 Aisha's journey from the vibrant neighborhoods of Harvey and Markham to her current role as a lawyer and member of the DMSF Board of Directors showcases the transformative power of education and community support. Her commitment to lifelong learning and her passion for giving back are rooted in the values instilled by her family and mentors throughout her life. Today, Aisha exemplifies the principles of leadership she embraced as a Murphy Scholar, making significant strides in her professional endeavors while uplifting and empowering those around her. We sat down with Aisha to learn about her journey, and here’s what she had to say. Q: Let’s start with your background. Can you tell us about where you grew up and your family? Aisha Smith: I grew up in the Harvey and Markham area, and I often lump them together because we lived in both places during my childhood. At one point, Harvey was recognized as one of the murder capitals in the U.S., which contrasted sharply with how my family experienced it. My parents worked hard to keep my sister and me in private Catholic schools, which meant a lot of sacrifices. They didn’t go to college but prioritized education for us from a young age, teaching us how to learn and instilling a love for knowledge. Despite our challenges, my family’s commitment to education laid the foundation for my future.
Q: It’s great to hear how your family values education. Speaking of which, how did you first find out about DMSF? Aisha Smith: I had a fantastic teacher named Frank Rezo in eighth grade who introduced me to DMSF. He would choose one or two students each year to share the application, and I was fortunate enough to be selected. My family didn’t know much about boarding school, but Frank believed I could succeed, which meant the world to me. Q: How did DMSF impact your life? Aisha Smith: I know the DMSF scholarship completely changed the trajectory of my life. It's clear when I go back home and see people who haven't had the opportunity to leave. The state of schools hasn't improved much, and you meet brilliant people whose only difference is that they didn’t have the same opportunities. DMSF reinforced my belief in myself and supported my potential in a way I truly needed and will always appreciate. The organization has a deep commitment to ensuring kids grow up in safe school environments and understands how crucial that is. I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without the scholarship and the incredible resources and community that come with being a Daniel Murphy scholar. You get a built-in network of people who cheer you on during transformative experiences. Without those resources, it can be a lonely road, and sometimes it makes the difference between finishing or not. Daniel Murphy scholars are brave, creative, and resilient, and they make things look easy because they’re supported by such an amazing organization.  Q: What does leadership mean to you and what is a way that you've practiced leadership in your life that you attribute a lot of your growth to? Aisha Smith: In terms of my leadership style, I focus on listening to all perspectives rather than positioning myself as the one in charge. For example, at a family dinner, even though I was treating, I sat in the middle of the table instead of the head. I do this at work too because I prefer to understand everyone’s needs and mold a consensus that works for all. I believe people are looking for partnership and collaboration, not to be coerced. Servant leadership, where you bring people along with you, is more effective than a top-down approach. This is a value I learned from Daniel Murphy and my school experiences. These environments prioritized pulling people toward their best selves, and that's the type of leader I strive to be. It's how I carry the lessons of Daniel Murphy and Concord Academy into the world. Q: What motivated you to pursue the boarding school path? Aisha Smith: Initially, my family was hesitant, thinking I’d stay closer to home. But when I visited Concord Academy during the admitted student weekend, we all fell in love with the environment. The rule was that if I got homesick or it didn’t work out, I could always come home. But I wanted to embrace the opportunity, so I gave it a shot. Q: What was your experience like at Concord Academy, and were there any challenges? Aisha Smith: My experience was incredible! At first, I was so excited about everything. Concord had a mission centered around a love of learning and that is embedded in everything they do, which resonated with me. It wasn’t until the pressures of college applications hit in my junior year that I started feeling anxious. Q: What activities were you involved in while at Concord Academy? Aisha Smith: I made great friends and even stepped out of my comfort zone by trying out for cross-country—something I never would have done anywhere else. I served as freshman class president and remained involved in student government throughout my time at Concord. Being part of Black and multicultural student affinity groups was really important to me, especially since students of color made up only about 3% of the population. Supportive mentors like my advisor, Mr. Nesbit, helped me feel like I belonged. I also played basketball—well, more like supported the team—but by senior year, I ran for and was elected student head of school, essentially the student body president for the entire campus. That was a huge deal for me, as I believe I was one of the first, if not the first, Black person to hold that role. I wanted to help bridge the gap between what we were saying we could do and what the school was truly capable of. That experience was really meaningful to me. I was also involved in a lot of school dances—apologies to my teachers who had to endure that <laughs>. And I took French, which I loved, thanks to my amazing French teacher.  Q: What did you learn about yourself after trying all the news things at Concord? Aisha Smith: What surprised me about being in student leadership was that I never saw myself as someone who challenges the status quo or sets an example. I was simply following my passions. It was others' reactions that made me realize I might be doing something different. It’s probably better that I didn’t overthink it because that would have overwhelmed me. Running for class president against popular peers and recognizing the cultural dynamics at play was a challenge. It took a lot of asking for help, practice, and convincing myself that not only did I deserve to be there, but that I needed to be there to represent those who looked like me and to serve the student body. That’s when I learned that I could be a "healthy troublemaker"—someone who can disrupt in a positive way. This has remained true in many of the work environments I’ve been in since. Q: Did you know that you wanted to go into law? If not, what helped inform that decision for you? Aisha Smith: I was always drawn to something related to policy or governance because I understood the impact it has on people's everyday lives. Once I notice something isn’t working as it should, I can’t let it go until I try to fix it. I’m pretty sure I knew I wanted to go to law school, especially after being mentored by Judge Epstein. Whether we were paired while I was a scholar or after, that mentorship solidified my path toward law or policy after graduation.
