Back to All News
Back to All News
Dr. Delores Dacosta to Receive South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto
Published Date
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), will receive the Order of the Palmetto on September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the office of Governor Henry McMaster (South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201).
The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Established in 1971, it recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions with statewide or national impact.
A native of Awendaw, Dr. Dacosta has devoted her career to public service and strengthening communities across South Carolina. As Executive Director, she has guided the commission’s transformation into ADVANCE SC, expanding its work in community engagement, research, small business support, and partnerships that connect residents with opportunity.
“I am deeply grateful for this honor,” Dr. Dacosta said. “I am who I am because of the deposits so many people have made in my life. My name may be on this award, but their fingerprints are all over the journey that brought me here. I look forward to continuing to walk together in service to the people of South Carolina.”
About ADVANCE SC
The South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement’s mission is to strengthen South Carolina’s rural and under-resourced communities by providing comprehensive research, community-centered strategies, and collaborative partnerships aimed at creating an economically prosperous future. For more information, visit https://advance.sc.gov/.
WHAT: Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of theSouth Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), to receive the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, from Governor Henry McMaster.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Governor’s Office, South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201
WHO: Order of the Palmetto recipient Dr. Delores Dacosta, Governor Henry McMaster, and invited guests
CONTACT: For more information, call Shireese M. Bell, Public Information Director, at 803-563-0283 or sbell@advance.sc.gov.
Dr. Delores Dacosta Receives SC’s Highest Civilian Honor
Read Full ArticleCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), has been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Governor Henry McMaster recognized Dacosta during a ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the South Carolina State House.
-
Dr. Delores Dacosta to Receive South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto
Read Full ArticleCOLUMBIA, S.C. — Dr. Delores Dacosta, Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement (ADVANCE SC), will receive the Order of the Palmetto on September 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the office of Governor Henry McMaster (South Carolina State House, 1100 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201).
The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Established in 1971, it recognizes a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions with statewide or national impact.
-
SCCMA Advisory Committee Meetings
Read Full ArticleFor Immediate Release
October 13, 2022
Contact: Shireese M. Bell at 803-563-0283 or sbell@cma.sc.govThe South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs will hold the following virtual Advisory Committee meetings during the month of October:
-
SCCMA Board of Commissioners Meeting
Read Full ArticleFor Immediate Release
June 21, 2022
Contact: Shireese M. Bell, Director of Public Information, at 803-563-0283 or sbell@cma.sc.govThe South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs Board of Commissioners will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 2 p.m.