Keller Williams Realty, LLC (KW), the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, announces Alexia “Lexie” Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares^®, a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support the KW community and their families, has been recognized as a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award winner.

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Alexia “Lexie” Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares, has been recognized as a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award winner.

“Lexie’s leadership has continued to elevate KW Cares into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations across all industries,” said Chris Czarnecki, CEO and president, KW. “She has ensured KW-affiliated associates and their families have meaningful support when it matters most.”

The 2025 Vanguards were chosen by HousingWire’s editorial team in collaboration with a panel of respected industry professionals. Winners were selected for their contributions to guide their organizations through market headwinds while delivering transformative results.

“The 2025 HousingWire Vanguards exemplify what it means to lead with vision and resilience,” said Sarah Wheeler, Editor-in-Chief, HousingWire.

Over the past year, Rodriguez has continued to transform KW Cares with forward-thinking initiatives, including the establishment of a $14 million Reserve Investment Fund. Her leadership drove a 10% increase in market centers meeting tithing goals, strengthening the foundation’s capacity to serve.

In July, KW and KW Cares donated $150,000 to support flood relief efforts in Central Texas.

In 2024, KW Cares awarded 497 emergency grants and 141 catastrophic hardship grants to KW^® associates and their dependent families facing financial hardship due to a sudden emergency. In total, KW Cares awarded more than $4.8 million in grants and disaster relief last year.

Beyond KW, Rodriguez serves on four nonprofit boards, including TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue), Austin New Church, the PTSA for Austin High School, and the Austin High Football Booster Club.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a HousingWire Vanguard, but this award truly belongs to the Keller Williams family, who make KW Cares possible,” said Rodriguez. “Every dollar, every volunteer hour, and every act of generosity ensures we can stand beside our agents and their families in their greatest times of need.”

“And, a very special thank you to our incredible staff and board members who are the driving force of all we accomplish at KW Cares,” said Rodriguez.

Since 2003, KW Cares has provided over $67.0 million in assistance through more than 7,300 grants to KW^® agents and families. KW Cares is funded primarily through KW^® agents who donate a portion of their real estate commissions.

KW Cares has received the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest recognition awarded to charitable organizations, from Candid, a nonprofit research group. KW Cares maintains a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the world’s largest nonprofit evaluator.

About KW Cares

KW Cares is a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support KW^® associates and their families through hardships they experience as a result of a sudden emergency.

This charity is at the heart of Keller Williams’ culture in action—finding and serving the higher purpose of business through charitable giving in the market centers and communities where associates live and work.

About Keller Williams

Austin, Texas-based Keller Williams Realty, LLC is the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count. It has more than 1,000 market center offices and 162,000 affiliated agents. The franchise is No. 1 in units and sales volume in the U.S.

Since 1983, the company has cultivated an agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture that rewards affiliated agents. For more information, visit kwri.kw.com.

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“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a HousingWire Vanguard, but this award truly belongs to the Keller Williams family, who make KW Cares possible,” said Rodriguez.