Michelle Gallardo
Before coming to ABC 7, Michelle spent three years as weather anchor/reporter at Univision Chicago. In all, Michelle has over 20 years of producing and reporting experience that includes local, national, and international news.
Michelle also has extensive experience in the area of documentary production. In 2004, following the Asian tsunami, she travelled to Thailand and Sri Lanka to cover its aftermath. Airing on The Weather Channel and National Geographic's Storm Stories series, the resulting shows earned "Best Documentary" awards at the 2005 Telly's.
Originally from Mexico, Michelle began her on-camera career as an entertainment reporter for Television Azteca in Mexico City. While there, from 1998 to 2000 she travelled to the U.S frequently, interviewing the top celebrities of the day.
Exciting as that was, Michelle jumped at the opportunity to freelance at CNN's Mexico City bureau. This was during the now historic 2000 presidential elections, in which Mexico's ruling party lost power for the first time in 70 years.
Some of Michelle's earliest experience however was gained through opportunities provided to her by Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, where she attended graduate School. Both in 1996, they include a brief stint as Washington correspondent for WMAQ radio, and as production assistant for GMTV (Good Morning Television) in London. It was upon returning to the U.S that Michelle began her career in earnest. She landed jobs in Washington DC as an associate producer and field producer for Hearst-Argyle TV and Conus Communications respectively.
Born in Mexico City, Michelle is a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico and is fully bilingual and bicultural. She was raised spending school years in Mexico City and summers with her American family in New York.
Michelle received her undergraduate degree in international relations from the Universidad de las Americas-Puebla, in Mexico. She also holds a Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.
Michelle currently lives in downtown Chicago. She's a marathon runner and Ironman triathlete. She also enjoys scuba diving, theater, film, art, reading, cooking and travel.
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Twitter: @mlgallardo.
Michelle's Stories
Chicago Teachers Union Pres. Stacy Davis Gates says son attends private school due to 'inequities'
The president of the Chicago Teacher's Union is hitting back Thursday, after it was revealed late last week that her eldest son attends a private Catholic school on Chicago's South Side.
Chicago prepares for Mexican Independence Day celebrations with eye on safety, avoiding gridlock
Chicago officials called on residents to celebrate Mexican Independence Day responsibly as they try to avoid the out of hand gridlock of years past.
Kinzie Hotel workers protest lockout of 12 employees on Labor Day
Taking to the sidewalk in front of River North's Kinzie Hotel, dozens of union workers rallied on Monday morning, protesting what they say is the illegal lockout of 12 employees.
Chicago Heights shooting: 1 in custody after 2 men killed during neighborhood fight, family says
ABC7's cameras captured a man being led away in handcuffs.
Family of teen critically hurt in Wicker Park hit-and-run files lawsuit, pushes CPD to arrest driver
Attorneys for the family of Nakari Campbell released new surveillance video of the hit-and-run at Division and Ashland.
Robbers threaten woman with golf club, steal purse in Lincoln Park, Chicago police say
Two men threatened a woman with a golf club before stealing her purse in Lincoln Park Tuesday night, Chicago police said.
Chicago Fire Dept. lieutenant dies from injuries suffered in house fire near O'Hare
A Chicago Fire Department lieutenant has died after a fire earlier this month near O'Hare airport.
Man sentenced to life in prison in Chicago police Officer Clifton Lewis case; controversy remains
Two months ago, two other men had their cases thrown out.
Teen boy injured in shooting during large gathering at Cicero strip mall, police say
Around 250 teenagers gathered at the AMC movie theater, Cicero police said.
Car slams into Baladi Market in Villa Park, no injuries reported
A car crashed into Baladi Fresh Market in Villa Park Thursday morning.