Decision Maker

Celina Villanueva

Illinois State Senate - District 12

District 12, Illinois

Celina Villanueva is a dedicated public servant and advocate for immigrant rights, currently serving as the State Senator for Illinois' 11th District in the Illinois State Senate. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Latina and Latino Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Villanueva has a diverse professional background, including roles as an Admissions Advisor at Parkland College and Program Coordinator at Instituto del Progreso Latino. She has also been an Outreach Coordinator in the Cook County Commissioner's Office and served as Fundraising Director at Grainger Terry, Inc. Her commitment to civic engagement is evident from her time as Director of Organizing at Chicago Votes and as Youth Engagement Manager at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Previously, she represented the 21st District in the Illinois House of Representatives.