If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the name Noemi Zamacona pop up alongside CNN’s Van Jones. People love a good mystery, and for a while, the internet was convinced there was some secret, dramatic romance brewing behind the scenes. Honestly? The truth is way more interesting than a standard Hollywood dating rumor.
It isn't a secret affair or a messy breakup story. It’s actually a blueprint for what Jones calls "conscious co-parenting."
Basically, Van Jones and Noemi Zamacona aren't a "couple" in the traditional sense of the word. They aren't dating, they aren't married, and they aren't living some hidden double life. They are two friends who decided to bring children into the world as a team. It’s a very 2026 way of looking at family, and it’s got a lot of people talking about whether the "nuclear family" model is starting to show its age.
The Meal That Changed Everything
So, how does a "conscious co-parenting" arrangement even start? It didn't start with a diamond ring or a grand proposal. It started over a plate of food.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, a lot of us had those "what am I doing with my life?" moments. Van Jones was no different. He already had two sons—Mattai and Cabral—with his ex-wife, Jana Carter. But even after their 2018 divorce, he felt like he wasn't done being a dad. He wanted another child, but he wasn't exactly looking to jump back into a high-pressure romantic relationship.
Enter Noemi Zamacona.
The two had been friends for years, bonded by a shared, fierce passion for criminal justice advocacy. Noemi isn't a celebrity; she’s a professional who has worked as a monitor for the Los Angeles County Office of Inspector General. She’s someone who deeply understands the system, and that shared intellectual ground built a foundation of trust.
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Over a friendly meal, they realized they were in the same boat. Noemi wanted to be a mother. Van wanted to be a father again. They looked at each other and basically said, "Why not do this together?"
Why Van Jones and Noemi Zamacona Are Redefining "Family"
In early 2022, they welcomed their first child together, a daughter. By May 2024, they announced the birth of their second child, a healthy baby boy. This brought Van’s total to four kids, but it also solidified a family structure that many people find confusing—or even controversial.
"Our modern family is thriving, blessings are flowing, and we appreciate all the love and support," Jones shared after the birth of his fourth child.
Here is the thing: they don't live together as romantic partners. They are a "team."
In an era where divorce rates are high and many parents find themselves "trapped" in unhappy marriages for the sake of the kids, Jones and Zamacona are trying the opposite. They are starting with the partnership first, minus the romantic expectations that often lead to conflict. It’s a "business-partner-meets-best-friend" approach to raising humans.
Is This the Future of Parenting?
Some critics argue that kids need a traditional two-parent household with a romantic bond at the center. But Jones has been vocal about his belief that "conscious co-parenting" is a concept more people should explore.
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- Clarity of Purpose: There’s no "falling out of love" because the foundation isn't romance; it’s a commitment to the child.
- Reduced Drama: Since they aren't a couple, they don't have the typical "relationship" fights about chores, infidelity, or emotional neglect.
- Double the Support: The child gets two dedicated parents who are choosing to be there every single day.
It’s not for everyone. It requires an insane amount of emotional intelligence and clear boundaries. But for Van and Noemi, it seems to be working.
The "Jana Carter" Connection
You can't talk about Van Jones’ family without mentioning his ex-wife, Jana Carter. If you’re looking for a "bitter ex" narrative, you won't find it here. When they split in 2018, they released a statement that actually sounded... healthy?
"There is no beef or drama—just evolution," they said.
Jones still calls Jana his "best friend." In fact, his ability to maintain a loving, functional relationship with his ex-wife probably paved the way for him to try this unconventional arrangement with Noemi. He’s shown that you can "de-couple" without destroying the family unit.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception? That Noemi Zamacona is a "mystery woman" or just a surrogate. She’s a full partner. She isn't in the background; she’s an active, equal participant in this parenting journey.
Also, despite the constant tabloid headlines, Kim Kardashian was never the third wheel in this situation. For years, people tried to link Van and Kim because of their work on prison reform. Jones eventually laughed it off, noting that while he respects Kim immensely, the rumors were "absurd." His focus has been squarely on his work and his expanding, modern family with Noemi.
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Navigating the Challenges of a Modern Arrangement
It sounds great on paper, but let's be real—it’s probably hard.
How do they handle holidays? What happens if one of them starts dating someone seriously? These are the questions that keep the gossip blogs running. While they’ve asked for privacy regarding the day-to-day logistics, the core of their philosophy is transparency.
To make something like this work, you need:
- Legal Clarity: Co-parenting agreements that are iron-clad.
- Shared Values: They both care about justice, advocacy, and community.
- Extreme Communication: There’s no room for "guessing" what the other person thinks.
Actionable Insights for the "Modern Parent"
If you're looking at the Van Jones and Noemi Zamacona model and wondering if a non-traditional path is right for you, here are a few things to consider based on their experience:
- Audit Your Friendships: The best co-parents often start as the people who have seen you at your worst and still respect your work ethic.
- Define "Family" for Yourself: You don't have to follow the 1950s playbook. If you have the resources and the heart to raise a child, the "how" is up to you.
- Prioritize Stability over Tradition: A stable, non-romantic household is often better for a child than a high-conflict romantic one.
- Get Comfortable with Questions: People will judge. They will ask "where's the mom?" or "where's the dad?" If you aren't okay with that, stick to the status quo.
Van Jones and Noemi Zamacona have essentially hacked the system. They’ve bypassed the "messy divorce" phase by skipping the "romantic marriage" phase entirely. It’s bold, it’s a bit weird to some, but it’s undeniably rooted in a desire to put children first. Whether this becomes a massive trend or remains a niche "celebrity thing" remains to be seen, but for now, they are proof that family is whatever you have the courage to build.
To stay updated on their journey, you can follow Van’s advocacy work through Dream.Org or check out his regular appearances on CNN, where he occasionally drops "dad updates" that remind us all that even the busiest pundits are just trying to get the parenting thing right.
Next Steps for You:
- Evaluate your own co-parenting boundaries if you are currently separated.
- Research the legalities of "Parenting Agreements" in your state to see how they differ from standard custody orders.
- Consider how "shared values" (like Van and Noemi's focus on justice) can be the primary anchor for a family, rather than just romantic attraction.