Born and raised in Elgin, Melissa is an accomplished attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois and immigration courts. After completing her high school education at St. Edwards Central Catholic High School, she attended Elgin Community College, where she actively participated in the Organization of Latin American Students and Phi Theta Kappa. Melissa later transferred to DePaul University in Chicago, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies. She graduated from Northern Illinois University, College of Law, in 2003.
With over 20 years of legal experience, Melissa maintains her law practice in Elgin, specializing in immigration and real estate law. She is a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Illinois Real Estate Lawyers Association, and the Kane County Bar Association (KCBA). Additionally, she served on the KCBA’s Judicial Evaluation Committee for several years. In her commitment to community service, Melissa volunteers with the KCBA’s Lawyer in the Library, offering in-person legal coaching, document review, and referrals to other resources. Melissa volunteers her legal expertise by providing advice and case analysis to the immigration counselors and department at Centro de Información.
Melissa has also contributed to various local organizations, serving on the board of the Elgin Community College Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, the Well Child Center, and the scholarship committee for Elgin Hispanic Network. One of her proudest achievements includes helping ECC’s Latinx Heritage Month Committee organize the 2024 Jane Barbosa Legacy Brunch, which raised scholarship funds for undocumented, mixed-status, and DACA students attending ECC. Melissa is honored to be named among ECC’s Sensational 75, a celebration of 75 outstanding alumni over the college’s 75-year history.
Activities and Leadership
- American Immigration Lawyers Association – Member
- Club Guadalupano Scholarship Committee of Elgin – Past Executive Board Member
- Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) of Elgin – Past Board Member
- Kane County Bar Association – Member
- Elgin Hispanic Network – Member
- Elgin Community College Foundation – Past Board Member
- Boys and Girls Club of Elgin – Past Board Member
Commitment and Goals
- Encourage and strengthen ECC’s connections within the community to broaden educational opportunities, enhance workforce development, and bolster institutional support. As a lifelong resident of Elgin and dedicated community member, I am committed to initiating and maintaining partnerships and collaborations that resonate with our community. My goal is to promote and uphold the value and impact of ECC.
- Advocate for improved access to degree programs, certifications, and work skills development and training for underserved and non-traditional students. As a Board, we have the opportunity to engage with insights from local organizations, high school students, ECC employees and students, and community leaders. This collaboration will guide us in effectively supporting our underserved and non-traditional prospective students.
- Implement budgets that ensure sustainability while promoting accessible education for the diverse community within District 509.