Maria Quiban Biography: Los Angeles’ Trusted Meteorologist on FOX 11
Maria Quiban is a highly respected and familiar face to viewers in Los Angeles, known for her role as a meteorologist on FOX 11.
Her career spans decades, marked by dedication to accurate weather forecasting and a commitment to sharing her personal story to help others.
Early Life and Education:
Born in Cebu City, Philippines, Maria immigrated to Hawaii with her mother and brother when she was 10 years old.
She later pursued her education in Honolulu, studying Journalism at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Demonstrating her commitment to her craft, she went on to earn a Meteorology degree from Mississippi State University in 2005 through correspondence courses.
Career:
Maria Quiban’s career in broadcasting began in Hawaii, where she served as the evening meteorologist for NBC Hawaii News 8 in Honolulu.
She then moved to Los Angeles in 1998, working as a weather anchor for the Orange County News Channel (OCN) for two years.
During her time at OCN, she also built and produced weather graphics for the nightly broadcasts.
In May 2000, Maria joined the FOX 11 news team, where she has been a consistent and trusted presence ever since. She currently delivers the daily weather forecast on “Good Day LA” and “FOX 11 Morning News.”
Beyond her meteorology work, Quiban has also appeared in various television shows and films, often playing a reporter, including “Bruce Almighty,” “Cold Case,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Blood Work.”
Personal Life and Advocacy:
Maria Quiban’s personal life has been marked by both joy and profound challenges. She has two children. In 2009, she married Sean Whitesell, a well-known producer.
Sadly, Sean passed away on December 28, 2015, after an 18-month battle with glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.
This deeply personal experience has led Maria to become a vocal advocate for Glioblastoma and Brain Cancer Awareness.
In 2020, she published her book, “You Can’t Do It Alone: A Widow’s Journey Through Loss, Grief, and Life After.”
The book offers a raw and honest account of her family’s journey through Sean’s illness and death, providing a roadmap for others facing similar challenges.
She also volunteers her time speaking to young single mothers, sharing her own experience of being a single mom in her teens to inspire them to achieve their dreams.
Age
Maria Quiban was born on October 28, 1970, in Cebu City, Philippines, making her 53 years old as of 2025.
Her zodiac sign is Scorpio. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality (Naturalized); originally from the Philippines.
Husband
Maria Quiban was married to Sean Whitesell, a writer and producer, until his death in 2015 after a battle with brain cancer.
She has a son, Gus, from her marriage with Sean. Previously, Maria had two other marriages, one of which resulted in her eldest son, Desmond.
Height, Weight
Maria Quiban stands at a height of 5 feet 6 inches (approximately 1.67 meters). She weighs around 174 lbs (79 kg).
Career and Background
Maria Quiban began her career in broadcasting in Hawaii as a reporter and weather anchor for KHNL.
After moving to Los Angeles, she joined KCBS-TV and later KTTV FOX 11 in 2000, where she became a weather anchor for Good Day LA.
Over the years, Maria has gained a significant following due to her lively weather reporting style.
In addition to her work as a meteorologist, she has made cameo appearances in several television shows and movies, often playing a reporter or weather anchor, such as in Bruce Almighty and Cold Case.
Early Career
-
NBC Hawaii News 8 (Honolulu): Maria began her career as the evening meteorologist for NBC Hawaii News 8. She provided weather forecasts and built weather graphics for the station’s nightly broadcasts.
Orange County Newschannel (Los Angeles)
-
Weather Anchor: In 1998, Maria moved to Los Angeles and worked as the weather anchor for the Orange County Newschannel. She covered daily weather forecasts for the 5, 6, 9, and 11 p.m. newscasts.
FOX 11 (KTTV) Los Angeles
-
Weather Anchor/Meteorologist: Maria joined FOX 11 (KTTV) in May 2000 and has been a familiar face on the Good Day LA morning news show ever since. She provides daily weather forecasts and serves as a morning news anchor from 7 AM to 10 AM.
-
Education: In 2005, Maria earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Mississippi State University, further enhancing her expertise in weather forecasting.
Other Roles
-
Producer/Host: Maria also works with MommyLovesTech.com, where she serves as a producer and host.
