Snowy weather and single-digit temperatures are now just a memory for this Utah native.

Jessica Sanchez, of Filipino/Hispanic ancestry, got her start in television 11 years ago after landing a role as co-host on KSL's Saturday morning kid's show "Zinj TV." It was during this time that she set her future goals in TV journalism, knowing one day it would be her career.

After graduating from the University of Utah in 2000 and earning a degree in mass communication and a minor in psychology, Jessica decided to experience the "behind-the-scenes" aspect of TV news before jumping into reporting.

She worked at Salt Lake City's Fox 13 for two years as a video editor and associate producer.

From there, she went to KPVI in Pocatello, Idaho, in 2002 as a weekend anchor/reporter. After putting in 18 months of one-man-banding, Jessica made the jump to sunny Orlando in April 2004 as Local 6's morning reporter.

While she never thought her career would take her to the East Coast, she hasn't looked back since. She's living up the sunny weather and plans to take full advantage of everything Central Florida has to offer -- especially the beaches!

The only thing that makes it hard is being so far away from her family for the first time.

On her spare time Jessica is usually trying to catch up on sleep. She's not only a bookworm, but enjoys boxing and dancing. She also spent two years as a dancer for the WNBA's Utah Starzz and performing with a hip-hop and break dancing company in Salt Lake City.

You can watch Jessica every morning on Local 6 First News.

Click and send Jessica an e-mail

Favorite restaurant: PF Changs, Joe's Crab Shack, Chilis.
Favorite food: Buffalo wings and dark chocolate! In that order.
Favorite genre of music: Hip-hop, R&B, oldies.
Favorite book : The Harry Potter series.
Favorite movie: "Goodfellas," "Life is Beautiful."
Favorite TV show: "Simpsons," "The Apprentice."
Favorite Actor/Actress: Robert Dinero, Lucy Liu.