Q: We are thrilled to see you as a Murphy Alumna join DMSF’s Board of Directors. What motivated you to join this Board and what is something you hope to bring to the organization in this role? Aisha Smith: This is my first official board appointment in the nonprofit space. As a first-gen college student and lawyer, it took some time before I felt ready to serve in this way. But DMSF was the first organization that truly invested in me, so it made perfect sense to give back here. I get so much joy from seeing and hearing about the newer classes of Scholars—they’re incredibly impressive. It’s amazing to see how the caliber of Scholars has risen over time and how the organization has grown. I can’t think of a better place to invest my time, especially since DMSF has already given so much to me. I also love that many DMSF alumni are now part of the staff—it’s a voice that adds so much value to the scholars' experiences, something we didn’t have when the organization was younger. For me, board service isn’t just about expanding my network—it’s about supporting an organization that’s deeply aligned with my passions and the change I want to see in the community. Q: Why should people support DMSF? Aisha Smith: What's on my mind are the recent challenges to admitting students from backgrounds like ours into elite schools, colleges, and law schools. It's frustrating because the demographics never really came close to threatening the majority, yet there's a risk that these environments will become less accessible to students from our backgrounds. That’s why Daniel Murphy has never been more important—it ensures that the progress we’ve made continues. The world shouldn't miss out on brilliant kids just because they weren’t born into the right circumstances. There are so many ways you can spend your time and resources, but few have the direct impact on individual lives and communities like DMSF does. Daniel Murphy scholars go on to accomplish amazing things, and the support they receive from donors is unparalleled. While there are big nonprofits out there, none have the direct, intimate impact that DMSF has on its scholars. If you don’t already know about Daniel Murphy, you should—because the way they manage the organization and support scholars is truly exceptional. As we wrap up our conversation with Aisha Smith, it's clear that her journey from the neighborhoods of Harvey and Markham to becoming a successful business owner and DMSF board member is a testament to the power of resilience, education, and community support. Aisha's story highlights how the values of leadership and commitment to giving back, nurtured through the Murphy Scholar program, continue to guide her as she empowers others in their pursuits.
Aisha Smith's journey is not just about personal success; it's about creating a legacy of empowerment and possibility for future generations. Thank you, Aisha, for sharing your inspiring story with us!
Q: What inspired you to bring the first “Project Prom” to DMSF? A: The inspiration came from my senior year at McAuley. Tuition had increased significantly, adding financial strain to my mom, a single parent of four. When prom season arrived, it was stressful due to tuition deadlines and other expenses. McAuley had a dress drive, which helped a bit, but the dresses still cost something. I thought a DMSF dress drive should be free. We were getting many requests for financial assistance from seniors who couldn’t buy prom tickets due to outstanding balances, and it reminded me of my own struggles. I know how it feels to want to take some of the burden off of your parents when you know that they're doing everything that they can. Prom is supposed to be fun. Q: That's very thoughtful. How did you envision the Project Prom event? A: I wanted it to be a personal shopping experience, like a boutique. There would be snacks, drinks, shoes, purses, jewelry, and dressing rooms. I aimed for it to be fun, not something they felt they had to do out of necessity. My vision was for the girls to find everything they needed for prom without any stress.
