Lisa Chavarria: NBC 5, Bio, Salary, Net Worth, Age, Family, and Husband
Who is Lisa Chavarria?
Lisa Chavarria is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist currently serving as a general assignment reporter for NBC 5 Chicago. She became a part of the NBC 5 team in June 2017 and has since become a familiar and trusted face to viewers across the city. A Chicago native, Lisa brings her love for storytelling and deep connection to the community into every report she delivers.
Career Journey
Lisa’s career in broadcast journalism spans nearly two decades, and she’s left her mark in several major newsrooms across the country. She began her journey at WPBN-TV in Traverse City, Michigan. From there, her career took her to WTVF-TV in Nashville, Tennessee, and then to KHOU-TV in Houston, Texas, where she honed her skills as a reporter.
She eventually made her way back home to Chicago, where she joined the FOX affiliate WFLD-TV as a reporter and fill-in anchor for five years. In 2017, she made a “homecoming” of sorts by joining NBC 5, where she had previously interned while studying at Columbia College Chicago.
Lisa is known for her compelling storytelling, especially on topics that hit close to home—from community-focused pieces to breaking news. She’s also bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to connect with a wide audience.
Lisa Chavarria Educational Background
Chavarria is a proud alumna of Columbia College Chicago, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2005. Before that, she attended Immaculate Heart of Mary High School. During her college years, she interned with the NBC News bureau—an experience that would eventually lead her back to NBC 5 years later.
Lisa Chavarria Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Lisa isn’t just passionate about journalism—she’s also passionate about running. In 2018, she completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and even trained publicly, documenting her progress. Her motivation? Raising awareness for the American Diabetes Association. This cause is personal: her mother lives with Type 2 diabetes, and her grandfather passed away due to complications related to the disease.
Lisa Chavarria NBC5
Lisa Chavarria: NBC 5, Bio, Salary, Net Worth, Age, Family, and Husband
Lisa Chavarria became a part of the NBC 5 Chicago team in June 2017, taking on the role of general assignment reporter. Her return marked a meaningful homecoming—not only to the city where she grew up but to the very network where she once interned as a student.
Before joining NBC 5, Lisa spent five years as a reporter and fill-in anchor at the FOX affiliate in Chicago. Her journalism journey, however, has taken her far beyond the Windy City. She began her career at WPBN-TV in Traverse City, Michigan, before moving on to WTVF-TV in Nashville, Tennessee, and later KHOU-TV in Houston, Texas.
A proud native of Chicago’s South Side, Lisa was raised in the western suburb of Berwyn. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and got her first taste of life at NBC Tower during an internship with the NBC News bureau. Returning years later as a seasoned journalist felt, in her words, like “a true homecoming.”
Outside the newsroom, Lisa is passionate about health and fitness. She enjoys running along Chicago’s lakefront and proudly completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in 2018. In 2019, she planned to take on the marathon once more—this time to raise funds and awareness for the American Diabetes Association. The cause is personal: her mother lives with Type 2 diabetes, and she lost her grandfather to complications from the same condition.
Lisa is also an active member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, proudly representing her heritage and supporting diversity in media. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Ben, and their spirited Yorkie, Rocket.
Lisa Chavarria Age and Birthday
Born in 1983 on the South Side of Chicago, Lisa is 41 years old as of 2025. However, she hasn’t publicly shared her exact birth date, so her fans will have to keep an eye out for that birthday celebration.
Family
Lisa was born to Antonio and Linda Chavarria. Her parents have been married for over 50 years, celebrating their golden anniversary on May 5, 2024. Lisa grew up in west suburban Berwyn, Illinois, and often speaks fondly of her upbringing in the Chicago area. While she keeps most family details private, it’s clear that her close-knit family has played a big role in shaping who she is.
Lisa Chavarria Married/Husband
Lisa is married to Benjamin Nance, a multi-talented media professional originally from Houston, Texas. Benjamin is a commercial voice-over actor, on-air talent, and producer currently working for WBBM Newsradio 780 and 105.9 FM in Chicago. The couple tied the knot in 2014 in a romantic ceremony held at the iconic Navy Pier in Chicago. They live in the city with their adorable Yorkie, Rocket.
Lisa Chavarria’s Salary
Lisa earns an estimated annual salary ranging between $30,000 and $50,000 as a general assignment reporter at NBC 5 Chicago. While exact figures may vary, her salary reflects the experience and dedication she brings to the newsroom.
Net Worth
Lisa Chavarria’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. Her wealth comes primarily from her long-standing career in journalism, with additional earnings likely from endorsements, investments, and other ventures.
Lisa Chavarria Final Word
Lisa Chavarria is more than just a reporter—she’s a Chicago storyteller, a community advocate, and a woman who’s proud of her roots. Whether she’s covering breaking news or running to support a cause close to her heart, Lisa brings passion, authenticity, and professionalism to everything she does. From her Emmy Award-winning reporting to her weekend runs along the lakefront, she’s proof that you can take the girl out of Chicago, but you can’t take Chicago out of the girl.
