Vanessa Araiza Biography and Wikipedia
Vanessa Araiza, an accomplished American journalist of Mexican descent, currently works as a weekend morning anchor and reporter for WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida, a role she took on in August 2019 after building a diverse career across several states. Growing up in the Ocala area of Florida, she was once voted “most shy” at her high school band camp, a humble beginning for someone who now thrives on camera. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of West Florida in 2007 and gained early broadcasting experience at the local ABC affiliate. Vanessa began her professional journey at WTVY in Dothan, Alabama, where she won an Associated Press award for Best Specialized Reporter, and later worked in Birmingham, Alabama, covering political campaigns and natural disasters—work that earned her an Edward R. Murrow Award.
Age and Birthday
Vanessa Araiza hasn’t shared her exact birthdate publicly, but she is believed to be in her 40s as of 2025.
Vanessa Araiza Height and Weight
Araiza is about 5 feet 6 inches (1.69 meters) tall and weighs approximately 68 kilograms (149 pounds).
Education & Early Life
Vanessa Araiza grew up in the Ocala area of Florida and found her interest in journalism after interviewing a local reporter, even though she was once voted “most shy” at band camp. This experience sparked her love for storytelling and public service.
She went to the University of West Florida in 2004 and graduated in 2007 with a degree in Communications. While in college, she got practical experience working with the ABC affiliate in Pensacola, which helped start her career in broadcast journalism.
Vanessa Araiza Nationality & Ethnicity
Araiza is an American with Mexican roots. Her cultural background is an important part of who she is, and she proudly embraces it in both her personal life and professional work.
Vanessa Araiza Notable Work, Recognition & Influence
Vanessa Araiza has built a reputation for impactful, community-centered journalism throughout her career. Here are some of her most notable contributions and recognitions:
Notable Work
Puerto Rico Coverage: Vanessa traveled to Puerto Rico several times after Hurricane Maria and again following the 2020 earthquake, sharing powerful stories of resilience and recovery.
WWII Veterans Honor Flight: While working at WTVY in Dothan, Alabama, she joined a group of veterans on a trip to Washington, D.C., for the Wiregrass Honor Flight—an assignment she calls one of her most meaningful.
Accountability Reporting: She has produced investigative reports that exposed unsafe living conditions and held companies accountable, highlighting her dedication to serving the public.
Recognition
Associated Press Award: Vanessa won an AP award for Best Specialized Reporter during her time at WTVY.
Edward R. Murrow Award: In Birmingham, Alabama, she received this esteemed award for her reporting on a Christmas tornado outbreak and political campaign coverage.
Influence
Vanessa is respected not only for her journalism but also for her community service:
Serves on the board of EmpowHERment, a nonprofit that empowers women.
Supports the Children’s Cancer Center and the Junior League of Tampa.
Fostered hospice dogs through Second Chance Friends during the pandemic, showing her care for others goes beyond her reporting work.
Career
Vanessa Araiza began her journalism career at WTVY in Dothan, Alabama, where she quickly stood out through impactful reporting. She tackled important issues like unsafe living conditions and corporate accountability, and even accompanied WWII veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Her work at WTVY earned her recognition, including an Associated Press award for Best Specialized Reporter.
She then spent five years reporting in Birmingham, Alabama, where she covered a wide variety of stories. From high-stakes political campaigns to devastating natural disasters such as a Christmas tornado outbreak, Vanessa continued to build her reputation as a dedicated and thorough journalist. Her work during this period earned her the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, one of journalism’s top honors.
Vanessa later moved to Orlando, Florida, to work at WKMG, a time she described as her “Master’s degree in journalism.” During this phase, she deepened her experience by making several trips to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and the 2020 earthquake. There, she shared powerful stories of survival, loss, and rebuilding, continuing her focus on human-centered reporting.
Since August 2019, Vanessa has worked as a weekend morning anchor and reporter at WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida. She remains committed to telling community-focused stories that highlight resilience and demand accountability. Through every stage of her career, Vanessa has used her voice to inform, uplift, and advocate for those she covers.
Vanessa Araiza Husband, Kids & Family
Vanessa Araiza keeps her personal life very private. She hasn’t shared any information publicly about being married or having children, and there are no confirmed reports or records to suggest otherwise. She seems to prefer keeping that aspect of her life away from the public eye.
Salary and Net worth
As of 2025, Vanessa Araiza has an estimated net worth of around $2.4 million, a result of her successful career in broadcast journalism. Her annual salary is estimated to fall between $42,000 and $140,000, which aligns with what experienced anchors and reporters typically earn in mid-sized markets such as Tampa.
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