• Mary Ann Lopez, Patch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Glen Ellyn, IL

Phone: 630-433-0783; Hometown: Naperville

Bio: Mary Ann Lopez grew up in Calumet City, studied Political Science at Northern Illinois University; Studied Print Journalism at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she earned a Master's Degree. She has worked for Patch.com since 2010. Prior to Patch, Mary Ann worked in new media at the Sun Time News Group, was involved with the launch of YourHub.com in Denver, was a reporter at the Durango Herald covering a number of beats; Staff reporter at The Montrose Daily Press; Interned at The Staunton Daily News Leader in Staunton, Va. and The Boulder Daily Camera.

Growing up in Calumet City, I was was the youngest of four children and the only girl. During my formative years, I suffered many bumps, bruises and nuggies at the hands of three older brothers, which may have toughened me up for a career in journalism.

I lived in Cal City most of my life until relocating to Boulder, Colo. for graduate school. Once in Colorado, I spent eight years studying and working before returning to the Chicago area. I have a bachelor's degree in political science from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in print journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. I interned at The Boulder Daily Camera and The Daily News Leader in Staunton, Va., and I'm a Chips Quinn Scholar.

A journalist for more than 10 years, I started working at small-town papers, including The Durango Herald, in Durango, Colo., where I covered a variety of beats including agriculture, education and business. During my time as a journalist, I've won many awards, including six awards in one year.

In 2005, I moved to online journalism, first for YourHub.com and later the Sun-Times News Group. I began my career with Patch.com one of two Naperville local editors, then I moved on to be the Glen Ellyn local editor. Now, I am the DuPage County business editor, writing about real estate, small business and other business interests.

In my free time, I practice and teach yoga, run, and spend time at the dog park with my Australian shepherd rescue, Sadie. I love the outdoors, love to ski, camp and hike. I may take on another triathlon.

If you see me in a local coffee shop, stop and say hello.

Posting Activity

Glen Ellyn|News|

Meijer to Hire 900 New Employees in Illinois

Meijer is gearing up to hire 900 new employees in Illinois in preparation for the fall and holiday season, according to the retailer.

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Meijer to Hire 900 New Employees in Illinois
Glen Ellyn|News|

Backpack Safety Tips for Back to School

Don't let your child get weighed down with an oversized, overly heavy backpack. We share safety tips for buying a backpack and keeping kids safe.

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Backpack Safety Tips for Back to School
Glen Ellyn|News|

Back to School 2013-14: The Facts and Figures of Education

What does education mean for salaries? How many students are in school? And, how much will parents spend clothing kids for the school year? Here are some facts and figures from the U.S. Census Bureau

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Back to School 2013-14: The Facts and Figures of Education
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