Q: Given your experience, what impact does attending prom have on a scholar’s high school experience? A: Prom is a rite of passage. It’s a celebration of all the hard work and accomplishments over the past four years. For me, it was the reward at the end of my journey, kind of just like a big celebration for me. Like everything that I had been working for for the past four years, I had accomplished and prom was my celebration. I didn’t want the girls to have to choose between paying tuition or going to prom. Everyone should experience that special moment. Q: What did it take to put together Project Prom? A: It took a dedicated team. Even though I came up with the idea, I needed a lot of help. Planning events isn’t our main job; my role is to coordinate with partner schools, families, and scholars. Despite the extra work, everyone recognized the need and was willing to contribute. What was unique is that we all recognized the need and recognized that this was something our Scholars would really enjoy and we were willing to take on that extra amount of work for them. And I just think that speaks to how we function as an organization. I think that really showed how we could come together. We got the word out quickly through emails to Alumni, our Associate Board, and social media. We received so many generous donations, particularly from one alum who helped us purchase 40 items, including dresses and accessories. We give to organizations and sometimes we don't understand what we're giving to, but I think when people were giving to Project Prom, all girls could relate to that prom feeling of like, you should go to prom and you should be able to look and feel beautiful and confident. So I think that also really is what helped it be a success too. It’s because it was something that touched every woman that donated. Q: What was the most rewarding part of the event for you? A: Everybody left with something, nobody left empty handed. So I think that was great. And also one thing that I didn't expect was the gratitude from the parents. I think that impacted me a lot because I know the gratitude my mom felt when I was able to do something to help her. I think that I want that again next year. I want the parents to feel like one less thing they have to worry about. I want them to feel that excitement just like their child.
Q: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the next Project Prom? A: I want it to be bigger and better. Many boys have never worn a suit or tux before prom, so providing those items would be great. I'm thinking about maybe having volunteers who do makeup or hair, coming and just showing the girls how they could do their makeup or giving them tips, how they could get their hair done and things like that. I just want it to be something that the Scholars look forward to toward the end of the year. I want them to not be stressing about prom because DMSF has this event where nine times outta 10 you're gonna be able to find a dress, you're gonna be able to find shoes or accessories and or a tux or suit. One less thing for you and your parents to worry about. The goal is for every Scholar to walk away with something they love and feel confident in.
Thank you, Jamia, for sharing your story and for your incredible work with Project Prom. We look forward to seeing this event grow even bigger and better next year!
Get ready to dive into a heartwarming tale that started on the greens of Evanston Golf Club. Meet Jacqueline Fernandez and Robert Gonzalez, proud Alumni of the Murphy Caddie Program. Jacqueline, a graduate of Loyola Academy's Class of 2011 and former caddie at Evanston Golf Club, and Robert, representing Mount Carmel High School's Class of 2010 and Northmoor Country Club, crossed paths during the DMSF Golf Classic in 2010. Little did they know, that encounter would spark something extraordinary. Fast forward to today, and Jacqueline and Robert aren't just partners on the course—they're partners in life. Residing in Chicago and active supporters of DMSF today, they're beaming with pride as parents to their adorable 7-month-old daughter, Mariela, and their lovable French bulldog, Geronimo. Join us as we chat with Jacqueline and Robert about their journey as caddies, their time as Evans Scholars at Marquette University, and how the Murphy Caddie Program laid the foundation for their relationship, education, and career successes. Get ready for a story that's as heartwarming as it is inspiring.
