Val Warner
Each Friday on Windy City Weekend, Val continues to bring fun to daytime television covering everything Chicago from what you don't want to miss on the weekends to talking about what's on people's mind in her signature "Host Chat" segment with Ryan Chiaverini.
From the first moment Val auditioned at ABC 7, the producers knew they had someone special. Val's sparkle, sense of humor, warmth and commitment to the community has continued to make her one of Chicago's most popular personalities.
Val knows how to get the best out of an interview and is just as comfortable interviewing the stars as she is with those who are not household names. She has interviewed many top celebrities including Robin Roberts, Barbara Walters, Chance the Rapper, Common, Jane Lynch, Anthony Anderson, Barry Manilow and David Muir.
The trust she has earned in the community garnered two exclusive interviews others were unable to secure including: the first interview with Spike Lee before his controversial movie was released and the first and only interview with Karla Lee, the mother of slain 9-year-old, Tyshawn Lee.
Val's talent as host and interviewer contributed to ABC 7 winning three prestigious Chicago Emmy Awards for special programming she did on bullying, breast cancer and stopping violence in Chicago. She won another Emmy for her role in ABC 7's New Year's special, COUNTDOWN CHICAGO.
Val contributes to ABC 7 Chicago programming efforts and has served as a co-host of ABC 7's Chicago Lights Festival and the annual Bud Billiken Parade.
Val knows the importance of giving back to the community. She volunteers her free time helping numerous charitable organizations throughout the Chicago area including The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chicago Bulls Charities, and the South Suburban Family Shelter, among others. She has received many honors for her community service.
Val received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at San Diego in 1996.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Val's family roots emanated from Chicago and she has considered Chicago her home since moving here in 2005. When not working at ABC 7, Val's main focus is her family. She recently married the love of her life, Elijah Maxey, Jr. ("Jobba") and is always connecting with her daughter Zoe in college or watching her son Max play high school sports. Her Shih Tzu Kobe, now a senior, is also an important part of the family.
Val's Stories
Hyde Park Summer Fest back in action this weekend on Chicago's South Side
We're gearing up for another big party this weekend!
South Side couple carrying love to new heights
It's a modern day love story of a woman meeting a man online.
Chicago man, 26, gets 2nd chance at life from stem cell donation through Be The Match
"This is the thing that's going to change that patient's life. This is what gives them another shot."
Bone marrow registry takes place downtown Chicago
Robin Roberts is marking 10 years this week, since her life saving bone marrow transplant surgery.
'We go high': Michelle Obama talks Chicago childhood, life after White House in exclusive interview
Michelle Obama said growing up on Chicago's South Side built an essential "foundation" that has helped her get through tough times.
Mother of Hadiya Pendleton talks on coping 10 years after losing daughter in Kenwood park shooting
"It's tough telling your story and remaining hopeful," Cleo Pendleton said. "This is my cross and I'm doing my best to bear it and represent moms out there who feel like me."
Reporting R. Kelly: ABC7 looks back on decades of sex abuse allegations against Chicago superstar
"Reporting R. Kelly" takes a look back at ABC7's reporting on the sex abuse allegations against R. Kelly from the mid-1990s to the present day.
Our Chicago: Building Black
ABC7 is proud to celebrate Black History Month with a special presentation of "Our Chicago: Building Black."
Chicago mother speaks out after African American hair discrimination bill named after son passes
"I attribute it to Black mothers get it done," she said.
Meet the co-hosts and contributors of Windy City Weekend
Meet the co-hosts and contributors of Windy City Weekend.