An Engineer for Wellness

What does it take to help thousands of families live healthier, happier lives? For DeVonne “Dee” Sorel, the answer is to become “an engineer for community wellness.”  

An alum of the University of Northern Iowa’s leisure, youth and human services (LYHS) MA program–now recreation administration–Sorel has served youth and families around the world, expanded childcare and college prep programs, and gained life-long gratitude from people along the way.

Sorel initially pursued a career in healthcare, studying business and health at Albany State University. “I was just a girl from Georgia wanting to help people,” she said. 

During college, she spent her summers with youth on military bases through Camp Adventure Child and Youth Services, a global program headquartered (1985-2020) at University of Northern Iowa. In Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and beyond, she guided kids through sports, art, theater and other activities.

“The kids who are ‘always in trouble' are the ones who need you the most,” Sorel learned.  Years later, she still hears from Camp Adventure youth: “They tell me, ‘I remember you played horse [a basketball game] with me during time out. You listened to me and didn’t reprimand me.’”

After graduating from Albany State in 2008, Sorel entered healthcare management, but continued to connect with Camp Adventure. A conversation with UNI professor and Camp Adventure founder and director Chris Edginton ultimately changed her direction. “He told me I was in the wrong field, and he was right,” she said. “My business career was not as fulfilling as working with youth.”  

Sorel left her job and enrolled in UNI’s LYHS master’s program where she gained more hands-on experience and found a framework for making a difference. While working with Camp Adventure, she put program design and leadership theories into practice, and they soon became "second nature." She also developed skills in grant writing, fundraising and managing finances. She even became a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP).

After earning her master's degree in 2016, Sorel stayed in Iowa, continuing her work in youth and community services. At Exceptional Persons, Inc., as a program manager and brain injury specialist, she designed service plans for adults with disabilities. “My clients were people who often get pushed to the side,” she said, “But I got to know them, discovered their sense of humor and helped them live well. This was very meaningful to their families. I still get Christmas cards from some of them.”   

She later joined the Black Hawk County (Iowa) YMCA as the senior director for youth development. There, she launched new initiatives and expanded access to childcare, food and other programs. Sorel describes this work in part as “community resource development,” bringing people, funding and programs together to meet real needs.  

Her success in Iowa soon led her to the YMCA of Greater Louisville where she was tasked with creating new, thriving programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In five years we went from a complete shutdown of zero families enrolled to now serving 500-plus youth annually and became a nationally awarded and recognized premier youth program,” explained Sorel. 

Today, as the senior director of youth development, Sorel leads initiatives such as the local chapter of YMCA Black Achievers, which serves 500 families in 75 different Louisville zip codes.  Black Achievers supports high school students who may not see themselves as top performers, but have the potential to attend–and succeed in–college.  She helps students discover that their vision of themselves, “their power of belief,”  combined with resources makes them “an unstoppable force.”  Her team organizes college tours and continues to mentor students through admission and enrollment.

She is currently leading efforts to raise $2 million in scholarships to support 72 students.  In recognition of her life-changing impact on youth in the Black Achievers program, Sorel received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2024. 

Sorel’s work at the YMCA reflects the breadth of the recreation profession. On any given day, Sorel may be reviewing budgets, visiting schools to mentor students, traveling to another country as a dignitary, or helping organize a baptism in the pool. All of this helps people live well.

This idea has guided her career. “Health care only goes so far,” she explained. “Medical treatment will not help you live a meaningful life.” Recreation and community does.

Sorel credits her time at UNI and her professional experiences in Iowa in shaping how she approaches her work. “There was no tunnel vision in Iowa,” said Sorel. “If I hadn’t learned the things I learned in Iowa, I wouldn’t be able to do the things I’m doing today.”

“While Camp Adventure, which made such a difference in Dee’s career, is no longer in operation, its legacy continues to shape how UNI prepares students,” explained Kathleen Scholl, professor of recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership. “Our in-person recreation administration MA gives students opportunities to combine field experience with academics.”

Graduate students have been facility managers for the UNI recreation center, assisted intercollegiate athletic teams and conducted research with community organizations and church youth groups. Others have worked as graduate assistants (GA) for UNI’s Outdoor Adventures, Student Wellness and other campus programs. “I love watching our grad students grow as they teach a class in backpacking, rock climbing or hip hop fitness,” said Scholl.  

Sorel encourages current and future graduate students to seek mentorship and make the most of any job experience. “I always say, ‘ If you can run a preschool, you can run a Fortune 500 company.’ And I stand by that,” said Sorel.