Guest Speaker: Chaplain Brenda Threatt
Chaplain Brenda Threatt is a California native who was born and raised in South Los Angeles in the Watts Community. Her primary education was in Catholic Schools in South Los Angeles. She earned a degree in Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles and then a Master of Divinity from the San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Her ministerial career began in 1997, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray. As a member of Rev. Cecil Murray’s Ministerial Staff, Rev. Threatt was responsible for the programs and projects of the 17,000 member church. She wrote numerous grants that benefitted the youth department, the homeless ministry, the food pantry and health of the mega church and the surrounding community. Rev. Threatt was the coordinator of the church’s annual Angel City Christmas providing toys, turkeys and clothing for 3,000 families.
In 2008, Rev. Threatt was recruited to work for the Office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa as the South Los Angeles Area Director and the Veterans’ Outreach Coordinator where she was responsible for veteran outreach and services, public safety projects, education outreach, constituent services, economic development, community development and a myriad of projects and events.
Rev. Threatt’s patriotic passions were expressed in 2001. In response to the 911 crisis that rocked the core of every American, Rev. Threatt designed a license plate that would be sold as a personalized plate to Californians with the proceeds going to the families of the 911 victims. The plate was approved by Governor Davis; confirmed by the California State Assembly, the Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles and the 911 plate became a reality in 2002 – a plate with the American flag and clouds in the background of the text. These plates can be seen on many California vehicles and the proceeds benefit 911 victims and contribute funds for California’s security. This plate has raised more money than any other personalized plate. Rev. Threatt was awarded a special plate for her vehicle which reads, ‘MYIDYA” for her idea.
2008 Rev. Threatt focused her ministry on serving veterans and visiting wounded warriors. Upon learning that she could better serve if she were to become part of the military, she joined the California State Military Reserve as a chaplain. She was a commissioned officer and her duties include: counseling soldiers and military families, suicide prevention, casualty notices, soldier readiness, worship services, funerals and marriages. She is currently the Regional Command Chaplain, RSC-South, Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base.
Chaplain Threatt is currently the Shelter Systems Manager for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA). Her duties include managing the Winter Shelter Program, monitoring programs that provide services for the homeless and working with other organizations to end veteran homelessness.
Chaplain Threatt has 2 children, Zachary, age 28, (California State University, Fullerton) and Sarah age 25, (UCLA).