Michelle Gallardo
Michelle Gallardo is an Emmy Award-winning general assignment reporter for ABC7 Chicago. She joined Chicago's No. 1 news station in 2004.

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
Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez outlines 2026 budget plan
Outgoing Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez took to zoom to put forward an outline of the 2026 budget. However, it relies on receiving an additional $300 million in funding the district is not likely to receive.
Chicago Cardinal Cupich planning local celebration for homegrown Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Blase Cupich got off the plane from Rome in Chicago Monday night, but there is not time to rest just yet.
Chicago crews clear out last tents of homeless encampment at Gompers Park on NW Side
City crews were at a Northwest Side park Monday clearing out the last tents set up at a homeless encampment.
Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost elected pope, taking name Leo XIV | What we know
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th pope.
Chicago faithful pray for cardinals in conclave during Holy Name Cathedral Mass
In Chicago Wednesday, there were prayers for the papal conclave process.
What to know about getting a REAL ID in Illinois ahead of Wednesday's deadline
The TSA is warning travelers that as of Wednesday, they will no longer be able to fly using a state-issued driver's license that is not a REAL ID.
Man dies after encounter with Joliet police caught on bodycam video: 'Please, don't kill me'
David Malito's family blames the officers for his death, but the Will County State's Attorney's Office has cleared them of any wrongdoing.
Man charged in Rogers Park sexual assaults, home invasion, burglaries, police say
A 19-year-old suspect charged with sexually assaulting women and breaking into homes on the North Side appeared in court on Sunday and was ordered to remain in custody.
May Day 2025: Thousands gather for march, rallies downtown Chicago
Thousands of people gathered for rallies and a march in Chicago on May Day Thursday in opposition of Trump administration policies.
Chicago City Council committee holds off vote on 'teen takeover' curfew
"Teen takeover" gatherings are a growing concern downtown Chicago as summer approaches. A teen and a tourist were recently shot in Streeterville.