Deborah Dorsett Receives Network Legacy Award, Congressional Resolution

Pictured: Honoree Deborah Dorsett and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee (Photo Credit: Brandon Gines)

In addition to the Legacy Award, Dorsett received a Congressional Resolution presented by the Honorable Frederica S. Wilson, representing Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee presented Debbie with a Miami-Dade County Commendation.

The Corps Network – the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps announced the winners of the 2023 Legacy Achievement Award, Corpsmember of the Year Award, and Project of the Year Award. Honorees were recognized in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, March, at the Corps Network 2023 National Conference.

The Legacy Achievement Award recognizes exceptional leadership and career achievements in the Corps community. Honorees have worked for at least 15 years in the corps world, served in a senior leadership position at a corps, and made significant contributions to the national movement. Awardees are recommended by their peers in the corps community. The Legacy Award honorees included the Virgin Islands native Deborah “Debbie” Dorsett, executive director of Greater Miami Service Corps in Miami, Fla. 

In addition to the Legacy Award, Dorsett received a Congressional Resolution presented by the Honorable Frederica S. Wilson, representing Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee presented Debbie with a Miami-Dade County Commendation.

Debbie Dorsett has led Greater Miami Service Corps (GMSC) with strength and compassion for nearly 20 years. She has been with the Greater Miami Service Corps for over 25 years. Her other responsibilities include leading the organization’s development efforts, grant implementation, contract management and job training and social services delivery. Debbie has guided GMSC in creating vital career pathways and developing meaningful partnerships with the city, local employers and other supporters.

Within the Corps community, Dorsett is recognized as a mentor, a champion for today’s young adults, and a powerful advocate for the resources needed to support those who may face barriers on their career and education journey.

Honoree Deborah Dorsett and Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (Photo Credit: Brandon Gines)

Dorsett has served in numerous leadership positions through more than 30 years in public administration, including the former chair of the Corps Network Board of Directors. She currently serves as a member of the Corps Network Board of Directors; as a member of The Corps Council; as assistant treasurer of the Women’s Involved in Service to Humanity (WISH) Foundation; as vice chairman of NieCat Foundation of Excellence; as vice president of the Florida YouthBuild Coalition; and chair of the Risk Management Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority — Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter.

In 2019, she received recognition from Legacy Miami Magazine as one of the 50 top influential Black business leaders in Miami-Dade County. She also received the Public Official of the Year Award.

Deborah Dorsett is a 1986 graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Florida Memorial University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management from St. Thomas University in Florida. She is the daughter of Mr. George and Oxculine Dorsett of St. Thomas, USVI.