About Deb

Deb's Vision

Deb Mell believes that one person can make a difference. Growing up in a family dedicated to serving others, Deb has witnessed firsthand the positive impact one person can make in a family, community and the State. She is active in the lives of her family members, friends and community.

Deb knows that the city of Chicago is the best place to live, work and play. It is this love of the City that inspired her to become more active in her community. Deb is honored to serve the people of the 40th District, the district in which she grew up and the district that fostered her dedication and commitment to making a difference.

In Springfield, Deb's top legislative priorities are to:

•     provide relief to working families hardest hit by the current economic crisis
•     provide affordable access to healthcare to all Illinois families
•     strengthen our state’s commitment to funding education
•     protect and expand rights for women, LGBTs, and minorities
•     support initiatives that expand public safety across the state

Thanks to the support of the community, she will serve as advocate and representative for the working families of the 40th District. to contact Deb, please call 773-267-2880 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Deb's Bio

Deb attended St. John Berchman’s Elementary School and St. Scholastica High School. Graduating from Cornell College with a dual major in Political Science and History, Deb pursued her Culinary Arts degree from California Culinary Academy.

After receiving her Culinary Arts degree and working for world-renowned chefs, Deb returned to Chicago in 2000. She began working at Christy Webber Landscape, Chicago’s largest landscaping company. Deb's first job at Christy Webber was on the Millennium Park project as a laborer.  She later managed and supervised more than $1.5 million in projects in the commercial division.

Deb remains very active in the community. She currently serves on Mayor Richard M. Daley's advisory council for Human Relations, Congressman Mike Quigley's LGBT advisory council, and State's Attorney Anita Alvarez's committee and has served as a chair of the Equality Illinois Justice For All Gala. Deb received the NOW (National Organization for Women) award for her activism, and the Howard Brown Cornerstone Award for community excellence. She lives with her partner Christin Baker.

Deb's Blog

To learn more about Deb, please visit Deb's blog.

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