You’ve probably seen Omar Jimenez standing in the middle of some of the most chaotic news cycles of the last decade. He’s the guy who stayed remarkably calm while being arrested live on CNN in 2020. But off-camera, things are much more serene. If you’ve been wondering who is omar jimenez wife, the answer is Maya Voelk.
The two officially tied the knot in July 2024, but their story actually spans years of digital "getting to know you" before they ever sat across a dinner table from each other. Honestly, it’s a modern romance that feels pretty relatable, despite the high-profile career.
Who is Omar Jimenez Wife Maya Voelk?
Maya Voelk isn’t just a "plus-one" to a famous journalist. She’s a powerhouse in her own right. Currently, she serves as a Marketing Director at L'Oréal, a major player in the global beauty industry. While Omar is busy anchoring at CNN (he recently got promoted in late 2025, by the way), Maya is navigating the high-stakes world of luxury beauty marketing.
What’s kinda funny is that they both went to Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism at the same time. You’d think they met over a late-night coffee or in a broadcast lab, right? Nope. They never actually crossed paths on campus. They were just two students in the same building, living completely separate lives until a mutual friend stepped in years later.
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A First Date Four Years in the Making
Their relationship didn't start with a spark in a hallway. It started with a recommendation. A friend told Omar he should reach out to Maya. He did, but it wasn't an instant romance. We're talking more than a year of what Omar calls "innocuous messages" and the occasional Instagram like.
Basically, the long-distance digital friendship finally turned real on February 22, 2020. Omar was in Los Angeles for work, which is where Maya was living at the time. They met up for a first date, and well, the timing was wild. Just weeks later, the world shut down due to the pandemic. That kind of pressure either breaks a new couple or cements them. For them, it was the latter.
The Proposal and That Seattle Wedding
Fast forward to March 2023. Omar decided to pull off a surprise that involved a bit of friendly deception. He reached out to one of Maya’s best friends to set up a "girls-only" birthday dinner. After the meal, the friend led Maya to the rooftop of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
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Omar was waiting there on one knee. He’s gone on record saying she’s the love of his life, and he wanted the moment to feel as big as their future.
The Big Day at the Seattle Tennis Club
When it came time to actually say "I do," they headed to Maya’s hometown. On July 6, 2024, they held their wedding at the Seattle Tennis Club. If you’ve never seen it, it’s this massive 134-year-old club right on the shores of Lake Washington.
The vibe was "elegant coastal." Think soft greens, blues, and whites. It wasn't just a ceremony; it was a multi-day event. They even took 50 of their guests to a Seattle Mariners game on the Fourth of July because Maya is a die-hard fan.
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Some cool details from the night:
- The Vows: Omar actually cried when he saw Maya walking down the aisle. He admitted he didn't think he would, but the moment hit him hard.
- The Dress: Maya wore a custom Lihi Hod gown with a trumpet silhouette and a detachable train. Later, she swapped it for a "fun and flirty" minidress with 3-D floral appliqués.
- The Music: Their first dance was to “Tattooed Heart” by Ariana Grande.
- The Cake: They actually surprised Maya’s parents by replicating their wedding cake design. The flavors were a nod to their roots: vanilla buttermilk with bourbon peaches for Georgia (where Omar grew up) and maple buttercream with blueberry compote for Washington.
Life After the Wedding
So, what's the deal with them now? In 2026, they seem to be focused on what they call their "date each other" foundation. Omar is busy with his new anchor role at CNN, and they’ve both been open about not rushing into the "parenting" phase of life just yet.
They want to travel. They want to out-do each other on date nights. Honestly, after years of covering some of the heaviest news in the country, it makes sense that Omar would want to savor the quiet, happy moments with Maya.
If you're looking to follow their lead on building a solid relationship while balancing high-pressure careers, take a page out of their book:
- Prioritize the "Village": They purposefully didn't invite celebrities to their wedding. They wanted their "proverbial village" of family and friends there instead.
- Honesty with Scheduling: Omar has mentioned that being honest about what you can and can't do with your time makes everyone happier.
- Support the Hustle: They are clearly each other's biggest fans as they climb their respective career ladders.
Whether he's reporting from a disaster zone or sitting at the anchor desk, Omar Jimenez has a pretty incredible support system in Maya Voelk.