Val Warner
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.
Val's Stories
'Our Chicago: Neighborhood Walk': Val Warner, Greg Dutra explore Naperville
Val Warner visits ABC 7 Meteorologist Greg Dutra to take a tour of his adopted hometown, Naperville.
'Our Chicago: Neighborhood Walk': Val Warner, Cheryl Burton explore Chatham
Chatham is one of Chicago's most historic neighborhoods.
Our Chicago: Neighborhood Walk with Val Warner through Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood
In this installment of Neighborhood Walk, Val visits Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side, a stronghold for Chicago's Puerto Rican community.
Our Chicago: Walk with Val through Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood
In this installment, Val visits Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood on the city's Near Northwest Side.
Chicago restaurants play starring role in 'The Bear' as series returns for season 3
ABC7 took a deeper look at the real-life Chicago restaurants heavily featured in the first two seasons of "The Bear" as the highly-anticipated third season drops Wednesday on Hulu.
Our Chicago: Neighborhood Walk with Val Warner on Near West Side
It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. So, it is fitting that this installment of "Our Chicago: Neighborhood Walk" is featuring one of the city's most prominent and brightest stars in the AAPI community.
Chicago native, TikTok influencer shares insights about Gen Z in the workforce
Laughing through the ups and downs of working in corporate has been a hot trend on TikTok.
Black Girls Jump: Chicago organization brings generations together by teaching double Dutch
In June, the team is planning to participate in their first national tournament in Cincinnati.
Our Chicago: Neighborhood Walk with Val Warner in Auburn Gresham
ABC7's Val Warner was joined by Saint Sabina Church's Father Michael Pfleger on a visit to the city's Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
Track Meet: Val Warner's son and track star Max meets Olympic gold medalist uncle
This Black History Month, we're honoring the history and heritage of those making a difference.