Meet
melisssa
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.
What my campaign is
all about
Building community. Boldly. Together.
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.
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.