Woman of the Month: melissa Villanueva

This month, we’re honored to spotlight Melissa Villanueva, a leader in hospitality, finance, and community impact whose story reflects strength, purpose, and perseverance. Born and raised on the Westside of San Antonio, Melissa is a proud product of SAISD schools who has dedicated her life to excellence, leadership, and service. With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from St. Philip’s College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the renowned Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, Melissa has built an impressive foundation in hospitality. Today, she serves as the Finance & Operations Manager at Nola Brunch & Beignets, where she is passionate about transforming the restaurant industry into a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment. Her mission is to make restaurant work a first choice—not a last resort—by fostering spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

Melissa’s commitment to uplifting others extends beyond her workplace. She volunteers as a Mentor with the SAISD Foundation, serves as a Board Member of Female Executives of Texas, and contributes to the City of San Antonio’s Affirmative Action Advisory Committee. Through each of these roles, she shares her experiences, gives back to her community, and helps pave the way for others to succeed. She credits her husband, Jimmy—also a native San Antonian—and their three children, all proud SAISD students, as her biggest supporters, along with their family dog, Bandit.

Despite her many accomplishments, Melissa’s journey has not been without challenges. Working in a male-dominated industry has often meant being overlooked, even in one of the highest-ranking positions within her company. She’s faced situations where her expertise was dismissed in favor of others, but rather than be discouraged, Melissa chose to rise above. She surrounded herself with advocates who bring her voice into rooms she may not always be in—and she’s intentional about doing the same for other women. Supported by a company that values her leadership, Melissa pays it forward by mentoring, advocating, and creating opportunities for others to shine.

Her favorite quotes reflect her heart for service and change: “When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence,” and “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change, I am changing the things I cannot accept.” Both serve as reminders of her purpose—to create space for others and challenge inequities wherever she sees them.

When asked what advice she would give to other women aspiring to succeed in her field, Melissa’s message is clear and powerful: “Surround yourself with people that will ride for you. Don’t get discouraged; sometimes you just have to thug it out!” Her resilience, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to lifting others make her a true inspiration—and a shining example of what it means to be a Female Executive of Texas.

To learn more about Melissa Villanueva's work, connect with her and the Nola Brunch & Beignets brand:

Instagram: @roja_en_la_cabeza

Website: www.eatatnola.com