The following is a list of awards received by SMSC and Debra Emerson, Chief Executive Officer.

2015:
  • City of El Cajon – Citation Award for Community Partner
2014:
  • The East County Californian – Silver Star for Best Non-Profit Organization & Garden/Nursery
2013:
  • The East County Californian – Best Non-Profit Organization
2011:
  • San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce – Non-Profit of the Year Award – This was the first year for the award and SMSC was the inaugural recipient.
2010:
  • San Diego Union Tribune Reader’s Poll – Sophie’s Gallery named as “Best Local Gallery – To Buy”
  • San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year Award – Debra Turner Emerson named as one of top 20 finalists.
2009
  • YWCA’s TWIN Award (Tribute to Women in Industry) – Debra Turner Emerson won award
  • San Diego Visual Arts Network – Debra Turner Emerson  won “Movers & Shakers: Who’s Who in the San Diego Visual Art World – 2009”
2008
  • Oprah’s Big Give San Diego – SMSC won out of field of 80 San Diego County non-profits (received $10,000 matching award)
  • San Diego Business Journal – Debra Turner Emerson won Women in Leadership Award
  • San Diego Business Journal – Debra Turner Emerson named as a Finalist for CEO Award
2007
  • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce – Sophie’s Gallery won Outstanding Community Involvement Award/Small Business Award Category
2006
  • San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership Award – Debra Turner Emerson won in Art and Culture category
  • United Way of San Diego County Zanville Award — SMSC’s Organic Garden won award
2005 
  • San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce – Debra Turner Emerson won in Women in Leadership Award/Education Category
  • Non-Profit Management Solutions – SMSC won Organizational Development Award
  • San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce – SMSC’s Sophie’s Gallery received Honorable Mention for Most Innovative Product/Marketing category
  • Magnolia Award for Arts & Business Partnership of the Year – SMSC’s Sophie’s Gallery won for partnership with Bread & Cie Gallery and Café
2001
  • Soroptimists – Debra Turner Emerson won Woman of Distinction Award
  • City of Santee – Debra Turner Emerson won Woman of Distinction  Award
  • Dale Carnegie Outstanding Performer – Debra Turner Emerson won award