to the youth mental health crisis and promote wellness in schools. And Christian Mills of Mill Valley and Hollywood, an industry jack-of-all-trades, says Siebel incredibly loyal, compassionate and sensitive- always attracts a big crowd at industry events. She honed her Spanish while living in Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile. Who Is Jennifer Siebel Newsom, The First Partner Of California? In December, the L.A. jury found Weinstein guilty on three counts forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and sexual penetration by a foreign object all of the same woman, identified as Jane Doe 1. She explained that she lived with guilt for years after the accident. But for her, the topic transcends professional duties. Jennifer Siebel Newsom shocked the world with a powerful essay she wrote for HuffPost in October 2017. Although Newsom's confidence may have taken a hit following the accident, she appears to be sure of herself these days, because she went on to say, "I am simply a girl who means well, who wants to make movies and to do good things in the world.". Miss Representation premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival to mostly positive reviews. Keep reading to find out more about Jennifer Siebel Newsom's many accomplishments. Siebel has stated she carries a lot of guilt as she was present at the time of the accident. Jennifer lived a life of privilege, grounded in a family ethos that wanted to improve the world and save the environment. The film examines how the media has underrepresented women in positions of power. Siebel Newsom then widened her scope, focusing on how society treats men and boys with her film The Mask You Live In and exploring how gender values influence the U.S. economy in The Great American Lie, which premiered this year. . For 10 years, she was a reporter for The New York Times in New York, Washington, D.C., and Rome. Newsom has received the Emerging Artist Award from The White House Project, Champion for Kids award from Common Sense Media, and the Visionary Award from Vision 2020, among others. That makes for some uncomfortable conversations with her parents, who she said are still proud of her political work with Newsom. Jennifer was raised in Marin County, California and spent her summers exploring wildlife and riding horses in Montana.