Jen Appel New York
Founder and CEO
Jen Appel is an artist, educator, filmmaker, and founder based in Locust Valley, New York, with professional roots across all five boroughs of New York, including Long Island, New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Her family background is deeply connected to these regions: her father grew up in the Bronx, her mother was from Brooklyn, and she was born in Old Brookville, New York. These early geographic and cultural influences shaped a lifelong connection to creative work, education, and civic life.
For more than 30 years, she has built a professional career spanning film, education, branding, and civic media. Her work includes theater, film, fine art, and music, alongside extensive experience teaching advanced humanities courses such as A.P. U.S. History and U.S. Government, as well as Business and Entrepreneurship. Throughout this work, she has emphasized thoughtful communication, academic rigor, and public responsibility.
In addition to her creative and educational roles, Appel is the founder of Somewhere I Read, a national initiative focused on renewing America’s civic imagination, and the creator of 16 Paws, a pet lifestyle brand and children’s book centered on kindness and animal-assisted service. These efforts reflect a consistent commitment to storytelling, service, and ethical engagement within the broader cultural space associated with Jen Appel New York.
Early Life and Artistic Formation
Jen Appel’s connection to the arts began early and grew through consistent exploration and study. During high school, she discovered theater, an experience that proved formative and guided her future direction. This discovery led her to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she received a full scholarship for acting and pursued intensive training.
While enrolled at Tisch, she trained in the Experimental Theatre Wing and at Circle in the Square. These programs emphasized collaboration, technique, and creative discipline, helping her develop a flexible and grounded approach to performance and artistic practice.
During and after her formal education, Appel worked across acting, directing, music, writing, and fine art. She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, worked in film, and served as lead singer for several alternative rock bands and multiple music and film projects. Her fine art has been exhibited in galleries in both the Hamptons and New York City, reflecting a sustained commitment to visual expression.
Risk Productions and Early Creative Leadership
Jen Appel of New York founded Risk Productions in 1997 as a film, television, theater, and music company dedicated to projects that address social and cultural issues. The company was established to support work that values integrity, relevance, and thoughtful storytelling.
Through Risk Productions, she wrote, directed, and produced Yes! Damn It, which played to sold-out audiences at The Producer’s Club in New York City. This production demonstrated her ability to guide creative projects from development through performance, engaging audiences with meaningful themes.
She later co-produced several films and television projects, including the live-action segment of Blue’s Clues for Nickelodeon, a program recognized for its lasting influence on children’s media. Appel expanded her production work through Prinxessa Productions, where her focus broadened to include music publishing and multimedia storytelling.
Education as Vocation and Practice
Jen Appel has built a sustained, respected career in education spanning more than 30 years. She earned a Master’s degree in Education and English Literature from Long Island University, graduating as a Merit Fellow and Magna Cum Laude. Her academic training reflects a strong foundation in literature, history, and pedagogy.
She completed postgraduate studies, earned United States teaching certification, and holds New York State certifications in Secondary Education and English Language Arts. She is also certified in the Hochman Writing Revolution, reflecting a commitment to structured writing instruction and academic clarity.
Appel completed advanced studies in differentiation and diversity through Harvard University and participated in programs with the Gilder Lehrman Institute, studying under Professor David Blight of Yale University. She has taught across public, private, and independent schools, including Collegiate, City and Country, Stevenson, Friends Academy, Marymount, Trevor Day School, Buckley Country Day School, Dwight Global, and Fairfax County Public Schools. Her teaching experience includes A.P. U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, English, Honors English, Creative Writing, Business and Entrepreneurship, Fine Art, Performing Art, Speech, and Theater, along with roles as a diversity curriculum coordinator, theater director, learning specialist, and private educator.
Somewhere I Read: Media for a Movement
Jen Appel is the founder of Somewhere I Read, her most ambitious civic media initiative. The project was conceived as a response to polarization and democratic erosion, combining film, music, history, and technology to renew America’s civic imagination.
She serves as founder and chief executive officer of the initiative, which includes a flagship feature film titled Traitor: A Story of Patriots and a companion concert experience. Together, these elements explore how storytelling and music can reconnect people to shared civic values.
The film’s trailer was recently featured at a museum in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Through this work, Appel continues to integrate media and history in ways that encourage reflection, dialogue, and civic awareness.
16 Paws and the Ethics of Care
Jen Appel is the founder and chief executive officer of 16 Paws Luxury Pet Lifestyle Company, launched in 2024. Inspired by her dogs Honeybear, Valentine, Bentley, and Cosette, and based on her children’s book 16 Paws & A Special Kind of Grace, the company reflects a personal commitment to kindness and service.
16 Paws is based on Long Island’s North Shore and draws inspiration from the Long Island Sound, Planting Fields, and the rhythms of daily life. The children’s book tells its story entirely from the dogs’ perspectives and emphasizes service and quiet courage. The accompanying 16 Paws Club offers curated subscription boxes that support artisans and small vendors.
To Know More, Visit:
Somewhere I Read
Jen Appel, Founder
Jen Appel’s latest book is now available on Amazon
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