Question: How did you learn about caddying and what was that first impression that you had on this summer job? Robert: I found out through news and updates from DMSF when they shared summer opportunities for Scholars. They called out the opportunity to apply for the Chick Evans Scholarship and so that appealed to me. I had no idea what that was prior to my time with DMSF. Jacqueline: I learned about it from my older sister, Berenis Fernandez (Murphy Alum, Loyola Academy, Class of 2007). She did the Daniel Murphy Caddie Program and was awarded the Evans Scholarship to Marquette so it was something that I wanted to follow in her footsteps.  Question: Seeing as you both are married and have started this beautiful family together, how did you both originally meet? Robert: I'll go first so that Jackie can correct me (Laughs). We actually met at Jackie's caddyshack. I had gone to Evanston Golf Club, her course, to work at the DMSF Golf Outing and I was wearing a special, green Chick Evans Scholar caddie bib. And so that sparked the initial conversation. Then I learned that she was also DMSF and that she was applying for the Evans. Question: What made caddying and being a part of this program a unique experience for you? Robert: I enjoyed getting that daily work experience, getting that taste of what it's like to live on my own. Some of my favorite aspects of the program outside of the work part are the regular guest speakers that would come visit. We would have Murphy Alumni that would come and talk to all the guys, let us know how they also did the caddie program and how it impacted their lives. At a personal level, I made a lot of good friends that I still have to this day. I learned a lot about the game of golf. I'm not a good golfer, but I still enjoy being out on the course. And I think the work environment itself is, from my perspective, beautiful. You're walking around like this green scenery, these gigantic trees that have been there forever. Everything is so pristine and nice and it's a sunny day. You get some good exercise. So I think just on a basic, human level, I liked being in that environment. Jacqueline: I think for me, it's like you're a teenager, you're developing responsibilities to wake up early, go to work, and then when you go to work, it's just the caddyshack full of energy. You get a loop and that comes with such a big excitement. And then you're on for four hours just walking and carrying a bag, but at the same time you do get that vitamin D, the sun, the good scenery..it was just a good feeling.  Question: Tell me about a memorable loop you had. Robert: I'll always remember my first loop ever. It was at the DMSF Golf Classic. I go up to my bag and it starts pouring rain. It initially gets rained out so the golfer assigned to me leaves and before he does, he slips me a generous tip. Once the rain had cleared, they let me know I was getting a loop. And so I walk up to my bag and it's Juan Espejo, the person who gave me my first caddie lessons, gave me my first golf lessons, gave me my first set of golf clubs. He was an amazing golfer. It was nice because he was a very nice person, someone who I was familiar with and fairly easy work because he's so good at golf. Jacqueline: For me, I don't have one specific loop, but I would say the loops that I caddied for women were very inspiring to me. To see someone that looked the same, I guess a woman, not just a man like more than half the course, but to see them go out there and play and then just be boss ladies. Yeah, that was very inspiring to me.  Question: What about caddying was a nice surprise? Robert: I think the lessons that I connect to the job itself are the responsibility. Having my first job, having to be on time, be there, do a good job, the teamwork aspect of caddying, knowing you have an influence on someone's performance working together to figure out how can we shoot the best round of golf that we can together, the adaptability because not every golfer is the same. The attention to detail, taking into account things like what kind of weather we have on the course, reading greens, different wind conditions. All that type of stuff translates to normal life. I think the customer service aspect definitely applies in the job role you have. The networking is a big deal. And having a paying job is like the start of managing finances. Jacqueline: I echo that and will add, my farmer's tan (Laughs). Like Robert mentioned, being independent and being on your own. I think that also carried into college life as an Evans Scholar at Marquette, and that responsibility that comes with. Question: What did you appreciate about your Marquette Evans Scholarship experience? Robert: I think everyone learns a lot about life with the college experience, and being a Marquette Evans Scholar adds another layer of motivation to do the best you can and have more responsibility than your average college kid does. And the setting really instilled a lot of lifelong values and friendships so I think that's the biggest thing that adds another layer to the college experience. Jacqueline: I think for me it was being able to get my education at that type of institution. I wouldn't have had that other than through the Murphy Caddie Program and getting the Evans. Continuing that Jesuit education going from Loyola Academy to Marquette was nice because that type of environment brings a sense of community, faith, being there for others, making a difference. I liked that that was still something that I was surrounded by. And of course, the great friends and memories.
Question: Why should people support the Murphy Caddie program? Robert: DMSF, as a whole, is a positive life-changing organization and I see the Murphy Caddie Program being like a multiplier of those qualities. I think about how it's impacted the trajectory of my life. It's how I met my wife, it's how I went to a prestigious college for free. When you support DMSF, you're leaning into those things. When you support this program, you're multiplying that for more Scholars to come. Jacqueline: It opens the door for many possibilities, especially for underprivileged children that have the drive and are smart, but don't know about this type of opportunity that exists out there. Supporting this program provides that accessibility. Question: To close our time together, where do you find yourself working today? Robert: I'm a Senior Consultant working in the digital marketing space. The connection really with my job now is the golfers that I caddied for a lot of times would ask me about what type of school I'm going to, what I'm going to study, and they would share what they studied. And a lot of times, the golfers I caddied for went to business school. That exposure is what took me down the track of where I am today. Jacqueline: I'm a Senior Analytics & Reporting Consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield. I majored in IT and finance and I really liked working with data. I work in the department for value-based care reporting so that providers can deliver quality care to our members and improve their performance. I like to think that I'm making an impact in people’s lives Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance to ensure that they're getting quality healthcare.
Thanks you both for being such inspirational individuals and for sharing how caddying impact your lives, Jacqueline and Robert!
