The Unstoppable Maria Shriver: 5 Ways She Is Redefining Power And Purpose In 2025

As of late 2025, Maria Shriver continues to solidify her legacy not just as a journalist and former First Lady of California, but as one of the nation’s most influential "Architects of Change." The current year has seen her reach a significant personal milestone—her 70th birthday—while simultaneously being celebrated as a leading voice in women’s health, media, and personal evolution. Her activities are focused, impactful, and deeply rooted in her mission to empower others, proving that her seventh decade is truly her most powerful yet. The narrative surrounding Maria Shriver today is one of relentless purpose, moving past her high-profile political and personal life to champion a cause that is deeply personal and globally relevant: women's brain health. From major speaking engagements to new media projects and political commentary, her schedule for 2025 demonstrates an unwavering commitment to public service and self-discovery.

Maria Shriver: A Complete Biography and Profile

Maria Owings Shriver is an American journalist, author, activist, and former First Lady of California, born into one of the United States' most prominent political families, the Kennedys.

• Full Name: Maria Owings Shriver
• Born: November 6, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Age (as of late 2025): 70
• Parents: Sargent Shriver (politician, first director of the Peace Corps) and Eunice Kennedy Shriver (founder of the Special Olympics, sister of President John F. Kennedy).
• Education: B.A. in American Studies from Georgetown University (1977).
• Key Career Highlights:
  • Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist for CBS News and NBC News.
  • First Lady of California (2003–2011) during the governorship of her then-husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
  • Founder of The Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM) and the media company Shriver Media.
  • Best-selling author of seven books, including Ten Things I Wish I'd Known—Before I Went Out Into The Real World and I've Been Thinking....
• Personal Life: Married Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1986; the couple filed for divorce in 2011. They have four children: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher Schwarzenegger.

Leading the Charge: The Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM) in 2025

Maria Shriver’s most significant and enduring work today centers on the Women's Alzheimer's Movement (WAM), an organization she founded to raise awareness and fund research into why Alzheimer's disease disproportionately affects women.

In 2025, Shriver’s commitment to this cause is more visible than ever, with major initiatives designed to meet women where they are and provide actionable health information.

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The 2025 WAM Forum and Brain Health Initiatives

A highlight of her 2025 calendar was the annual WAM Forum, where she welcomed leading scientists, advocates, and researchers to celebrate progress in women’s brain health. This event underscores her role as a powerful convener, bringing together experts to drive change in a field that has historically overlooked female-specific data.

Furthermore, Shriver shared her vision for the Cleveland Clinic Women's Comprehensive Health and Research Center during the 2025 Women's Health Forum. This initiative aims to integrate research and care, focusing on the unique health needs of women across their lifespan, with brain health being a central pillar.

Her family has also joined the movement. In a notable 2025 event, Shriver participated in "BrainFest 2025" alongside her son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and other health advocates. This event focused on movement and connection, promoting a holistic approach to brain wellness—a key message of WAM.

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A New Chapter: Honored, Reflective, and Still a Media Force

Beyond her activism, 2025 has been a year of personal reflection and professional recognition for Shriver, marking a powerful new phase in her career as a best-selling author and entrepreneur.

Forbes "50 Over 50" Honoree

In a significant nod to her enduring influence, Maria Shriver was named an honoree on the 2025 Forbes and Know Your Value "50 Over 50" U.S. list. This recognition celebrates women who are achieving their greatest success and impact later in life, perfectly encapsulating Shriver's current trajectory.

She attended the 2025 Forbes 50 Over 50 Luncheon Celebration in New York, where she spoke about her philosophy on aging. Having recently celebrated her 70th birthday, Shriver has been vocal about feeling that her 60s were her "best decade yet," urging women to embrace their later years with confidence and purpose.

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The Continued Success of The Sunday Paper

Shriver’s media company, Shriver Media, continues to thrive, particularly through her popular digital newsletter, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper. This platform, which she describes as a "paper for people who want to be moved and to move the world," remains a central hub for her "Architects of Change" philosophy.

In the fall of 2025, she announced a highly anticipated exclusive event for the paper, often featuring in-depth conversations with family members, friends, and other thought leaders. The paper’s focus on peace, purpose, and personal growth provides a weekly dose of inspiration for her dedicated readership.

Maria Shriver's Enduring Influence on Politics and Public Discourse

Despite stepping away from her role as First Lady of California over a decade ago, Maria Shriver's voice still carries significant weight in the political arena, particularly as a member of the Kennedy family.

In December 2025, she made a bold political statement, urging public figures, including Donald Trump, to focus on lifting the spirits of the American people in the wake of recent tragedies. This commentary demonstrates her continued commitment to using her platform for moral and civic leadership, advocating for unity and compassion in public life.

Her background as a veteran journalist for NBC News, coupled with her deep roots in the Democratic party through her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, gives her a unique perspective that transcends partisan divides. She often uses her interviews and media appearances to discuss topics like forgiveness, finding one's purpose, and creating a fulfilling life, drawing on her own complex personal journey.

Maria Shriver's current work in 2025 is a masterclass in evolving public life. She has successfully transitioned from being defined by her famous family and marriage to being recognized as a powerhouse leader in women’s health and a revered voice on aging and personal transformation. Her focus on brain health, her media ventures, and her willingness to share her personal journey ensure that her influence will only grow in the years to come.