Ana Cabrera is an American broadcast journalist best known for her years at CNN and her work covering major national and international stories. Her career has been defined by steady growth, moving from local television stations in Washington and Colorado to becoming one of the most recognized faces in cable news. Although she left CNN in 2022 and later joined MSNBC, her work continues to inspire aspiring journalists across the United States.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Ana Cabrera worked at KHQ-TV and KMGH-TV before joining CNN in 2013.
- She left CNN in December 2022 and joined MSNBC in April 2023.
- In 2026, she announced she would be leaving MS NOW following a programming overhaul.
- Cabrera is married to Benjamin Nielsen, and they have two children.
- She is an Emmy Award-winning journalist known for breaking news and political coverage.
Ana Cabrera’s profile summary
|
Full name |
Ana Marie Cabrera |
|
Gender |
Female |
|
Date of birth |
13 May 1982 |
|
Age |
44 years old (as of 2026) |
|
Zodiac sign |
Taurus |
|
Birthplace |
Denver, Colorado, USA |
|
Current residence |
New York, USA |
|
Nationality |
American |
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Ethnicity |
Mexican-American |
|
Religion |
Christianity |
|
Height in inches |
5’3″ |
|
Height in centimetres |
160 |
|
Hair colour |
Brown |
|
Eye colour |
Brown |
|
Father |
Ronald Cabrera |
|
Mother |
Judith Cabrera |
|
Siblings |
4 |
|
Sexuality |
Straight |
|
Relationship status |
Married |
|
Partner |
Benjamin Nielsen |
|
Children |
2 |
|
College |
Washington State University |
|
Profession |
Journalist |
What is Ana Cabrera’s background?
Ana Cabrera was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, in a close-knit Mexican-American family. Her father, Ronald Cabrera, worked as an executive in the education sector, while her mother, Judith Cabrera, was a counsellor. She grew up alongside four siblings in a family that valued education, community service and hard work.
Talking about her family during an interview with Forbes in 2021, she stated:
“I come from a family of educators. My dad’s side of the family are Mexican immigrants, my mom’s side of the family were farmers, and both sides of the family have really demonstrated to me that the key to success is hard work and education.
And so for me, it’s always been about putting my head down and doing the hard work and then stepping up and saying I want the opportunity. I can do this. And I’m going to earn your trust and do a good job for you.”
Growing up, Cabrera developed an interest in communication and storytelling. Besides academics, she participated in athletics and other extracurricular activities, experiences that later helped shape her confidence on television.
Education
Ana attended Washington State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. She also studied foreign languages and culture while competing as a member of the university’s track and field team. Her education laid a strong foundation for a career in broadcast journalism.
Source: UGC
Ana Cabrera’s CNN career
Ana Cabrera began her journalism career through internships at KCNC-TV and KMGH-TV in Colorado. These early experiences introduced her to newsroom operations and reporting.
In 2005, she joined KHQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Spokane, Washington, as an anchor and reporter. She remained there until 2009 before returning to Denver to join KMGH-TV.
While at KMGH-TV, Cabrera covered several major stories, including:
- The 2012 High Park Fire
- The Aurora theatre shooting
- The 2012 presidential debate in Denver
Her reporting on the High Park Fire earned her a regional Emmy Award, helping establish her reputation as a skilled field journalist.
Rise at CNN
CNN hired Ana Cabrera in 2013 as a correspondent based in Denver. Over the following years, she reported on many of the network’s biggest stories, including:
- Hurricane Harvey
- The Charlottesville rally
- Terror attacks in Europe
- Political campaigns and elections
- Public health and legal developments
In 2017, CNN promoted her to anchor of CNN Newsroom. She later hosted weekday editions of the programme and interviewed senior political leaders, diplomats and public officials. Her calm delivery during breaking news became one of her defining strengths.
Speaking about career growth after leaving CNN, Cabrera said she wanted to embrace “new challenges and opportunities,” describing the decision as a personal one.
Is Ana Cabrera leaving MSNOW?
After leaving CNN in December 2022, Cabrera joined MSNBC in April 2023, where she anchored MSNBC Reports, later rebranded as MS NOW.
In March 2026, MSNBC announced a major programming overhaul. As part of the changes, Cabrera confirmed she would be leaving MS NOW, explaining that the decision was entirely hers.
She thanked viewers and colleagues while saying she remained committed to journalism that informs the public and holds those in power accountable. Anna said:
“And now to a final goodbye. This was my last show for MS NOW. Thank you for your viewership. Thank you for trusting me as your source of news and information. It has truly been a privilege and joy to serve you through this work as a journalist.”
As of August 2026, the American journalist has not publicly announced her next full-time television role.
How much is Ana Cabrera worth?
Ana Cabrera’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed. However, she is believed to have built a substantial fortune through more than two decades in broadcast journalism.
While Ana Cabrera’s salary at CNN and later MSNBC has never been officially revealed, her long-standing career as a national news anchor has likely contributed significantly to her overall wealth.
Who is Ana Cabrera’s husband?
The journalist has been married to Benjamin Nielsen since September 2005. Unlike many media personalities, the couple keeps their relationship largely private.
Despite her demanding television career, Cabrera occasionally shares family moments on social media while maintaining a clear boundary between her public and personal life.
Does Ana Cabrera have children?
Yes. Ana has two kids with her husband. Her son, Jackson Nielsen, was born in December 2012, while her daughter, Maria Nielsen, was born in January 2016.
How tall is Ana Cabrera?
Ana Cabrera’s height is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm).
Ana Cabrera’s weight loss
Ana Cabrera has attracted attention from viewers for her fit appearance over the years. However, she has never publicly confirmed following a specific weight-loss programme.
Instead, she has frequently shared her passion for running and healthy living. In 2022, she completed the New York City Marathon in an impressive time, reflecting her long-standing commitment to fitness rather than any dramatic transformation.
Fast facts about Ana Cabrera
- After school, Ana Cabrera worked for NBC affiliate KHQ-TV in Spokane, Washington.
- She covered stories including the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri.
- She ran and completed the 2022 New York City Marathon in 2:57:11.
- Cabrera is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
- Ana Cabrera’s ethnicity is mixed Mexican-American.
Ana Cabrera has built a respected journalism career through consistent reporting, thoughtful interviewing and a commitment to factual news coverage. From local television stations in Washington and Colorado to becoming a nationally recognised anchor, she has remained one of the most respected figures in American broadcast journalism. Her departure from MS NOW in 2026 marks another turning point in a career that continues to evolve.
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