Her Story
About Dr
Dr. Dolores DaCosta is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Commission for Community Advancement and Engagement, where she has led the restructuring and growth of the agency since 2018, expanding it from a small operation with a budget under one million dollars to a team of 30 with a budget exceeding five million dollars. Her career spans more than 45 years in public service, beginning as a Charleston City police officer, followed by service as a Charleston County Magistrate, 20 years on Capitol Hill as chief of staff for a member of Congress, and later as regional director for a U.S. Senator. She earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina as the first in her family to do so, a master's in Public Administration, and a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University School of Business and Leadership. Additional training includes executive management from Yale, diversity equity and inclusion from Cornell University, the John Maxwell Leadership Program, and Leadership South Carolina. Dr. DaCosta has received the Governor's Order of the Palmetto for her public service contributions and remains active in community initiatives such as the Raising Up the Lowcountry foundation and church ministries focused on children's welfare and women's empowerment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from determination as an African-American female from a rural poor community, remembering my childhood and the little old ladies who said go as far as you can, don't stop, don't look back, don't be afraid, just do it, and always take God with you. My passion to serve people and see the fruits of my labor keeps me going.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Walk into any situation with your eyes wide open. Don't allow fear to keep you from accomplishing your goals. Use fear as a stepping stone leading to something greater. I was afraid a lot of times but I did not allow that fear to overcome me. I allowed my faith to take the front seat and I just stepped out on faith and kept moving.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include developing budgets and getting buy-in from governor and General Assembly, working across party lines. Reputation built over years helps as people respect me. Proving myself in male-dominated environments like law enforcement made me stronger.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, trust, trustworthiness, living at a level or standard that is acceptable anywhere I go, work ethics, communications and people skills. I can walk into a room filled with strangers and come out with a friend.
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