What made you want to become a member of the Alumni Board?
Veronica Alcorta ’96: Following my move back to Miami after living and working in New York, I was drawn to return to campus and reconnect with the community and school that gave me so much. I first volunteered with RE for several years by reaching out to alumni for the Fund for RE and serving as co-chair on my 20th high school reunion committee. Joining the Alumni Board was a natural next step to further my involvement in the school and strengthen ties with the RE community.

How long have you been on the Alumni Board?
VA: I'm starting my fifth year serving on the Alumni Board. 
DEA: I’m starting my sixth year serving on the Alumni Board, including the past four years as Secretary.

How has RE played a role in your life?
VA: RE played a significant role in shaping who I am today, not only by providing a solid academic foundation, but also fostering lifelong bonds and precious friendships that are with me to this day. Many of my closest friends are people I met during those years, including classmates from my brother's and cousin's classes which made the school community feel even more like family. I'll always be grateful for those enduring connections.
DEA: The values instilled in me at RE have guided me throughout my personal and professional life. The culture of always doing your best, the friendships I made, and the preparation for college and my career have all played a lasting role. RE helped build my work ethic and set the foundation for my academic and professional success.

What experience did you have at RE that stays with you to this day?
VA: I cherish my time on the volleyball team, which was coached by Penny Matthews. It taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, teamwork, and commitment. Balancing athletics with academics taught me organizational and time management skills that continue to benefit me today in my professional and personal life. 
DEA: The Outward Bound program is a hallmark of the RE experience, and in ninth grade it became one of my first lasting lessons. Being paired with classmates with different personalities and styles was an early teamwork experience as we navigated challenges together in the Everglades. The lessons I took, such as working toward a common goal, supporting each other, communicating effectively, adapting to challenges, and finding ways to work through disagreements, are skills that have stayed with me to this day.

What is happening at Ransom Everglades today that excites you?
VA: I'm thrilled to see more alumni back on campus and connect with current students, whether it's volunteering at Joshua's Heart in Coconut Grove in September or gathering at alumni weekend in the spring. Additionally, the growing professional connections and opportunities made on REConnect has been remarkable.  
DEA: I’m excited by RE’s continued commitment to innovative programs that prepare students to thrive, both personally and professionally. The school’s forward-thinking approach creates opportunities that shape students into successful, engaged members of their communities. I’m also excited about the strengthening of our alumni network, with more opportunities for alumni to connect with one another and with current students in meaningful ways that help guide and inspire the next generation.

As a Co-President, what are your goals for the next two years? 
VA: Building on what has already been established by our recent co-presidents, our focus is to continue connecting current students with alumni who can be a valuable resource in their area of expertise. Furthermore, we would love alumni to visit the school throughout the year and be accessible to current students. Whether it’s attending events, having lunch with students on campus, or simply stopping by, alumni involvement can have a lasting impact. 

DEA: I hope that over the next two years we can strengthen the alumni community by encouraging more engagement and involvement. We’d love to see more alumni attending RE events, participating in school programs, and joining our affinity groups to deepen their connections with each other. I’m also excited to create more opportunities for alumni to support current students to serve as a resource and help provide opportunities that will support their growth and success.

Which of the core initiatives do you relate to most from the RE way?
VA: Service and Outreach are the values that resonate with me the most. These are some of the values that helped shape the person I am today and have not only guided me in my professional and personal journey, but also inspired my efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and give back to the Coconut Grove community.
DEA: The RE Way and its core values really capture the spirit of the school and what makes it so special. The mission has always been about preparing students not just for academic success, but for a meaningful life of leadership, service, and connection. I connect most with Support & Community. RE has always been about the people, and that sense of connection is what keeps me involved. I love seeing alumni stay connected to each other and to the school. Finding new ways for us to engage with and support current students is something I’m most excited to continue developing as a member of the Alumni Board.