The Honorable Shelyna V. Brown is a sought-after presenter, panelist, and trainer with a passion for delivering God’s word in a unique and powerful way that provides relevant scripture-based teachings to enlighten, encourage, and empower individuals to live out God’s word. From a young age, growing up in a marginalized community, she saw first-hand the challenges and obstacles that those with similar backgrounds encountered in society. She came to the realization that in order to change the outcome, one had to have a strong faith in God and a place and a voice at the table.

Upon graduating from law school, Judge Brown served as a public defender fighting for all those who did not traditionally have a voice—the low income, the immigrant, those suffering from mental health challenges, anyone who did not have access to their constitutional right of appropriate representation. She argued several high-profile cases that were noted in the media and written about in local and regional publications. In 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown appointed Shelyna V. Brown to the bench in Santa Clara County.

Shelyna Brown is a licensed minister and has been an active member and ministerial leader of Maranatha Christian Center in San Jose, CA for almost 30 years. Her desire is simply to teach God’s word and equip God’s people with practical tools to live the abundant life they were created and destined to live.

Judge Brown has served on several boards and has been recognized for her excellence in advocacy and praised for her contributions to the community. She was awarded numerous honors and accolades, including Excellence in Advocacy from the 100 Black Women of Silicon Valley, the Ivy Rose Foundation named her the first recipient of the Distinguished Women of Silicon Valley Awards, and the Silicon Valley Business Journal listed her as one of the 100 Women of Influence. Judge Brown was honored by the Silicon Valley NAACP with the Wester Sweet Award for Legal Activism, she is the most recent recipient of the Santa Clara Law School Social Justice and Human Rights Award, and she received a Congressional Commendation from Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and in 2023 she received Congressional Recognition from Congressman Ro Khanna for her ten years of service as a Superior Court Judge in Santa Clara County. 

From churches to nonprofits to universities to global corporations including Stanford University, the Parent Project, and Gilead Sciences. Judge Brown uses her uncommon perspective as a superior court judge, certified mediator, entrepreneur, master coach, and woman of faith to inspire and equip individuals to meet and rise above all of life’s challenges.

Judge Brown received her Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Davis and her Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University, School of Law where she is a well-known figure and frequent speaker and guest lecturer.

Judge Brown is dedicated minister, community servant, advocate, and mentor. She welcomes any opportunity to enlighten, encourage and empower God’s people.