Mercedez Hernandez covers news in Williamson County and is a born-and-raised West Texan.

She grew up in Anson, Texas, just north of Abilene, where she developed an appreciation for agriculture and rural life.

Mercedez graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in journalism with a special focus on sociology.

After college, she wore many hats at her hometown station, KTAB, working her way from production assistant to producer to reporter/weekend anchor.

She was among the first on the ground after a tornado crashed through Abilene in 2019 and unflinchingly covered deadly wildfires that raged through the Big Country in the spring and summer of 2022.

Austin is her dream city, and she is honored to be among the talented, brave journalists at her dream station, KXAN.

When not at work, Mercedez can be found scouring thrift shops for hidden gems, taking in live music or hunting down the next diet soda of the day.