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
Gas leak at BP Whiting Refinery causing odor in Chicago area; air emissions being monitored
If you smell gas in the air, you're not alone. There is a gas leak at the BP Whiting Refinery in Indiana.
Monday expected to be busiest travel day at Chicago's O'Hare Airport
With just days until Christmas, travelers are expected to pack airports and head out on the road Monday.
Calumet City mayor delivers Christmas gifts to grandmother who cares for her 6 grandchildren
It has been several years since Lois Thomas took responsibility for her children's children. This last year in particular, with all of them sharing her and her husband's small home, has not been easy.
Former IL House Speaker Michael Madigan defense attorneys begin presenting case in trial
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's defense attorneys began presenting their case Thursday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
Delphi killings: Man sentenced to 130 years in prison in deaths of girls on Indiana trail
Richard Allen was sentenced to 130 years in prison for the killing of two teenage girls in Delphi, Indiana.
Government rests, defense builds case in ex-IL House Speaker Michael Madigan trial
The government formally rested its case against former House Speaker Michael Madigan Wednesday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, minutes after the jury was seated.
Government expected to rest case against ex-IL House Speaker Michael Madigan in trial Wednesday
The government is expected to rest its case against former House Speaker Michael Madigan Wednesday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
Former state Rep. Eddie Acevedo takes stand in ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan trial
The government on Monday called to the stand a former legislator, who has already served prison time himself.
Mayor Johnson's latest Chicago budget proposal will not include property tax hike, sources say
When the Chicago City Council reconvenes Monday afternoon, the big question is will Mayor Brandon Johnson have enough support to call for a vote on the city's budget?
Man files lawsuit, speaks out about alleged child sex abuse at former Hartgrove Hospital in Chicago
A man who says he was sexually assaulted as a child at a Chicago behavioral health center is speaking out.