Vanessa Araiza - FOX 6 News - MyFoxAL.com

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Vanessa Araiza joined the Fox 6 family in October 2011. She reports during the week and anchors Saturday evenings.

Before coming to Birmingham, Vanessa worked at the CBS affiliate in Dothan, AL. There she covered several breaking news stories, including the 2009 deadly shooting rampage in Samson and the Houston county gambling bill controversy. Vanessa also had the privillage of traveling with World War II veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Though born in Texas, Vanessa truly calls Florida home. She grew up in Ocklawaha, Florida. Early on she had aspirations to become a lawyer. Her career goals changed after a reporter interviewed her for a story about her high school. From there she wanted to have the same opportunity to tell the stories of her community.

"I think we can make a difference. If one story has an impact on just one person, if it makes you look at your community or world differently, if it starts a converstation or debate, then we've done our job," said Vanessa. And it's that passion which helped her win an Associated Press award for Best Specialized Reporter.

In her spare time Vanessa likes to hit the trails, play with her adopted boxer, Lexie and enjoy all that Birmingham has to offer.

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