Meet Your Candidate for DuPage County District 1: Melissa Villanueva
I’m Melissa Villanueva, a small business owner, economic development advocate, and experienced community builder — and now a Democratic candidate for DuPage County Board in District 1.
Eleven years ago, I bought a small coffee shop I found on Craigslist. With no investors, I built Brewpoint Coffee into a successful enterprise rooted right here in DuPage County. Along the way, I created spaces that uplift immigrant voices, support LGBTQ+ neighbors, and empower local entrepreneurs.
I've served as an Economic Development Commissioner in Elmhurst and as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Innovation DuPage, where I mentor small business owners and strengthen our local economy.
Now I'm ready to bring my experience and vision to the County Board, and to help make DuPage a place where every resident can thrive and no one is left behind.
Building Community.
Boldly.
Together.
As a candidate and community leader, I’m focused on:
Protecting our most vulnerable neighbors.
I will fight to ensure DuPage is a place where everyone is safe and supported by increasing access to mental health services, improving housing stability, and safeguarding the rights of all county residents.
Driving economic growth by supporting small businesses.
I will push for policies that provide real resources to entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities.Promoting fiscal responsibility.
I will ensure taxpayer dollars are properly managed, and support efforts to increase the tax base without raising taxes on individuals and families.
Local leadership matters more than ever. I’m stepping up because I believe we can build a county government that reflects the best of who we are and the boldest of what we can be.