-
Volunteer Work: Maria volunteers her time speaking to young single mothers about her experiences as a single mom in her teens.
Maria Quiban has covered numerous significant weather events during her career at FOX 11 (KTTV). Some of her notable and memorable weather reports include:
-
Coverage of Major Storms: Maria has provided detailed forecasts and updates during major storms, including winter storms and heavy rainfall events. Her accurate predictions and clear communication have helped viewers prepare for severe weather conditions.
-
Wildfire Weather Updates: During wildfire seasons, Maria has delivered crucial weather updates to keep the public informed about wind conditions, humidity levels, and other factors that can affect fire behavior. Her reports have been vital for public safety.
-
Heatwave Alerts: Maria has issued timely alerts and safety tips during heatwaves, helping viewers understand the risks and take necessary precautions to stay safe in extreme heat.
-
Earthquake Weather Reports: Following significant earthquakes, Maria has provided information on aftershocks and weather conditions that could impact rescue and recovery efforts.
-
Special Weather Events: Maria has covered unique weather phenomena, such as rare snowfall in Southern California, providing viewers with exciting and informative updates.
Maria Quiban’s dedication to delivering accurate and timely weather reports has made her a trusted figure in the field of meteorology.
Here are six of Maria Quiban’s close colleagues at FOX 11 (KTTV):
-
Araksya Karapetyan: Co-anchor of Good Day LA from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and co-host of GDLA+ on FOX 11 Plus at 11:00 a.m.
-
Marla Tellez: Reporter and anchor who has worked on various news segments and investigative reports.
-
Elex Michaelson: Reporter and anchor known for his political coverage and engaging reporting style.
-
Phil Shuman: Reporter and anchor with a strong presence in the newsroom.
-
Tony McEwing: Co-anchor on Good Day LA, known for his extensive experience and engaging reporting.
-
Sandra Endo: Co-host of GDLA+ on FOX 11 Plus at 11:00 a.m., alongside Araksya.
These colleagues, along with Maria, contribute to the high-quality news coverage that FOX 11 (KTTV) is known for.
Maria Quiban: Author
Maria Quiban is not only a well-known meteorologist but also an author.
She has written a book titled “You Can’t Do It Alone: A Widow’s Journey Through Loss, Grief, and Life After.”
This book is a deeply personal account of her experience after her husband, Sean Whitesell, was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a deadly form of brain cancer.
In the book, Maria shares her journey through loss, grief, and the challenges of life after her husband’s diagnosis and eventual passing.
She teams up with licensed therapist Lauren Schneider to offer a supportive guide to healing from traumatic loss.
Maria’s goal with this book is to help others who might be going through similar experiences feel less alone and provide them with the tools to navigate their grief.
Net Worth and Salary
Maria Quiban has built a solid financial foundation through her long-standing career in broadcast journalism:
- Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $1.5 million, reflecting her decades of work in mainstream media and other ventures.
- Annual Salary: Reports suggest she earns an average of $110,627 per year as a meteorologist at FOX 11.
Her consistent presence on Good Day LA and FOX 11 Morning News, along with occasional acting roles and public speaking engagements, likely contribute to her overall earnings.
Is Maria Quiban from Good Day LA Married?
Currently, Maria Quiban is single. She was previously married to Sean Whitesell, who passed away in 2015. Before that, she was married to Brian Messner, but they divorced in 2001.
How Many Kids Does Maria Quiban Have?
Maria Quiban has two children. Her son Desmond Quiban was born in 1987, and her son Gus Whitesell was born in 2010.
How Old Is Maria Quiban?
Maria Quiban is currently 53 years old, having been born on October 28, 1970.
Where Is Maria Quiban Working?
Maria Quiban is currently working as a weather anchor and meteorologist for KTTV FOX 11 in Los Angeles, California.
She delivers daily forecasts on Good Day LA and FOX 11 Morning News, roles she has held since joining the station in 2000.
Maria Quiban is active on social media. She uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share updates about her work, engage with her audience, and provide behind-the-scenes looks at her reporting.
Maria often shares weather forecasts, personal insights, and interacts with her followers, making her a visible and approachable figure on social media.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.