Taunton Women Honored at Black Excellence Event

Patricia Juba and Talisa Proctor recognized for community contributions

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:04am

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Two Taunton women, Patricia Juba and Talisa Proctor, were honored at the Massachusetts State House's annual "Black Excellence on the Hill" event for their positive impacts on the local community. Juba founded the nonprofit A Life Worth Living, which empowers women and families dealing with homelessness and other challenges, while Proctor opened a wine bar called Talisa's on Main that has become a hub for local entrepreneurs and community events.

Why it matters

The Black Excellence on the Hill event celebrates leaders and trailblazers who are making a difference in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Recognizing the work of Juba and Proctor highlights the important contributions of women, especially women of color, who are driving positive change at the local level.

The details

Patricia Juba founded the nonprofit A Life Worth Living in 2017, inspired by her own experiences with poverty, addiction, and becoming a young mother. The organization provides mentoring, coaching, and other resources to empower women and families dealing with homelessness and other challenges. Talisa Proctor opened her wine bar, Talisa's on Main, in downtown Taunton in 2024. What started as a simple wine bar has evolved into a collaborative space hosting local artisans, networking events, and community gatherings.

  • The Black Excellence on the Hill event was held on February 27, 2026.
  • A Life Worth Living is holding a Back to Work clothing drive at the Taunton Public Library on March 28, 2026.

The players

Patricia Juba

Founder and CEO of the Taunton nonprofit A Life Worth Living, Corp., which she started in 2017 to help empower women and families dealing with homelessness and other challenges.

Talisa Proctor

Owner of Talisa's on Main wine bar in downtown Taunton, which has become a hub for local entrepreneurs and community events.

Lisa Field

State Representative who nominated Patricia Juba for the Black Excellence on the Hill award.

Kelly Dooner

State Senator who nominated Talisa Proctor for the Black Excellence on the Hill award.

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What they’re saying

“My own journey has shown me that, with the right support, life is indeed worth living, and through our mission, every woman we serve will come to discover this truth for herself, finding the strength to embrace a future full of hope and purpose.”

— Patricia Juba, Founder and CEO, A Life Worth Living

“Talisa's has become more than a wine bar. It's become a popular collaborative space, ranging from local artisans being allowed a place to sell their products, to hosting networking nights for aspiring entrepreneurs, to hosting seminars, workshops, and charitable and fundraising events, to organizations holding their meetings in her bar.”

— Talisa Proctor, Owner, Talisa's on Main

“I nominated Patricia Juba for the award to honor her dedication to empowering women and families through mentorship, transformative work and holistic support. The 'Black Excellence on the Hill' award highlights her significant contributions to our community and her commitment to making a positive impact.”

— Lisa Field, State Representative

What’s next

A Life Worth Living is currently raising funds to open a transitional living facility called Pathway to Purpose for vulnerable single mothers.

The takeaway

The recognition of Patricia Juba and Talisa Proctor at the Black Excellence on the Hill event showcases the important work being done by women, especially women of color, to uplift their local communities in Taunton and across Massachusetts.