Message from
Melissa Barbosa-Guzmán
& James G. Allen, Jr.
Dear District 509 Community,
We are proud to announce our candidacy for the Elgin Community College (ECC) Board of Trustees. With a shared commitment to equity, access, and excellence, we are running to ensure that ECC continues to provide transformative opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As proud alumni of Elgin Community College, we have seen firsthand how this institution changes lives and strengthens our community. Together, we bring decades of leadership, advocacy, and service in education, law, and community development. Our combined experience uniquely positions us to champion the needs of students, faculty, and the community while fostering growth and innovation at ECC.
Our Vision for ECC
Together, we are committed to making ECC a beacon of opportunity and success for students from all walks of life. We believe in fostering a campus environment that is inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our community. By prioritizing mental health, accessibility, workforce development, and support for underserved populations, we will ensure that ECC continues to thrive for generations to come.
We are honored to have the opportunity to run for the ECC Board of Trustees and to give back to the institution that has shaped our lives and careers. Thank you for your support—together, we can build a brighter future for ECC and District 509.
Sincerely,
James G. Allen, Jr. & Melissa Barbosa-Guzmán
Candidates for ECC Board of Trustees
Melissa is a lifelong Elgin resident and accomplished attorney with over 20 years of legal experience. After attending ECC, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and her law degree from Northern Illinois University. Melissa has dedicated her career to serving her community, providing legal services in immigration and real estate law, and supporting local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, the Well Child Center, and Centro de Información.
Melissa’s priorities include:
- Strengthening ECC’s connections with the community to broaden educational opportunities and workforce development.
- Advocating for improved access to degree programs, certifications, and work skills training for underserved and non-traditional students.
- Supporting budgets that promote accessible education while ensuring sustainability for the diverse District 509 community.
James is an accomplished community leader, advocate, and proud ECC alumnus. After earning two degrees from ECC in 2020, he served as Student Trustee, Executive Vice President of Student Government, and President of SWANS (ECC’s LGBTQIA+ student organization). These leadership roles, along with his professional experience as a legal consultant and flight attendant, have equipped James with the skills to navigate ECC’s challenges and opportunities.
James’s priorities include:
- Enhancing mental health resources to support student success.
- Improving accessibility across campus to ensure inclusivity for all.
- Expanding Open Educational Resources (OER) to lower costs for students.
- Strengthening career pathways and partnerships with local industries.
- Supporting non-traditional and underserved students with flexible programs and wraparound services.
- Building stronger transfer pathways with four-year institutions to help students achieve their academic goals.