
Melissa Adan Biography: Award-Winning ABC News Reporter
Melissa Adan is an award-winning multiplatform reporter for ABC News, based in Los Angeles.
She contributes to “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” and ABC News Live, and is known for her extensive and diverse reporting, which has taken her around the world.
Early Life and Education:
Adan is a Miami native and a first-generation Cuban American. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. Her academic background includes:
- An associate’s degree from Miami Dade College, The Honors College.
- A bachelor’s in communications (broadcast journalism with a minor in political science) from Boston University.
- A master’s in criminal justice from Florida International University.
Career Path:
Melissa Adan’s career as a journalist began early, with experience in high school news production and college journalism. After graduating, her professional journey includes:
- KLBK (Lubbock, Texas): She started as a weekend evening news anchor and general assignment reporter. During this time, she covered Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.
- WTVJ (Southern Florida): Adan joined NBCUniversal in 2016 through their Reporter Development Program, working as a reporter/multimedia journalist at NBC 6 South Florida. Here, she covered significant breaking news events, including the mass shooting at the Fort Lauderdale airport, Hurricane Irma, and the death of Marlins pitcher José Fernández.
- KNSD/KUAN and Telemundo 20 (San Diego): From 2018, she served as a general assignment news reporter and anchor, often reporting for both English and Spanish-speaking audiences.
- ABC News: Melissa Adan joined ABC News as a multiplatform reporter, covering a wide range of stories across various programs and platforms. Her notable assignments include the Super Bowl, the Lahaina wildfires, and the Oscars.
Award-Winning Journalism:
Adan’s dedication and impactful reporting have earned her several prestigious awards:
- Regional Emmy® Awards:
- For her coverage in Vatican City on Pope Francis’ appointment of new cardinals.
- For her reporting from Australia on climate change in the aftermath of destructive wildfires.
- Al Neuharth Investigative Journalism Award: From the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) for her investigative report on sex abuse and money mismanagement at migrant youth shelters in San Diego.
Age:
Melissa Adan was born on July 23, 1993, making her around 31 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Leo.
She is a first-generation Cuban-American, which means her ethnicity is Cuban. Melissa holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Melissa Adan was born and raised in Miami, Florida. As a first-generation Cuban American, she grew up in a culturally rich environment that deeply influenced her perspective and storytelling approach.
Her early life in Miami, a city known for its vibrant Cuban community, played a significant role in shaping her identity and career aspirations.
However, she has not publicly disclosed detailed information about her parents or siblings.
Adan pursued higher education with a strong focus on communication and criminal justice.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston University, where she likely developed her foundational skills in journalism.
She furthered her education with a master’s degree in criminal justice from Florida International University, which provided her with a deeper understanding of the legal and societal issues she often reports on.
Melissa Adan’s Husband
Melissa Adan is married to Andrew A. Vargas, who works as an analyst and Real Estate advisor.
The couple got engaged on July 20, 2021, when Andrew proposed to Melissa.
They had their wedding in May 2023 at the historic Junipero Serra Museum Presidio Park in San Diego.
The venue, originally a fort, is now preserved by the San Diego History Museum and offers stunning views of Old Town, Mission Bay, and the ocean.
As for children, there is no publicly available information about whether Melissa and Andrew have any kids.
Melissa Adan Height, Weight:
Melissa Adan stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) and weighs around 60 kg (132 lbs).
Her estimated body measurements are well-proportioned, with a bust size of about 34 to 36 inches, a waist between 26 to 28 inches, and hips ranging from 36 to 38 inches.
Career and Background:
Melissa Adan began her career in journalism after graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science.
She gained experience working as a reporter for NBC 7 San Diego and WSVN Channel 7 in Miami before joining ABC News.
Her coverage has included a wide range of topics, from breaking news to in-depth investigative pieces, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to delivering accurate and impactful news
Univision Network
While Melissa was still in college, she interned at Univision Network.
During her internship, she was involved in gathering video footage for news packages, doing voiceovers, and conducting interviews in Spanish with politicians, local leaders, and community members.
This early experience helped her develop a solid foundation in broadcast journalism and gain valuable insights into the media industry.
NBC/Telemundo O&O in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Melissa began her professional career as a general assignment reporter for NBC/Telemundo in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale in January 2018.
In this role, she covered a wide range of stories, from breaking news to community events.
Her work allowed her to connect with the diverse communities of South Florida and report on issues that mattered to the local audience.
NBC/Telemundo O&O in San Diego
Melissa later transitioned to NBC/Telemundo in San Diego, where she continued her role as a general assignment reporter.
In San Diego, she enjoyed the beautiful weather and the warm people of the area.
Her reporting covered various topics, including local news, cultural events, and significant developments in the region.
This experience helped her further hone her journalism skills and expand her reach to a broader audience.
ABC News
In February 2023, Melissa joined ABC News as a bilingual Multi-Platform Reporter.
At ABC News, she has covered major events such as the Oscars, Super Bowl, and the situation at Mar-a-Lago following accusations against former President Donald Trump.
