Villanueva is a lifelong Nevadan and licensed to practice law in Nevada and the District of Columbia. Villanueva has represented clients in district court in probate matters, trust disputes, general civil litigation matters, matters involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Villanueva received her undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law. She is a former member of the Reno Planning Commission, her professional affiliations include:

• William S. Boyd School of Law Alumni Association, member 2019-2025 (President 2022-2023)
• State Bar of Nevada, Probate and Trust Section, member
• First Judicial District Bar Association, former member
• Nevada Justice Association, former member
• Nevada Latino Bar Association, Member
• Washoe County Bar Association, Member