Jackie Nespral

Emmy Award-winning journalist Jackie Nespral became the first Hispanic ever to anchor a network news program when she was tapped for NBC's Weekend Today show in 1991.

After commuting between Miami and New York for three years, she chose to continue her career in South Florida with NBC in Miami. She currently anchors NBC 6 South Florida's News at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Nespral is known for her interviews with prominent figures, ranging from local, national and international leaders to celebrities. She has interviewed presidential candidates, senators, governors and reknowned sports figures. She has extensive experience covering stories such as Elian Gonzalez, the peace accords in El Salvador, Papal visits to Cuba, presidential debates, Hugo Chavez's death, hurricanes, and the World Series and NBA Championships, among others. Her work has been recognized with four emmys , Easter Seal award, an honorable mention from the American Women in Radio and Television to just name a few.

Prior to Joining NBC News, Nespral was the anchor of the one-hour live national newscast of “Noticias y Mas” at the Univision network in 1987. She also worked as a reporter and weekend anchor for “Television Marti” and Dynamic Cablevision, a CNN affiliate in Miami.

A South Florida native, Nespral has remained a familiar face throughout the community. She is on the Board of Trustees of the University of Miami where she also served as the first Hispanic woman president of the University of Miami Alumni Association. She is on the board and actively involved in Amigos For Kids. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes, the Columbia Women’s Center and South Miami Hospital's Child Development Center. In addition, she gained a unique perspective of the community by serving as the Orange Bowl Queen in 1985-86. She was also tapped for the highest honor achieved at the University of Miami, the Iron Arrow.

Nespral received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in Communications from the University of Miami. She also completed two years of post-graduate studies in print and broadcast journalism at Florida International University.

Nespral and husband Armando are proud parents of daughters Carolina, Frances, Isabella and son Armando Jr.

Email Jackie: jackie.nespral@nbcuni.com or follow her on Twitter @JackieNBC6