Pastor Talia Benet: An Advocate for Economic Development

The Pastor, Mother, Consultant, and Difference-Maker

By Antoinette Porter

Rev. Talia Benet has been making a difference in the African American Bay Area Community since 1984.  For the past four years her impact has been felt as the executive director of the Health & Human Resource Education Center (HHREC) located in Oakland.  HHREC was founded in 1984 and is funded by Alameda County Behavioral Health and the Mental Health Services Act.  HHREC has six community-based programs that are rooted and centered in health and wellness.  HHREC is committed to creating healthy communities by improving the overall health and quality of life of Bay Area residents.  They focus on reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as eliminating racism and violence of all kinds. HHREC acts as a fiscal agent for the Alameda County Office of Ethnic Services, The African American Health & Wellness Steering Committee, and the Alameda County Workforce Education and Training Program with Ohlone College.  Rev. Talia Benet is also the owner of a consulting firm that offers fund development strategy and provides grant writing services.

Benet is the senior pastor of Taylor Chapel CME Church located in Vallejo.  Taylor Chapel CME Church has served the Vallejo community for over 74 years. Pastor Talia credits her mentor, Bishop Charley Hames, Jr. for preparing her for such a time as this.

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She is the proud daughter of retired attorney and Navy Vietnam veteran Mansour Salahudin. She is also the honored mother of Sparkle Hicks, currently attending Chico State.  Pastor Talia is engaged to retired Air Force veteran Michael Solomon.

“As far as impact, my goal is to build up the younger generation, coming behind me.  I often tell them my job is to pray for them and teach them how to “skip” to the bank!  The CME church has a rich history, but the youth must have a role and should be taught the value of community.  It’s all about mentorship!  At Taylor Chapel CME Church our young adult ministry takes the lead.”

This is the impact this woman of God has on her church and the community.

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