Dr. Tilantine Benjamin serves as the Branch Chief of People Programs for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
in Raleigh, NC. In this role, she leads Veterinary Services (VS) initiatives in
leadership and career development, recruitment and outreach, succession
planning, executive development, and student programs. Her efforts focus on
driving long-term strategic plans that align with VS human capital goals, ensuring
the optimization and growth of the organization’s workforce. Dr. Benjamin
previously served with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where she made
history as the first African American woman to earn Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
certification. Her work in optimizing and standardizing agency processes led to
multimillion-dollar cost savings and earned her multiple commendations from
MDA executives. As Chairperson of the Diversity, Wellness, and Morale Advisory
Council, Dr. Benjamin spearheaded the creation of the MDA Executive Mentorship Program and was honored with the 2016 Diversity, Wellness, and Morale Award for her significant contributions to the agency’s culture and inclusivity.
Dr. Benjamin began her career as a K-12 educator and instructional technologist, earning numerous accolades, including recognition from a former Maryland governor for her excellence as a math and science teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity Washington University, and a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Towson University. Dr. Benjamin earned her doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, specializing in Organizational Development. Her dissertation, Influence of Black Greek Letter Organizations on Executive Core Qualification Leadership Practices, was inspired by the underrepresentation of African Americans in federal government leadership roles.
Dr. Benjamin holds a Defense Acquisition Program Management Level II certification and is a graduate of the Tennessee Valley Diversity Leadership Colloquium (Cohort 3), the 2021 USF Muma College of Business Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program, and the 2019 African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) Fellows Program. She currently serves as the Assistant Deputy Director of Membership Recruitment & Reclamation for AAFEA and was honored with the prestigious AAFEA Tracey Pinson Trailblazer Award in 2021.
Dr. Benjamin, a best-selling author and certified spiritual life coach, is driven by the guiding principle, “Blessed to Be a Blessing,” which she embodies through her work and service to others. As an active philanthropist, she leads as the Executive Director of the Pearls of Wisdom and Educational Resources Foundation. Dr. Benjamin’s dedication extends to serving as a licensed foster parent, youth mentor, and supportive coach to colleagues pursuing doctoral degrees. Her leadership within the National Pan-Hellenic Council of North Alabama as Immediate Past President and her commitment to Zeta Phi Beta
Sorority, Incorporated as a Diamond Life Member showcase her longstanding service. Within Zeta, she has held roles such as International Director of Recommendations, was part of the Centennial International Interfaith Team, and now serves as the North Carolina Leadership Training & Development Coordinator and President of the Chi Xi Zeta Chapter in Clayton, North Carolina. Dr. Benjamin has served in a number of leadership roles at The Fellowship of Faith Church in Huntsville, AL, where she was ordained as a deacon and an associate minister.
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