Gina Benitez

Gina was born in Miami and grew up in a suburb just outside Fort Lauderdale. About halfway through high school, she decided she wanted to pursue journalism because it incorporated everything she loved - writing, telling stories and interacting with different people on a daily basis.

She attended Florida State University in Tallahassee where she majored in English. Throughout her college years, she interned at the CBS and NBC affiliates in Miami and the CBS affiliate in Tallahassee.

Gina most recently comes to us from Laredo, where she spent several months living on the border and actively following the current Mexican War on Drugs - something she's always taken great interest in. She is so humbled to have been able to tell incredible stories and meet people that, even in such a short time, have left lasting impressions on her. She believes journalism is unlike any other career because it's a job that doesn't just hone in on a certain set of skills, but is a platform to learn about so many different things.

Family is huge to Gina and she misses them more than anything, especially her baby brother Luca. Her parents are her biggest inspiration and she admires their work ethic, drive and ultimate success. She is excited to be pursuing her passion and is proud to now call the Big Country home!