Meet
melissa
Community Builder. Democratic Values. Real Results.
I’m Melissa Villanueva— small business owner, community builder, and proud Democrat running for DuPage County Board in District 1. I’ve spent the past decade proving that you can build something meaningful, inclusive, and financially strong by putting people and values first.
my 30 second pitch to voters
If you are looking for someone with the financial acumen to manage your tax dollars AND a leader who has proven record of standing up for progressive values, vote Melissa Villanueva for the DuPage County Board—District 1.
my education
B.A. Philosophy/Theology at Wheaton College
Arabic Certificate at the University of Chicago
10k Small Business Goldman Sachs Certificate
What Drives Me
I believe that businesses can be forces for good, and that civic life is more powerful when grounded in community and equity. I’ve spent the past 11 years building not just coffee shops but ecosystems of inclusion, bold ideas, and meaningful impact. These spaces have hosted citizen-led petition drives, Democratic fundraisers, and organizing events with leaders like U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood, U.S. Representative Sean Casten, and many other local leaders. That is democracy at work.
Building Through Action
I launched Brewpoint Coffee with less than $1,000 in my bank account and grew it to one of the fastest-growing small businesses in the nation (INC 5000 awardee 2024) with no investors.
As an Economic Development Commissioner in Elmhurst since 2017, I’ve been creating, hosting, and marketing Makers & Shakers events, connecting hundreds of entrepreneurs from all across Chicagoland and DuPage County to provide real support and insight for their businesses.
As Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Innovation DuPage, I helped raise nearly $1 million in grants for entrepreneurs of color and mentored dozens of current and aspiring small business owners.
attainable housing and public transportation
To me, a community is only as strong as its ability to keep people together. Whether it’s a young family looking for their first home in Elmhurst or a worker in Addison searching for a stable path forward, we all deserve a neighborhood where we can put down roots and thrive. As a small business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how much we lose when our neighbors are priced out or can't find the training they need to get ahead. I believe in a DuPage that values hard work and fairness, where we prioritize housing and jobs that allow every generation, from our seniors to our recent graduates, to build a life right here.
I also believe that our economy and services only work if they are actually accessible to everyone. We shouldn't feel isolated from the resources we pay for just because of where we live or whether we have a car. I value a DuPage that is truly connected, where our transit and infrastructure serve as bridges rather than barriers. To me, leadership is about being a bridge-builder and making sure that whether you are commuting to work or seeking healthcare, you can get there reliably and with dignity. My goal is to ensure our county government reflects these values, focusing on the practical, human connections that make our district a place we are all proud to call home.
a stronger dupage - for all of us
As a business owner, commissioner, mentor, and community builder, I’ve worked hard to make sure that everyone feels welcome, seen, and included in the conversation. I’ve built relationships with local leaders, non-profits, and business owners to host events, fundraisers, and workshops celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, supporting immigrants, and educating and mobilizing allies. Now I’m ready to carry that energy and commitment forward as your representative on the DuPage County Board.
