Val Warner
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The popular Emmy Award-Winning host, also co-hosts Windy City Weekend, a spin-off of Windy City LIVE, the talk and entertainment show that distinguished itself by running for a decade on ABC 7.
Each Friday on Windy City Weekend Val continues to bring fun to daytime television, covering everything Chicago from what's happening on the weekends to what's on people's minds in her signature "Host Chat" segment with Ryan Chiaverini.
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, David Muir and Michelle Obama.
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.