A college scholarship for high school students participating in United Way was named in her honor.[5][6] An emergency support fund for students who have contributed to inclusion at Springfield College was also established in her name.[7]
Heard has received the Others Award, the highest civilian award from the Salvation Army, the National Public Citizen of the Year award, the Warren Bennis award for Outstanding Leadership among others for her leadership.[1] Heard was inducted into the National Association of Corporate Directors' Hall of Fame in 2016.
In 2023, she was recognized as one of "Boston’s most admired, beloved, and successful Black Women leaders" by the Black Women Lead project.[8][9]