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.
Find on Facebook
Twitter: @mlgallardo.
Michelle's Stories
Trial for lawsuit alleging CPS teacher arranged to have student beaten at school in 2018 begins
The civil trial in the case of a former Chicago Public Schools teacher who is accused of allowing another adult to beat a 9-year-old student with belts began Tuesday.
Gary officials urge witnesses to come forward after Portage mother of 6 killed by stray bullet
"She didn't live here anymore, but she defended Gary tooth and nail. In the end, for her to be taken out by all the people she advocated for, it's sad," said Isley Tidwell, the victim's sister.
Chicago Bears fans ecstatic about home opener win over Tennessee Titans: 'This is our year'
The excitement was off the charts as Bears fans left Soldier Field Sunday afternoon, buoyed by a 24-17 score that kept folks on the edge of their seats nearly until the end.
Save A Lot grocery store holds grand reopening on West Side: 'Make sure that this store stays open'
The reopening is a big deal for residents in West Garfield Park, who have been forced to travel long distances to get to a supermarket. However, there are still questions about whether the company will be able to keep up its commitment to the city.
Foxtrot store in Chicago's Gold Coast reopening this week
Upscale grocery and convenience store chain Foxtrot will be making its return to Chicago this week after stores abruptly closed earlier this year.
Lake Michigan conditions improve for Labor Day; experts stress importance of water safety education
Safety experts continue to stress the importance of educating both children and adults about the hazards of Lake Michigan, which, so far this year, has seen 44 drownings.
International Association of Women Police Conference kicks off in downtown Chicago
Over the next five days, the women will participate in a variety of workshops with Chicago serving as host of the event for the first time.
Legionella found in drinking water at EPA offices in Loop
The Environmental Protection Agency is dealing with a dangerous problem at its Chicago offices. The bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease have been found in the drinking water there.
United Airlines flight attendants union votes to authorize strike; O'Hare Airport demonstration held
The United Airlines flight attendants union voted 99.99% to authorize a strike on Wednesday. The nearly unanimous results were announced simultaneously at nearly 20 picket lines nationwide, including at O'Hare Airport.
Demolition begins for permanent Bally's casino, hotel at former Chicago Tribune publishing site
Demolition started Tuesday, at the future home of Bally's permanent Chicago casino.