"I survived Madison's winter of 2007-08!"

That is how WISC-TV Reporter Maria Guerrero sums up her first year in Madison: Not only was it the snowiest winter on record (100+ inches), but it was the first time she saw snow!

Maria comes to News 3 from Baton Rouge, La., where she was the weekend reporter at WAFB-TV.

The "Proud Texan" was born in Juarez, Mexico, and raised in Lufkin, Texas.

Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the Manship School of Communication at Louisiana State University. ("Geaux Tigers!")

While in school, she co-founded the Association of Hispanic Journalists at LSU.

In her spare time, Maria is very involved in the community.

"I especially enjoy talking to minority students about the importance of a college education and in believing in their dreams," she said.

Maria and her mom and best friend, Juana, live on Madison's West Side.

E-mail Maria a story idea at mguerrero@wisctv.com.