Pulse Leadership - SWEAT Equity

Dyotha Rene' Sweat was born in Franklin, Virginia and relocated with her parents to Paterson, New Jersey. Ms. Sweat enlisted in the United States Navy, where she would retire honorably after 24 years in the Navy at the rank of Navy Chief Petty Officer on June 30, 2010.

Ms. Sweat's distinguished military career includes several notable accomplishments for women serving in the United States military. In 1996, by the Executive order of President Clinton, Dyotha along with 20 female Sailors were assigned to the USS Vella Gulf (CG72) as the part of the integration of female Sailors to the Guided Missile Cruiser class ship. Making history again in 2005, she assumed the task of integrating the USS STETHEM (DDG 63) to serve at its first Female Chief Petty Officer. With this assignment she served as the lead IT, Senior Enlisted Female Advisor and EO liaison to the Commander Officer.

Community:
Since retiring from the Navy, Dyotha has dedicated her life, efforts and time to advocating for the rights of those disenfranchised. As a retired Veteran, Dyotha also has advocated female Veteran by addressing the disparities within this community. Dyotha served as the Charter President of Clinton Chapter of Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc. where she led past and present female service members in advocacy work and giving back to the community. The USS STETHEM holds a special place in her heart named in honor of fallen Navy Diver Robert D Stethem – killed in terrorist attack 1985 in Greece; Waldorf native and graduate of Charles County Public Schools (CCPS). She continues to honor his legacy by supporting the Robert D Stethem Education Center. And serves with the Stethem family as a member of the Stethem Scholarship program. Which awards two deserving CCPS students the local scholarship from Stethem's alumni Thomas Stone High School, the national scholarship one of the seven CCPS high schools. She coached youth basketball in Charles County for 7 years and served on the Board of two local Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball organizations. Dyotha served as inaugural JV Girls' basketball Head Coach at St Charles High School for the 2014 & 2015 season.

Advocacy:
Ms. Sweat served as President of the Charles County MD Branch of the NAACP from 2019-2026. Dyotha R. Sweat's leadership as President has inspired civil rights members and leaders across the nation. Her collaborative abilities in spaces of uncertainty and tension are unmatched. Her leadership extends beyond the Charles County; during the 116th National NAACP convention Ms. Sweat was appointed by members of the national board of directors to serve as Southern Maryland Regional Representative over Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George's and St. Mary's) Counties. In this role she mentored, guided and trained the branch leadership in organizational policy, processes and how to properly advocate for their respective communities. She served as the liaison between the local branch leadership and the national office in keeping the branch complaint. This level of leadership is a testament to her dedication to her community.

One of her most impactful contributions as President was her role in passing the Healthy kids campaign in partnership with the Charles County Dept of Health (CCDOH), Health Officer, Dr. Abney and Charles County Public School (CCPS), Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Navarro, Charles County Board of County Commissioners (CCBOC), American Heart Association (AHA), Center for Science and Public Interest (CSPI). This endeavor took countless hours of coordination, meetings and dedication which led to legislation being unanimously passed by the Charles County Board of Commissioners. The Legislation requires that all chain restaurants in Charles County must offer a healthy kids meal option on the kids' menu and serve a 6 oz sugary drink over the usual 8 oz sugary drink.

Ms. Sweat played a pivotal role Cracker Barrel Discrimination incident in Waldorf Maryland – She made provisions for the families to voice their issues with the Commission and representative from the Attorney General's office. Which led to the affect family's lawsuit being adjudicated in December 2025.

She is member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Southern Maryland (SMTLOD) Chapter and charter member for National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) section of Charles County and SoMD Chapter of the National Coalition for 100 Black Women (NCBW).

Ms. Sweat received the following awards in recognition for her dedicated community service:

• 2017 Female Veteran of the Year – Boots 2 Heels Organization
• 2019 Dream Team Award – Maryland State Conference NAACP
• 2020 Hall of Fame award – SMC TLOD
• 2021 Senatorial Commendation – Sen. Ellis (District 28)
• 2022 Humanitarian of the Year award – SMC TLOD
• 2023 Benjamin Hooks Keeper of the Flame – NAACP Labor Committee
• 2024 Community Service award Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority, Inc Theta Chapter
• 2025 Harriet Tubman Woman of the Year award – CBWCC