Occupation: Jen Mathewson is a multi-media journalist working as a reporter for a daily print newspaper in southeastern Idaho. She is an entrepreneur and owner/part owner of Idaho Gun Classifieds, Austin Media and Teen Girl Talk. Her first non-fiction book was published in 2012, with her first teen paranormal romance novel slated to come out in 2013. Jen is currently holding the crown of Mrs. Bonneville County and is competing in the Mrs. Idaho America pageant in the fall of 2013. She is a motivational speaker for teen girls, teaching them how to build a healthy self-image in a sexualized culture.
Jen has worked as a journalist for nearly 10 years, starting her career as a horoscopes writers – something she says she did poorly! Working her way up the ranks, Jen later worked as a features writer, crime writer, political writer and investigative reporter. She was the sports editor at the Park Record in Park City, Utah, covering pre-Olympic qualifiers and local sports. She later worked as the Managing Editor for Today in Dixie and Executive Editor for The Davis County Clipper. In 2010, Jen started St. George News and worked as a co-host on Fox News radio.
Jen is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and previous board member for the Utah Headliners Chapter. She has won several awards from the Utah Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Jen has served in many volunteer positions, including: Board Member for the Washington City Chamber of Commerce, volunteer for domestic violence victims in Mountain Home, Idaho, director of the Mrs. Utah United States pageant, promotions and PR for the La Verkin Community Theater, and has judged several pageants and various competitions. She has been asked to speak at several functions and has taught many social media classes for companies and individuals. However, she is most passionate about working with teens – teaching them to respect themselves and how to avoid dating violence.
Background and Personal History: Jen grew up in the mountains of Idaho as a city girl surrounded by farmland. She grew up learning how to take care of herself and loving the outdoors. Her father, an avid outdoorsman, taught her how to fish, ski and backpack in the country. After becoming a parent, Jen learned to be more self-sufficient and believes small town living is the only way to go. Today her dream is to buy a country home and teach her children the importance of raising farm animals.
Although now living in Idaho, Jen is passionate about Utah politics and Utah news.
Current Projects: Jen is currently working on several websites, as well as a young adult paranormal novel, Watched, due out in 2013. Her first book, Use Your Voice, can be found on Amazon.
Other Fun Facts: Jen spends most of her free time with her husband and three boys, who also enjoy fishing, camping and four-wheeling. Jen previously served as a police officer in the United State Air Force and previously went to college to become a criminal psychologist. She enjoys singing country music and hopes to someday perform in front of a large crowd.
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