Ginger Zee has stolen hearts, weather rooms, TV screens and even dance floors across America. From reporting on the most extreme storms to sharing moments of joy and honesty with millions each morning, she brings a rare blend of expertise, energy and enthusiasm. Whether standing in hurricane-force winds or dancing in a ballroom, Zee has a way of making every moment feel both electric and personal.
Ginger Zee is ABC News’ chief meteorologist, known for making weather easy to understand for viewers and serving as the sun even amid the storm with her enthusiasm and comforting appeal. Zee often uses her platform to speak out about climate issues and help people understand how the weather impacts their lives.
“I fell in love with meteorology the summer of 1989,” Zee said. “I started to realize that the atmosphere was a puzzle, and I wanted to figure out how to put together that puzzle. I went to study meteorology and storm chasing at Valparaiso University.”
Zee explained that a powerful derecho in 1998, which destroyed the movie theater where she saw Twister, confirmed her desire to become a storm chaser and highlighted the importance of understanding severe weather.
Zee said that being a woman in the metrology field is both an honor and a responsibility.
“Ever since I decided I wanted to take my love of the science of the atmosphere and communicate it, I have taken it very seriously as I realized quickly how few women are still in leadership positions in meteorology, including broadcast,” Zee said.
Zee has been an immense trailblazer for women nationwide, proving to them that nothing is impossible.
“I am breaking barriers in many ways, and I have gotten much better at responding to it—‘it’ being the common statement, ‘Oh, you are the weather girl at ABC,’ when in fact, I am not a weather girl; I am a meteorologist.” Zee said.
Zee explained that this comment once deeply bothered her because it felt invalidating after all the challenges she had overcome. These days she turns the moment into a chance to educate, reminding people that she holds a certified broadcast meteorology accreditation.
Zee has also appeared on Dancing with the Stars. She danced with Val Chmerkovskiy and placed third, reaching the finale in season 22.
“DWTS was a blast. The experience taught me so much about myself. Something I had done before the show but now realize is critically important to life: always do something that puts you out of your comfort zone—it is where we grow most.” Zee said.
Ginger Zee hopes students, especially young women, learn that they are unstoppable and capable of following their dreams.
“You can do anything you put your mind to. This business is full of subjectivity. Some will love you, others will not. And that is ok. I hope finding peace with all of life—the good, the bad, the fun, the challenging…all of it. It isn’t a pursuit of happiness but a pursuit of peace,” Zee said.
In all she does, Zee’s work ethic and motivational career trajectory inspire women nationwide to follow their passions and step outside of their comfort zone. To all journalism students, Zee is proof that there is power in embracing curiosity, resilience, and authenticity. She shows that storytelling is not just about reporting facts, but about connecting people.