Erika is a veteran member of the KXAN news team. She joined KXAN in June 1996 as an anchor/reporter for the station's Hill Country bureau. After spending six months covering the area west of Austin, Erika moved to the main station in Austin and became the morning show reporter.

Over the past several years Erika's reporting has garnered her accolades from local organizations including the American Red Cross and the Capital Area Food Bank. More recently, Erika earned a top honor from Goodwill Industries as the 1999 Media Person of the Year.

Erika also has a well established relationship with the Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas. Each year she assists the center with outreach programs like the 'Cinco De Mayo' blood drive, targeting the Hispanic community.

Before arriving at KXAN, Erika worked for the CBS affiliate TV station in Corpus Christi, Texas as a Weather Anchor and News Reporter.

Erika's career in journalism began with a job behind the camera, at KTBC, here in Austin eight years ago. She spent nearly four years as a production assistant before graduating from college and becoming a TV reporter. Erika has also spent time as a radio traffic reporter for Metro Networks and intern at KRIV-Fox 26, Houston, KLBJ radio and the Texas Medical Association.

Erika's a UT Longhorn and as a student helped establish the University's Hispanic Journalist student chapter.

Currently, Erika's President of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority alumni board and is active in the Association for Women in Communications Austin Chapter.

Erika loves Austin, but is a Houstonian at heart.

She enjoys spending free time with her husband Randy.

Send E-mail to Erika Olivares.