Alexia Bacon serves as DMSF’s Director of College Counseling, bringing nearly a decade of experience in college and career advising. A first-generation college graduate, Alexia is deeply committed to educational equity and empowering students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations. Before joining DMSF, she served as Program Manager for Post-Secondary Success at iMentor, where she supported mentor-mentee pairs in navigating post-secondary pathways, developed advising strategies and resources, and led training initiatives for staff, students, and mentors in the Chicago region. Alexia also worked at North Lawndale College Prep High School as a College Counselor and Alumni Coordinator. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Carthage College and a Master of Education in Youth Development from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Alexia believes that first-generation students face unique challenges navigating a system not designed for them. To address these obstacles, she creates mindful programming that supports students as scholars while fostering a holistic sense of self and identity. By balancing data-driven systems with honoring student voices, Alexia strives to ensure that Murphy Scholars are equipped to thrive on their journeys to and through college.