If you would like to donate to the Murphy Caddie Program, click here. "Using my gifts to serve and improve the world I live in. Also, to be part of the Murphy family has been such a HUGE part of my post-school life. There are few spaces where I see more seen and understood that are not in Murphy networks. Some of my closest friends are Murphy alum - we understand each other and support each other." - Melissa Abad, Deerfield Academy (2001) "I'm proud to be part of a network of high achieving minorities who overcame the odds." - Vincent Waller, Latin School of Chicago (1999) "It means leadership, mentorship and hard work. I learned the meaning of hard work and I learned never to give up." - Carmen Ontiveros, Trinity High School (1998) "DMSF gives young ones a real chance at life. Something that stuck with me from a college prof was this: life is like a game of monopoly, and a certain group of people have had 200 rounds of the board before others have 1 turn. I feel in this analogy, DMSF provides the young one with maybe 20 or 30 turns to start... if that made any sense at all.." - Jeremy Saenz, Brother Rice High School (2003) "To me, being a Murphy Scholar means embracing a responsibility to use my education and skills to serve others, to lead by example, and to continually strive for personal and professional growth. Being a Murphy Scholar signifies more than just receiving an award or recognition; it embodies a commitment to excellence, leadership, and service." - Brian (Yaw) Anyinam, La Lumiere School (2003) "For me, being a Murphy Scholar means being rooted in reality and down-to-earth, while also being inspired and supported to reach for the stars and pursue your dreams. " - Adia Bey, Milton Academy (2002) "It means being a part of a community of individuals who were afforded extraordinary opportunity at a young age." - Robert White, Culver Military Academy (2017) "To be a Murphy Scholar means to be intelligent, driven, hard working, and dedicated." - Karla Moreno, Regina Dominican High School (2017) "It means that just getting by is unacceptable, that we must always strive for excellence in everything we do and work towards achieving our goals, even if it seems impossible. " - Jordan Tims, St. Joseph High School (2019) "Being a Murphy Scholar means being a leader and not being afraid of falling because you know someone will be there to aid you. Being a Murphy Scholar means never feeling alone because you have a second family with DMSF." - Karla Tapia, Woodlands Academy (2023) "To be a Murphy Scholar means everything. It means using your personal and professional goals and turning it into your reality." - Morgan Payne, Marist High School (2017) "Being a Murphy Scholar means that you’re not going to let the obstacles and challenges that you might face in life stand in the way of achieving your goals and dreams. Being a Murphy Scholar means that you’re going to use all of the resources and programs that are available to you to have the best high school and college experience that you could possibly have. Being a Murphy Scholar means that you’re going to give back and pay it forward to help all of the new scholars that come after you." - Shavell Rodgers, De La Salle Institute (2016) "Its pride, empowerment, encouragement, determination, friendships, guidance, and life changing to sum it up in a few words." - Colleen Healy, Mother McAuley (2010) "To me, being a Murphy Scholar means defying the odds through hard work and self-belief. It means pursuing excellence in education despite financial barriers or early academic struggles. When I failed first grade as an English language learner, it could have set the tone for low expectations seeming inevitable. Being a Murphy Scholar I was able to continue to prove this simple concept, with the right resources and encouragement one can excel. " - Chris Davila, Queen of Peace (2005) "It means that not only am I apart of an organization that cares and caters to young bright stars but I have the ability to walk ahead in spaces so that the new generation of scholars can run in them. " - Quinnyata Bellows, North Shore Country Day School (2015) "It means doing your best, being yourself, and not giving up. When you are a Daniel Murphy scholar there is an infinite amount of people not willing to let you fail." - Ariel Pinkston, Fenwick High School (2020) "Being a Murphy Scholar means to not only be a leader, but to be an academic weapon and to build good connections with those within and outside of your comfort zones." - Nogosa Atekha, Berkshire School (2021) "Being a Murphy Scholar is being a part of a community. A community of ambitious, hungry, and dedicated students. We are a group of individiuals with common expereiences and backgrounds. My closest friends are Murphy Scholars, because we understand what it is like to be given a chance, and we strive to make the most of it. As we've grown, and matured to understand the significance DMSF has had on our lives, we now seek ways to participate, return, and grow the scholarship." - Mario Rodriguez, Culver Academies (2020) "Being a Murphy Scholar is being someone who is serious about their education, an active member of their community, and constantly pursuing self-improvement." - Emmanuel Sarpong, Morgan Park Academy (2019) "I believe being a Murphy Scholar is a charge - it is a commitment to place