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
Englewood Arts Collective sculpture garden opens to public
The sounds of Chicago-born singer songwriter Meagan McNeal welcomed visitors into what is now officially known as the Arts Village Sculpture Park.
CPS raises concerns about financing and school opening after education board approves amended budget
The budget approved by the board relies on an additional $150 million in state funding that has not been allocated.
Chicago immigration court sees sharp rise in removal orders amid large-scale hearings
More people received removal orders from Chicago's immigration court last month than anywhere else in the country, according to court watchers and data. Thursday morning, 125 people were summoned to a single courtroom.
Roselle company, Venezuelan artists create T-shirts for earthquake survivors, first responders
A humanitarian initiative at M&R Printing Equipment in Roselle is bringing together Venezuelan artists from across the United States to create T-shirts for people affected by last month's earthquakes in Venezuela.
Man sues federal government over immigration raid caught on camera at his Lakeview home
A Lakeview homeowner has filed a lawsuit against the federal government over an October immigration enforcement operation at his property, alleging agents entered without a warrant and caused significant damage.
Four suburban teens killed in Chicago crash; victim's father questions police pursuit | Video
A 14-year-old girl who was preparing to start high school was among four teenagers killed in a high-speed crash Sunday morning in Bedford Park, according to Chicago police and family members.
Commission to release report into sexual harassment allegations against former Rep. Harry Benton
The Illinois Ethics Commission voted to release a report into the sexual harassment allegations against former state Rep. Harry Benton.
Aurora special census key to recovering federal funding; city assures information is confidential
The special census in Aurora is aimed at recovering federal funding the city says it lost following the 2020 census. City officials emphasized that census data is not shared with federal law enforcement agencies.
Surveillance video shows string of burglaries at Scottsdale shopping center
Surveillance video shows string of burglaries at a Chicago shopping center on Monday night.
Mayor Johnson, Chicago aldermen advance competing proposals on renter protections, evictions
A debate over how rental agreements should be governed in Chicago is taking shape as city leaders consider two competing ordinances that would change eviction and lease renewal rules for tenants and landlords.