Melissa Cabral joined the WINK News Team as the Eye on Education Reporter in 2007. A native Californian, she left the west coast for the beautiful beaches of Southwest Florida.

Before arriving in Fort Myers, Melissa worked in Chico, California at KNVN and KHSL TV as a General Assignment Reporter and Anchor. During her 4 years in Northern California, Melissa covered massive wildfires, hostage standoffs, and conducted exclusive interviews with high ranking public officials including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. She was the only reporter to go along with the Chico Police Street Crimes Unit as they catch parole violators. Melissa also helped the sheriff's office arrest some of the area's most wanted fugitives by creating a special segment in the newscast dedicated to getting them off the streets.

Melissa enjoys being out in the community making a difference. She can be seen every holiday season ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. She has raised thousands of dollars for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

She was nominated for an Emmy from the Northern California Academy of Television Sciences for Best Daytime Newscast. She also won a Best of Chico award for "Best person to wake up with." An honor she takes much pride in, because it's not easy being awake and enthusiastic at 3:30 in the morning!

Melissa graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Speech Communication.

When not at work, she may be seen practicing the art of yoga, shoe shopping, finding the best tacos in town, or getting a tan at the beach.

Email Melissa Cabral: melissa.cabral@winktv.com