Her role at ABC News involves reporting for “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” and ABC News Live, reaching a national and international audience.
Her bilingual skills enable her to connect with both English and Spanish-speaking viewers, making her a valuable asset to the network.
Notable Stories
Melissa Adan has covered a variety of significant events throughout her career:
- Immigration Crisis at the U.S.-Mexico Border: She reported extensively on the challenges and human stories emerging from the border, providing in-depth coverage of the immigration policies and their impacts.
- Wildfires in Australia: Adan covered the devastating wildfires, focusing on the environmental and human toll, as well as the recovery efforts.
- Pope Francis’ Appointment of New Cardinals: Her coverage from Vatican City on this event earned her a regional Emmy® award.
- Climate Change in Australia: Covered the aftermath of destructive wildfires; won a regional Emmy.
- Investigative Journalism: Awarded the Al Neuharth Investigative Journalism Award for reporting on sex abuse and money mismanagement at migrant youth shelters in San Diego.
- Breaking News: Covered events such as the mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale airport, Hurricane Irma, and the death of José Fernández.
- Major Events for ABC News: Reported on the Oscars, Super Bowl, and the situation at Mar-a-Lago following accusations against former President Donald Trump.
Awards and Recognitions
Melissa Adan has received several awards and recognitions for her outstanding work in journalism:
- Regional Emmy®: Melissa won a regional Emmy® for her coverage in Vatican City, where she reported on Pope Francis’ appointment of new cardinals.
- Regional Emmy® for Climate Change Reporting: She received another regional Emmy® for her reporting on climate change in Australia, particularly in the aftermath of destructive wildfires.
- Al Neuharth Investigative Journalism Award: Melissa was awarded the Al Neuharth Investigative Journalism Award from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists for her investigative report on sex abuse and money mismanagement at migrant youth shelters in San Diego.
Melissa Adan works alongside several talented journalists at ABC News. Some of her colleagues include:
- Jaclyn Lee: A multiplatform reporter who joined ABC News from WPVI-TV in Philadelphia. She has covered significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and the 2020 presidential election.
- Morgan Norwood: Another multiplatform reporter who covers a wide range of stories across various ABC News programs and platforms.
- Christiane Cordero: Also a multiplatform reporter, contributing to ABC News’ extensive coverage on different topics.
- David Muir: Anchor of “World News Tonight with David Muir” and co-anchor of “20/20.”
- Robin Roberts: Co-anchor of “Good Morning America.”
- George Stephanopoulos: Co-anchor of “Good Morning America” and anchor of “This Week with George Stephanopoulos.”
- Michael Strahan: Co-anchor of “Good Morning America” and host of “Strahan, Sara & Keke.”
- Linsey Davis: Anchor of “ABC News Live Prime” and correspondent for “World News Tonight,” “Good Morning America,” and “20/20.”
- Cecilia Vega: Chief White House Correspondent for ABC News.
- Whit Johnson: Co-anchor of “Good Morning America Weekend” and correspondent for ABC News.
These journalists, along with Melissa Adan, bring diverse experiences and perspectives to their reporting, making ABC News a dynamic and comprehensive news source.
ABC News Melissa Adan Haiti
Melissa Adan’s coverage of Haiti for “World News Tonight” focused on the violence and instability that has paralyzed the country.
The episode, titled “Haiti Paralyzed by Violence,” aired on March 9, 2024. In this report, Melissa highlighted the dire situation in Haiti, where ongoing violence and political instability have severely impacted the lives of its citizens.
Her coverage included interviews with local residents, government officials, and humanitarian workers, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by the Haitian people.
Melissa’s reporting aimed to shed light on the urgent need for international assistance and support to help stabilize the country and improve the living conditions for its inhabitants.
Net Worth and Salary:
Melissa Adan’s estimated net worth is not publicly disclosed, but it is assumed to be in the range of $500,000 to $1 million, considering her experience and position at a major news network like ABC News.
Her annual salary is estimated to be around $60,000 to $120,000, depending on her role and tenure at the network.
Is Melissa Adan Married?
Yes, Melissa Adan is married. She got engaged to Andrew A. Vargas on July 20, 2021, and they had their wedding in May 2023. Andrew works as an analyst and Real Estate advisor.
How Old Is Melissa Adan?
Melissa Adan was born on July 23, 1993, making her around 31 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Melissa Adan Working?
Melissa Adan is currently working at ABC News as a bilingual Multi-Platform Reporter.
She is based in Los Angeles and reports for “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight,” and ABC News Live.
Her role involves covering a wide range of significant stories and events, reaching both national and international audiences.
Melissa Adan is active on several social media platforms. Here are some of the places where you can follow her:
- Twitter: You can find her at @MelissaNBC7, where she shares updates on her reporting and engages with her audience.
- Instagram: She is also active on Instagram, where she posts about her work and personal life.
- Facebook: Melissa maintains a presence on Facebook, sharing stories and connecting with her followers.
Her social media presence allows her to connect with a broader audience and showcase her journalism skills.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.