2025 Founders' Alumni Award for Distinguished Service to the Community

Early career stops at a community organization in Washington, D.C., and a service organization in Dallas helped inspire a passion for affordable housing: She saw first-hand that an affordable home is often the first step towards a better job, increased children’s educational opportunities, and improved mental and physical health.

In 2018, Lord joined Miami Homes For All as its executive director. The organization’s mission is to ensure that all Miami-Dade residents have a safe, affordable place to call home. It advocates for policies and provides programs that increase the amount of affordable housing and residents’ access to it. For her extensive and impactful work, Ransom Everglades named her the recipient of the Founders’ Award for Distinguished Service to the Community on May 23 at the 2025 Commencement. Chief Operating Officer David Clark ’86 lauded her work advocating for policies and providing programs that increase the amount of affordable housing and Miami residents’ access to it.

Upon receiving the award, Lord admonished members of the Class of 2025 to consider career paths in public service or, as she described it, as “goodness entrepreneurs.”

"I know from experience, there is no one better equipped to solve our society’s problems than you," Lord said. "You are the cavalry. And in the future, many of you will likely help run this city. I invite you to come home and lead it. I believe in each of you and your core values, your discernment, your effectiveness, and your vision to transform the ugliness in society into beauty. Whatever you choose in your life, I know you will contribute to the greater good."

Lord, who served as co-captain of the RE cross country team and loved theatre and singing in the chorus while at RE, lives in Coconut Grove with her husband and two sons, and her parents a few doors down. Her oldest son is a member of RE’s Class of 2032.