Kristen Sze | ABC7 KGO News Team

I got my start in TV playing a boy. In Taiwan where I was born, my mother was a Chinese Opera singer and actress. So I grew up on the set, playing walk-on roles. The journalism part came after my family immigrated to the U.S. and settled in the Bay Area on the Peninsula. In high school, I began writing for the school newspaper, honing my newly-acquired English skills. I realized I had a golden ticket to meet people, ask questions and find answers. The mission forced me to come out of my shell and overcome my shyness! At U.C. Berkeley, I reported for the campus radio station KALX while interning at nearly every Bay Area TV station. I felt my news sense kick into high gear during the Loma Prieta quake. I had driven across the Bay Bridge only an hour before the partial collapse. I immediately drove to the station where I was interning. Since it was all hands on deck, I got the chance to get interviews and write some stories. When I heard the first story I wrote go over the air, it was a defining moment. I knew this was it for me. I reported in Binghamton, New York, Fresno, Philadelphia and New York City before coming home to the Bay Area and ABC7 News in 1998. It was a dream come true. And now, 20 years later, I still feel humbled and privileged to be able to work as a journalist in my hometown.

What I find most rewarding in anchoring is providing continuous coverage during breaking news. That is when our community needs us most, when it counts on us to deliver accurate, important information in real time. That's also why I tweet and post on social media during the newscast. It's gratifying sharing relevant information and getting instant feedback from our viewers. Tweet me anytime or find me on Facebook and Instagram.

When I'm not anchoring, I'm volunteering at my kids' schools, cheering for them in sports, and rooting for my Warriors, Giants and Cal Bears. I also enjoy working to empower girls and women in journalism, leadership and STEM.

Kristen Sze has been with ABC7 News since 1998. She currently anchors ABC7 News at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Her reports can be seen on ABC7 News at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Voted 'Best News Anchor' in 2011 by San Francisco BayList, Sze also won Emmy Awards in 1999 and 2002.

Sze graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley. She is member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. A scholarship from the Asian American Journalists Association enabled Sze to study at Oxford University in England.

Kristen Sze also volunteers with a number of community organizations as emcee, mentor or advisory board member. She works most closely with Kids and Art Foundation, Help a Mother Out, My New Red Shoes, Wender-Weis Foundation for Children and the Professional Businesswomen's Conference.

Kristen's Stories

W. Kamau Bell's new HBO documentary '1000% Me' explores being mixed-race in America

Emmy Award-winning TV host, comedian, author, filmmaker, and Berkeley resident W. Kamau Bell doesn't shy away from tough topics. In fact, he tackles them head-on but does so with his trademark humor.

Tech billionaire gives $2 million to save San Francisco shopping districts

A Bay Area man donated $2 million to 50 organizations in an effort to revitalize San Francisco's shopping district, including Union Square. "We have to engage, even if it gets unpleasant sometimes. The business community, the tech community, has to be there and be part of these solutions." Watch the full interview here:

Former SF Giants star Hunter Pence, wife Lexi launch Healthy Planet Project

Hunter and his wife Lexi Pence have just launched a new nonprofit Healthy Planet Project, with the support of the Giants, to create a healthier environment and cleaner neighborhoods right here in the Bay Area.

Disney expert shares crowd and money saving tips for spring break season

Disney expert Gavin Doyle, the founder of MickeyVisit.com and best-selling author of "Disneyland Secrets," joined ABC7 News' "Getting Answers" to share tips to beat the crowds and save money.

Former CA Sen. Boxer details time on Capitol Hill with Sen. Feinstein, challenges they faced

Boxer talked about the prejudice both lawmakers faced during their senate election and how they navigated a male-dominated field together for more than two decades.

Bay Area Rep. Barbara Lee tells colleagues she plans to run for Senate, source says

A source close to East Bay Congresswoman Barbara Lee tells ABC7 she's told her fellow Democratic colleagues that she plans to run for Senate.

Oakland's Amy Schneider talks 'Jeopardy!' Tournament of Champions win, trans advocacy, book plans

As for what's next for the Schneider, she plans on becoming an author!

EXCLUSIVE: CA Superintendent Tony Thurmond addresses declining student test scores

"It's understandable that people would be upset." The state superintendent also discusses what's next for students including after school and learning recovery programs, as well as funding to help with students' mental health.

Bay Area singer, pun champ J Maya has 'wild' pun-off with ABC7 weather anchor Spencer Christian

J. Maya is going viral - not just for her soulful sound, but also for her word play abilities! So we put her to the test, competing against our resident pun-dit, ABC7 weather anchor Spencer Christian!

Experts warn San Francisco's iconic fog is fading away - and fast

Climate experts warn San Francisco's iconic fog is disappearing... and fast. U.C. Berkeley professor explains why this is happening and what can be done to stop it.