Destinee Ortiz for Will County Board
Destinee Ortiz is a dedicated community leader with a proven track record of serving the people of Will County.
Mom, Educator, People-Powered Public Servant.
Why I’m Running…
I'm running for re-election to the County Board because, as a mother of three, I’m tired of watching wealthy insiders and political players call the shots while everyday families get left behind. I believe Will County deserves better — a future where we invest in clean water, protect our environment, create living-wage union jobs, and build a government that actually reflects the people it serves — including our kids and the generations coming after them.
Meet Destinee
“I’ve fought for working families, clean water, and justice—and I’m not done yet. I’ll keep working hard for Will County, because we still have more progress to make together.”
Since December 5, 2022, Destinee Ortiz has proudly served as the County Board Member for Will County’s 9th District, which includes parts of Naperville, Bolingbrook, Homer Glen, Plainfield, and Romeoville. In her role as a County Board Member, she also serves on the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners.
Outside of her official duties, Destinee is a licensed paraprofessional, a community advocate, and a proud mom of three. Her lived experience brings an essential voice to county government. She understands working families need a seat at the table or they risk being on the menu.
In 2022, Destinee made history as the first Latina and the first Gen Z representative elected to her district. At the time of her swearing-in, she also became the youngest Hispanic woman ever to serve on the Will County Board.
Her commitment to public service was further recognized by her community when she was elected Precinct Committee Captain for the DuPage Township Democratic Party on April 9, 2024. Later that year, on December 19, Destinee was elected President of the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners—becoming the first Latina in Will County history to hold that leadership role.
Destinee is known for her hands-on leadership and strong work ethic. She currently serves on the Finance, Stormwater Management, and Executive Committees and was appointed Chair of the Legislative Committee in January 2025. In this role, she leads efforts to align county priorities with state and federal policy by working directly with lawmakers and lobbyists.
She also represents the Democratic Caucus on the county’s Cannabis Tax Dollar Working Group, helping shape equitable reinvestment strategies.
“We’re fighting for a clean government, healthy planet, & smart budgets & we’re delivering on promises. Check the record.”
Destinee Ortiz
Destinee’s story is one of perseverance, love, and purpose. She became a mother as a teenager—navigating a world that often counts young moms out. But instead of being defined by her circumstances, she used them as fuel to build a better life for herself and her family.
Today, she’s a devoted wife and the proud mother of three incredible children, ages 12, 8, and 4. Every step of her journey—from classrooms to the County Board—has been guided by a deep commitment to creating a future where all families, no matter where they start, have the opportunity to thrive.
Before being elected to the County Board, Destinee was already deeply involved in political organizing and advocacy. She played a key role in helping elect former Congresswoman Marie Newman—a champion for reproductive rights—during a pivotal moment when Roe v. Wade was under threat.
She remains active in her community as a volunteer with Working Families Will County, a progressive political action committee focused on uplifting working-class voices, and with Joliet Township High School, where she supports youth through the restorative justice Problem Solving Circles Program.
Destinee continues to support candidates who share strong democratic values, working across various levels of government to build progressive leadership. Her advocacy remains rooted in causes close to her heart—clean government, healthy planet, and smart budgets.
County Board Member Ortiz believes that diverse voices and stories should be recognized and celebrated in local government. That’s why she authored and passed the county’s first-ever Hispanic Heritage Proclamation, a landmark moment that highlighted her commitment to uplifting underrepresented communities and ensuring that local government reflects the diversity of its residents. Since her appointment as Chair of the Legislative Committee, Destinee has had five pieces of legislation passed—all with unanimous board support.
Destinee attended Governors State University in Will County, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and American Studies, graduating Cum Laude in 2022. Her passion for education led her back to Governors State to pursue a master’s degree in special education, where she earned recognition on the Dean’s List in Fall 2024.
She has served students across the Romeoville and Bolingbrook local public school district, working directly with special education students from elementary through high school—bringing both compassion and firsthand insight to her public service.
County Board Member Ortiz has never shied away from speaking truth to power. From day one, she campaigned on a promise to challenge corruption—and she’s followed through. As a County Board Member, she has boldly called out unethical behavior, pay-to-play politics, and conflicts of interest, even when it meant standing up to powerful colleagues. In THE state where residents are tired of business-as-usual politics, Destinee has proven she’s not afraid to take a stand for transparency and accountability.
Another top priority for County Board Member Ortiz is ensuring access to clean, affordable water for every resident. Her leadership was instrumental in securing funding for the Will County Environmental Network’s Shallow Aquifer Feasibility Study, which was approved in the FY2024 budget. This initiative sets the foundation for exploring sustainable, environmentally sound water sources for the county’s future.
County Board Member Ortiz is committed to building systems that actually serve the people of Will County. That’s why she proudly supported the creation and funding of the 708 Community Mental Health Board—an initiative that gives local communities the power and resources to address mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities at the grassroots level. Destinee believes every resident should have equitable access to mental health care, regardless of income or zip code, and that public dollars should be invested in long-term, people-first solutions. The 708 Board is a critical step toward that vision.
"People deserve elected officials who put them first, because that’s what real representation looks like."
Destinee Ortiz
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