Sylvia Perez
Sylvia Perez is a widely recognized and respected name in the Chicago news market. She’s best known for looking beyond the headlines and reporting the personal and emotional sides of the major stories of the day.
Perez was a longtime anchor and medical reporter at WLS ABC7 before joining FOX 32 News in 2016. She also brings an expertise and interest in topics involving veterans. Reporting has always been in her blood. She credits her childhood as a military "brat," following her father around the world, with giving her the skills she needed.
"Asking a lot of questions and getting to know people quickly comes with the territory. You move so often you have to acquire these traits to make friends and fit in," Perez said.
She knew from the age of ten she wanted to be a reporter. While watching sportscaster Howard Cosell interview athletes during the Summer Olympics, she asked her brother what you had to study to get that job. His answer was "journalism" and from that day forward, her career path was sealed.
Perez attended the University of Oklahoma, majoring in Radio/TV/Film. In a bold, early move she chose an internship with a public television station versus the more typical network affiliate because public television, even then, was short-staffed. Perez figured she was more likely to get real world experience and "air time." She was right. She covered State Capitol politics with stories appearing on the nightly news before she even graduated. That internship led to positions as a broadcast journalist in a variety of markets across the country, reporting on major stories involving politics, education, medicine and the military.
Soon, Perez began to specialize in stories that would have a direct, practical and positive impact on the individual viewer, a move that boosted ratings at a time television news was adapting to changes in how people were getting news and information.
Throughout her career, Perez has been recognized for her achievements with multiple awards, including Emmys and the Peter Lisagor award, recognizing the best of Chicago journalism given annually by the Chicago Headline Club.
More recently, she was recognized by the office of the Illinois Secretary of State for Excellence in Broadcasting commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. Perez is generous with her time supporting several charities in the Chicago area. Her company, Sylvia Perez Productions, specializes in all aspects of event production for non-profits. She also sits on the board of Enabled Enterprises, an organization helping military veterans, serves as an ambassador for GoodCity Chicago, which champions inner-city entrepreneurs who give back to the city, and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
In her free time, Perez enjoys gourmet cooking and taking nature hikes on the many trails in and around Chicago.
The latest from Sylvia Perez
John Wayne Gacy's former attorney reveals untold truths of infamous serial killer in new book
Thirty years ago, the infamous serial killer John Wayne Gacy met his demise through lethal injection. At the time, he had a young 28-year-old attorney who vehemently opposed the death penalty and endeavored to prevent Gacy's execution. Now, that same attorney has penned a book detailing her experiences, shedding light on this dark chapter in history.
Chicago protesters rally as Supreme Court weighs fate of abortion pill mifepristone
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on the abortion pill mifepristone and whether easier access to it should remain in place.
Rick Bayless Day: Chicago celebrates 37 years of authentic Mexican cuisine and philanthropy
March 21 in Chicago has officially been declared Rick Bayless Day. The renowned Chicago chef is celebrating 37 years of his famous Frontera Grill restaurant.
Woman who survived head-on crash in Chicago 15 years ago is looking for her rescuers
A Detroit woman survived a head-on crash in Chicago 15 years ago and now, she's trying to find the heroes who saved her life.
Duckworth leads reproductive rights charge after Alabama IVF ruling
The Alabama ruling, which deemed frozen embryos created through IVF as children under state law, has sparked outcry among lawmakers advocating for reproductive freedoms.
Parvovirus-stricken puppy now flourishing thanks to PAWS Chicago
At just 8 weeks old, Bonbon got parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that preys on puppies and often kills them. He was barely able to hold up his head.
'Go Red for Women' campaign spotlights progress in women's heart health
Many lessons have been learned about women's heart health in the last two decades. In a Special Report, FOX 32's Sylvia Perez takes a look at the one that tops the list.
Ferrara Candy's sweet success: How NERDS gummy clusters took the nation by storm
They're yummy. They're crunchy. They're gummy. They're the hottest-selling candy in the USA. And, they're made right here in Chicago.
Chicago Gen Z entrepreneurs cultivate urban mushroom farm with global sustainability vision
In the heart of Chicago, two ambitious Gen Z entrepreneurs have cultivated a local business dedicated to growing gourmet mushrooms, transforming an indoor urban farm into a go-to supplier for exotic mushrooms throughout the area.
Bystander CPR saves 70-year-old man's life in Highland Park: 'I'm a lucky guy'
Thursday kicked off not only the start of February, but also the start of American Heart Month. In a FOX 32 special report, Sylvia Perez shares the heartfelt story of just how lucky one man is to be alive today.