Dr. Alice Murillo, SMCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, was honored by the non-profit organization, The Neighborhood Developers (TND), on September 18 at their 2025 Raise the Roof celebration to highlight local leadership.
The Neighborhood Developers is based in Massachusetts where they serve the communities by promoting economic diversity, opportunity and quality of life through their work in transforming and building neighborhoods. Dr. Murillo is being recognized for her many years of hard work and dedication to the TND Board of Directors.
“I served on the The Neighborhood Developers Board (TND), a Community Development Corporation (CDC), for eight years and six of those years as Board Chair, working closely with Executive Director Rafael Mares,” said Dr. Murillo. “TND's work focuses on promoting affordable housing through construction projects and related support services to ensure families thrive.”
Dr. Murillo’s commitment and expertise during her time on the Board proved to have lasting effects on the growth of the organization as she helped design and implement strategic plans and provided guidance in materializing their ideas and goals.
The mission of TND is one that hits close to home for Dr. Murillo who recognizes the significance of the meaningful work they do for the community and the direct impact it has on people.
“Having experienced episodes of housing insecurity as a child, I understood the need for families to have a place to call home as a starting point for self-efficacy,” said Dr. Murillo. “Not everyone has extended family members who can fill the gap like I did, so as a community we have to step up and make a difference for the single parent, immigrant, low income and disabled members who need a hand,”
The Raise the Roof event will take place in Chelsea, Massachusetts on September 18 where Dr. Murillo’s work will not only be commemorated by the community but it will present an opportunity for her to reflect on the years of service she provided.
“I am honored to have been able to serve the cities of Chelsea and Revere through the work of the professional, strong and dedicated teams at TND,” said Dr. Murillo.