The Order of the Palmetto, established in 1971, is awarded in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions of statewide or national significance. This once-in-a-lifetime distinction honors individuals whose dedication and impact have strengthened the fabric and prosperity of South Carolina.
Southern Visions Realty was honored to serve as a sponsor of the award ceremony held on February 18, 2026 in Columbia, where community leaders, elected officials, business professionals, and family gathered to recognize Mrs. Sumpter’s decades of leadership and service.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
For more than 20 years, Diane E. Sumpter has served as a catalyst for change in South Carolina and beyond. As a respected business leader, she has focused on economic development while advocating for small, minority, and women-owned businesses throughout the state.
Under her leadership, DESA, Inc., founded in 1986 by Sumpter, has grown from a small local enterprise into a successful and diverse corporate entity operating across three states. DESA provides comprehensive services from project conception to completion, including conference and event management, construction project management, facilities support and maintenance, and administrative support to federal, state, municipal, and private entities.
Since its founding, DESA has been awarded professional service contracts with numerous federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Minority Business Development Agency, the U.S. Department of the Army, the U.S. Department of the Air Force, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Small Business Administration, along with many private-sector partners.
Champion for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
Mrs. Sumpter’s commitment to advancing minority and women-owned businesses is evident through her leadership of the South Carolina Minority Business Development Center, operated by DESA. For more than a decade, the Center has supported businesses by identifying opportunities, providing guidance, and serving as a liaison to facilitate long-term growth and sustainability.
Her service extends well beyond the business community. A board and life member of the NAACP, Mrs. Sumpter has also served on numerous boards, including:
- South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce
- South Carolina Council on Competitiveness
- South Carolina Minority Contractors Association
- East Richland County Public Service District
- Partners in Education for Richland County School District Two
Her dedication to educational advancement and cultural awareness has left a lasting impact on communities across the Midlands.
Southern Visions Realty is especially proud of the connection between our leadership and Mrs. Sumpter’s service. Our owner and founder, Robby Wilkins, has had the privilege of serving alongside Diane Sumpter on the Midlands Technical College Commission Board. Through that service, he has witnessed firsthand her commitment to education, workforce development, and economic opportunity for all South Carolinians.
“Diane Sumpter’s leadership is both visionary and grounded in service,” said Robby Wilkins. “Her impact on our state, particularly in economic development and business advocacy, is extraordinary. It has been an honor to serve with her and to support this well-deserved recognition.”
A Lifetime of Achievement
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Mrs. Sumpter moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She earned both her undergraduate degree in English and her graduate degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina. A lifelong learner, she has completed numerous professional development courses throughout her distinguished career.
Her previous recognitions include being named one of the “People to Watch in Business in the Midlands” by The State newspaper, receiving the 2002 Top Performance Award for the South Carolina Statewide Minority Business Development Center, the AS-Salaam Construction Education Foundation’s Community Service Award, and the 2003 Visionary Service Award.
The Order of the Palmetto now stands as a crowning achievement in a career defined by integrity, service, and impact.
Celebrating Excellence in the Midlands
At Southern Visions Realty, we believe in celebrating leaders who shape our communities for the better. Diane E. Sumpter exemplifies the very spirit of the Order of the Palmetto—selfless service, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to South Carolina.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Sumpter and her family on this remarkable honor. Her legacy continues to inspire business leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and community advocates across Lexington, Columbia, and throughout our great state.
Southern Visions Realty is proud to stand beside leaders like Diane Sumpter who help build a stronger South Carolina for generations to come.
