Val Warner is a celebrated American journalist and Emmy-winning television host who has become a beloved figure in Chicago media. Born on August 17, 1961, in Los Angeles with family roots in Chicago, Val has crafted a dynamic career marked by authenticity, community commitment, and keen storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. Her journey from her early days in Los Angeles to becoming a familiar face at ABC 7 Chicago exemplifies dedication, resilience, and a profound connection to the communities she serves.
Table of Contents
Who is Val Warner?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 64 years |
| Parents/ Family | Diane Jackson |
| Husband/ Spouse/ Partner | Elijah Maxey ”Jobba” |
| Children | Max Warner and Zoe Warner |
| First Husband/ Ex Husband | John Doe |
| Net Worth | $1.7 million – $5 million |
| Salary | $100,000 annually |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (about 167.6 cm) |
| Surgery | Umbilical Hernia Repair |
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Early Life and Education
Valerie Warner was born to Diane Jackson in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in a family with deep ties to Chicago, a city she has called home since moving there in 2005. She has a sister, Kham’ryn, who is an entrepreneur and designer, reflecting a family inclined toward creativity and professional excellence.
Val pursued her higher education at the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996. This academic foundation in communications and journalism equipped her with the skills and discipline needed to excel in the competitive field of broadcast media.
Early Career and Challenges
Val Warner’s career began modestly, with early roles in smaller markets that allowed her to hone her reporting and broadcasting abilities. She worked at WEYI TV in Flint, Michigan, where she became the evening anchorwoman. During this period, she balanced the demands of motherhood and personal challenges, showing resilience both on and off screen.
Her tenacity and talent eventually led her back to Chicago, where she found a larger platform for her journalistic voice. Val describes the early struggles in her career, including navigating personal hardships such as a rocky marriage, as integral to shaping her empathetic approach to storytelling.
Breakthrough in Chicago Media
Val Warner became widely recognized after joining ABC 7 Chicago, where her roles expanded into anchoring, hosting, and reporting. She earned a reputation for covering stories with depth and sensitivity, focusing on social issues, community news, and cultural topics that matter deeply to Chicagoans.
Her notable work includes exclusive interviews that garnered significant attention. Val secured an exclusive pre-release interview with Spike Lee regarding his controversial film, underscoring her ability to secure high-profile and meaningful conversations. Moreover, she conducted the first and only interview with Karla Lee, the mother of the slain 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee, showcasing her commitment to giving voice to those affected by violence and tragedy in the city.
Emmy Awards and Recognition
Val Warner’s professional excellence has been recognized with multiple Chicago Emmy Awards. She has contributed to ABC 7 winning Emmys for special programming focusing on bullying, breast cancer awareness, and efforts to stop violence in Chicago. Additionally, she won an Emmy for her role in ABC 7’s New Year’s special, “COUNTDOWN CHICAGO,” highlighting her versatile talent as both a reporter and host.
Her Emmy achievements establish her as a respected industry professional and underline her capacity to produce impactful journalism that resonates both with audiences and peers.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
Val Warner is deeply committed to community service and uses her platform to give back. She actively volunteers with organizations such as The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chicago Bulls Charities, and the South Suburban Family Shelter. Her philanthropic spirit extends beyond her on-air work, reflecting a holistic dedication to community well-being.
She also hosts community events like the Chicago Lights Festival and the annual Bud Billiken Parade, strengthening ties between media and residents. In 2025, she was honored to return as the host for the Community Health Expo sponsored by OSF HealthCare Little Company of Mary, a role that leverages her warmth and community connection to promote health and wellness in Chicago.
Husband and Personal Life
Val Warner is married to Elijah Maxey Jr., commonly known as Jobba. Val Warner and Elijah Maxey Jr. started dating prior to their engagement, with their relationship gaining public attention as they shared moments together on social media and in interviews. The couple got engaged in 2020, with Elijah expressing his excitement about marrying Val and embracing her children.
They exchanged wedding vows in a private ceremony in August 2021, officially becoming husband and wife. Elijah Maxey Jr. is a social media fashion influencer and entrepreneur, running his own brand (@jobbabrnd) and is well-known for his work in the fashion and entertainment scene.
While detailed public information about Val Warner’s past relationships before Elijah Maxey Jr. is limited, it is known that she has navigated personal challenges including a previous marriage. She has been open about her past struggles and how these experiences shaped her strength and approach to life. She has two children, Max and Zoe, from previous relationships, whom she often mentions with affection and pride.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Val Warner’s net worth is estimated to be between $1.7 million and $5 million, primarily accumulated from her successful career in journalism and hosting popular shows such as “Windy City Weekend,” a spin-off of “Windy City LIVE.” Specifically, her salary at ABC 7 Chicago for co-hosting daytime shows like “Windy City Weekend” is estimated at $100,000 annually. This income is supplemented by other professional engagements such as event hosting and special broadcasts.
Her husband, Elijah Maxey Jr., is a social media fashion influencer and entrepreneur, which may also contribute indirectly to their household wealth through his business ventures, including the BRND clothing line.
Style and Impact
Val’s on-screen presence is marked by her charismatic style, ability to engage with audiences, and her sincere and empathetic approach to storytelling. She is known for natural warmth, humor, and the unique ability to navigate complex topics with grace.
Raised in a challenging environment during the ‘90s, Val Warner draws on her experiences growing up in neighborhoods marked by social and economic tension. This background informs her sensitivity and authenticity, allowing her to connect deeply with viewers from diverse backgrounds.
Career Highlights and Notable Projects
- Early career experience as evening anchor at WEYI TV in Flint, Michigan.
- Hosting and anchoring major news and talk shows at ABC 7 Chicago.
- Exclusive interviews, including with Spike Lee and Tyshawn Lee’s mother.
- Emmy-winning journalist recognized for shows addressing bullying, breast cancer, and city violence.
- Community-oriented programming like the Chicago Lights Festival and Bud Billiken Parade.
- Host of significant community events such as the 2025 Community Health Expo.
Future Prospects
Val Warner continues to be a vital voice in Chicago’s media landscape, combining her journalism expertise with a heartfelt connection to the city’s neighborhoods and stories. Her ongoing projects and community involvement suggest she will remain influential both as a broadcaster and a civic leader.
how old is Val Warner?
64 years old
what happened to Val Warner and Jeff Cartwright?
Val Warner and Jeff Cartwright were in a relationship but were not officially married.
how old is Val Warner husband?
Val Warner’s husband, Elijah Maxie, does not have publicly available specific information on his exact age as of 2025. There are no credible sources that provide his birthdate or age details. Therefore, his precise age cannot be confirmed from accessible public records or notable profiles.
is Val Warner married?
Val Warner is married. She got engaged in 2020 and subsequently married her fiancé, Elijah Maxie. Warner shares her married life and family as an important part of her personal story alongside her career.
What kind of surgery did Val Warner have?
Val Warner underwent two surgeries related to a routine umbilical hernia repair. The first surgery was for the hernia repair itself, but she experienced complications that required a second surgery within two weeks. Additionally, she has mentioned having issues with her bowels, which was part of the reason for the complications and further medical attention.
How much weight did Val Warner lose?
Val Warner lost 20 pounds through a Full Body Cleanse diet. She did this successfully within about a month and has embraced the lifestyle changes, including eating raw and vegan foods, maintaining her healthier weight since then.
Is Val Warner an AKA?
Val Warner is associated with Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated, which is a historic African American sorority founded in 1908. The references and social media posts indicate a connection through family or social ties, such as celebrating a family member’s sorority membership.