LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Feb. 14, 2018) – THV11 General Manager Michael Caplan announced this week that Mariel Ruiz will join the “THV11 This Morning” team as meteorologist and co-anchor.
Ruiz, an AMS-certified meteorologist, has been with THV11 since June of 2016. Prior to her work in Arkansas, she served in Midland, Texas as a meteorologist for NewsWest9 and Telemundo. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University.
At THV11, Ruiz has appeared on various newscasts, namely its weekend evening shows. Most recently, she has often been seen on “THV11 This Morning” during the week and its Saturday edition.
Caplan said, “I know Mariel’s excited to help Arkansans get their day started with an accurate and interesting weather forecast. She’s a great fit with our morning team and we expect Mariel’s commitment to community and weather to make a big impact.”
Ruiz describes herself as a scientist, and is passionate about STEM learning. She has a heart for encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; one of her most memorable moments is hosting the Museum of Discovery’s “Girls in STEM” at THV11.
With a zeal for communication of all kinds, Ruiz is fluent in Spanish. She often uses social media to share needed weather information with central Arkansas’s Hispanic community. Her social media presence continues to grow tremendously thanks to her unique forecasting through the various platforms available, like Instagram, where users will find continually updated “Stories” on Ruiz’s page as she highlights big moments to expect in Arkansas weather for the day. She is also very active on Facebook, where users can tune into her live videos to ask questions about what’s happening weather-wise in their area.
Passionate about the safety of Arkansans during severe weather, she works feverishly in these moments to keep users and viewers on TV and digital in-the-know.
Ruiz said she is thrilled to be named meteorologist for “THV11 This Morning,” and added, “I’m a morning person and I love the dynamic of the morning crew. Their energies are contagious! I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Arkansas.”
Ruiz will join co-anchors Laura Monteverdi, Rob Evans, and Amanda Jaeger. “THV11 This Morning” has been on the air for more than 20 years; it’s known for its original storytelling, endearing anchors, and the up-to-date news, traffic, and weather information Arkansans need to get their day started. The THV11 team is excited to see the show’s next chapter unfold.
THV11 News Director Dave Parker added, “Mariel is committed to bringing the THV11 audience her very best work each and every day. She’s passionate about weather, our team at THV11 and all the folks of central Arkansas.”
Ruiz said she has fallen for the Natural State during her time here. This is home! If she’s not forecasting weather, she’ll often be found hiking with her fiancé and their two dogs, working on flip houses, or enjoying time with family and friends.
For media inquiries, please contact Jessica Amis at (501) 244-4527 or jessica.amis@thv11.com.
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