Meet Our Board

Following her appointment from the Board of Supervisors, she was elected to the position in June 2018. District Attorney Becton served for 22 years as a judge in Contra Costa County, where she was elected as Presiding Judge. She is Past President of the National Association of Women Judges, the nation’s leading voice for women in the judiciary, and Past Chair of the State Bar Council on Access and Fairness.

District Attorney Becton leads a prosecutorial office of approximately 222 lawyers, investigators, and staff. She is the first woman, the first African American, and the first person of color to serve as Contra Costa District Attorney since the office was established in 1850.

Her message of reform and restoring trust includes a vision for an office that is fair, transparent, forward thinking, committed to safeguarding all communities from crimes that threaten our health, well-being, and livelihood, and working on positive outcomes for youth.

A native of California she is a product of Oakland Public schools and a graduate of Golden Gate University School of Law. Most recently, District Attorney Becton earned a Masters of Theological Studies at Pacific School of Religion.

District Attorney Becton has received the following honors: 2022 Benjamin Travis Lifetime Achievement Award, California Association of Black Lawyers, 2021 Charles Houston Bar Association, Justice Clinton White Advocacy Award, 2021 Community Service Award, NAAACP Richmond, 2020 Distinguished Alumni, Pacific School of Religion, Woman of the Year 2019 for Senate District 9, Golden Gate University School of Law, Judith McKelvey Distinguished Service Award 2019, Crystal Gavel 2019, CABL Judicial North, Madam C. J. Walker, 2018, Pioneer Award, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Oakland Bay Area Chapter, Woman on Fire Award, Ladies In Red (2019), Judge of the Year (2017), Black Women Lawyers of Southern California; National Bar Association – Judicial Council, Thurgood Marshall Award 2017 (Toronto, Canada); League of Women Voters, Contra Costa County, “Social Justice Award”; CABL Bernard S. Jefferson, Judge of the Year (2016); California Women Lawyers, “Rose Bird Memorial Award” (2012); Honor for positive contributions to the City of Richmond (2016); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, “Trail Blazer” for Community Service (2014); BWOPA Honoree 2013; American Business Women’s Association (2012) “Women of Distinction”; California Women Lawyers, (2011-2012) Women of Distinction”; KGO Channel 7 “African American Salute (2012); “Judicial Excellence Award,” California Association of Black Lawyers, Judicial Section (2011); “Judge of the Year” Alameda-Contra Costa Trial Lawyers Association (2007); “Award of Judicial Excellence, Charles Houston Bar Association” (2006); Black Women Lawyers of Northern California (2011). She was inducted into the Castlemont High School Hall of Fame in 2007, receiving the highest honor, as a “Knight in Shining Armor,” and she received the “Dumlao Martial Arts Image Award” (2011) for leadership and character within the martial arts studio.

District Attorney Becton serves is a frequent lecturer and panelist, and she continues to participate in many community outreach activities. She convened “Clean Slate Day” helping individuals to clear their criminal records. In 2015, District Attorney Becton served as Co-Chair of the “Know Your Rights” Youth Symposium for West Contra Costa County, as part of a national dialogue to educate youth in our communities, and to open the lines of communication between youth and law enforcement. She serves on the Board of Directors for Castlemont High School Alumni Association. She District has two adult sons.

Marena proudly refers to herself as an individual with “Hattitude”, a testament to the many hats she wears—both literally and figuratively. Her tireless dedication extends beyond CCYSB, benefiting numerous organizations, individuals, and the broader Richmond community. She is known for her strong work ethic, adaptability, and ability to build lasting relationships with stakeholders, elected officials, and community partners. She also enjoys bringing warmth and joy to her workplace, frequently decorating the office with seasonal themes that generate smiles and appreciation.

Marena’s expertise spans corporate and nonprofit office management, youth and family advocacy, and organizational leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, an Associate of Arts in Business Administration, an Associate of Applied Science in Social Behavior Health, a Certificate in Leadership and Governance from NeighborWorks of America, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from California State University, East Bay. Her commitment to service is far reaching, as she actively serves on the boards of Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), Richmond Neighborhood Coordinating Council (RNCC), and Chemtrade, as well as being a member of the Kiwanis Club of Richmond. Additionally, she contributes to the City of Richmond Crime Prevention Committee, the North Richmond Municipal Advisory Committee (NRMAC), and serves as President of the Shields-Reid Neighborhood Council. She also plays a key role as the Director of Christian Education and Formation within her faith community.

Marena’s extensive experience, deep community ties, and passion for empowering families have made her an invaluable leader in Contra Costa County. Through her work, she continues to advocate for accessible, culturally responsive services and strengthen resources that promote stability, well-being, and long-term success for youth and families.

Tamara Shiloh’s other writing experiences include: writing the Black History column for the Post Newspaper in the Bay area, Creator and Instruction of the black History Class for Educators a professional development class for teachers and her non-profit offers a free Black History literacy/STEM/Podcast class for kids 3d – 8th grade which also includes the Let’s Go Learn Reading and Essence and tutorial program. She is also the owner of the Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts, in Richmond, California,

Previously in her early life she was the /Editor-in-Chief of Desert Diamonds Magazine, highlighting the accomplishments of minority women in Nevada; assisting with the creation, design and writing of a Los Angeles-based, herbal magazine entitled Herbal Essence; editorial contribution to Homes of Color; Editor-in-Chief of Black Insight Magazine, the first digital, interactive magazine for African Americans; profile creations for sports figures on the now defunct PublicFigure.com; newsletters for various businesses and organizations; and her own Las Vegas community newsletter, Tween Time News, a monthly publication highlighting music entertainment in the various venues of Las Vegas.

She is a member of:

• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
• Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• Point Richmond Business Association
• National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)
• Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA)
• California Writers Club-Berkeley & Marin
• Richmond CA Kiwanis
• Richmond CA Rotary
• Bay Area Girls Club

Tamara Shiloh, a native of Northern California, has two adult children, one grandson and four great-grand sons. She resides in Point Richmond, CA with her husband, Ernest.

www.multiculturalbookstore.com