service at the center of our personal missions so that the same efforts that benefitted us can benefit others. To be a Murphy Scholar is to be a leader with a willingness to be courageous and compassionate." - Jorge Silva, St. Paul's School (2008) "Being a Murphy Scholar is Family. We are a group of students that were given opportunities that we otherwise wouldn’t have been given. Once a Scholar, Always a Scholar." - Allison Heraty (Gonsowski), Maria HS (2000) "It is a point of pride, and a membership into a group of folks with a common experience of struggle, hope, success, and resilience. It is a community that quickly creates bonds as soon as the realization of that experience is established." - Jesus D. Bravo, St. Ignatius College Prep (2000) "Being a Murphy Scholar means being a part of a proud community filled with intelligent and passionate individuals. Every Murphy Scholar I've met has passion and drive like no other, and I am honored to be a part of that." - Charise Pisani, St. Ignatius College Prep (2021) "To me, it means that I have a community of supportive, encouraging people who looked after me while I was in high school and who genuinely care and want to see my succeed." - Jasmine Barlow, Holy Trinity High School (2017) "To be a Murphy Scholar means to take advantage of the educational opportunities and resources afforded to you with a grateful heart, while thinking critically about ways to change the system so those opportunities and resources are available for others in your community." - Timeica E. Bethel, Francis W. Parker School (2007)
Q: What is your first and last name? A: Jorge Silva. Q: What is your high school graduation year? A: 2008. Q: Which high school did you attend as a Murphy Scholar? A: St. Paul's School (Concord, NH). Q: What clubs in high school did you participate in? A: Wrestling Team, Afro-Latino Alliance, La Sociedad, Fiske Cup Play Competition, and all the high school plays. Q: What DMSF programs did you participate in? A: Summer Bridge, Mentorship, and Affinity Group. Q: What was DMSF’s impact on you? A: The DMSF Scholarship set me on an entirely unanticipated, unfathomable path. Our agency as a family shifted away from what was strictly defined by our socioeconomic status; it opened a world of privilege and opportunity previously believed to be unavailable to us. I learned how much is truly placed on us as the next generation - the hopes and dreams of our communities became more and more apparent to me as I matured as a DMSF scholar. How much responsibility accompanies newfound privilege and with that realization an obligation to succeed, if not for ourselves, but for all those who invested in us. It taught me what I was truly capable of and de Q: Why was receiving a good education so important to you? A: As I mentioned previously, education was seen as the gateway to upward mobility. With a meaningful education, I could help achieve more than was predetermined by our lives as immigrants. Q: For you, what does it mean to be a Murphy Scholar? A: I believe being a Murphy Scholar is a charge - it is a commitment to place service at the center of our personal missions so that the same efforts that benefitted us can benefit others. To be a Murphy Scholar is to be a leader with a willingness to be courageous and compassionate. Q: What advice do you have for current Murphy Scholars? A: Cut your hair and stop letting insecurity make your decisions for you. Moreover, be kind - there’s time to learn everything else, but the moments that end up living with you on a daily basis are the moments where you succeeded and failed at being empathetic and loving. Q: What college did you attend? A: Cornell University (Undergrad); The University of Chicago (MBA). Q: What did you major in? A: BA in Government, BA in Theatre; Behavior Science Concentration in MBA program. Q: What is your current job title and company? A: Managing Director, Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts - Northwestern University. Q: What college scholarships did you receive?
A: Perez Scholarship (undergrad); Neubauer Civic Scholarship (graduate)
Embarking on a journey that spans continents and generations, Yan Krasov's narrative is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Originally hailing from the Soviet Union, Yan found his roots in West Rogers Park, setting the stage for an extraordinary trajectory. As a distinguished member of the Murphy Scholar Class of 1998, Yan's educational odyssey began at Ida Crown Jewish Academy, laying the groundwork for a future marked by success and service. Yan's connection with DMSF deepened through the Summer Caddie Program, propelling him to receive the prestigious Evans Scholarship to Northwestern University.
Currently serving as a Research Analyst at William Blair, Yan not only excels in his professional endeavors but also pays it forward to the Murphy Scholars community. Engaging with the Board of Directors and leading as Chair of the Alumni Committee, Yan dedicates his time to support and mentor younger Scholars. His commitment extends to providing invaluable career exposure opportunities and internships at William Blair, embodying the ethos of giving back that defines the Murphy Scholars community. In this blog post, we delve into Yan's journey, his impactful contributions, and the enduring legacy he is creating within the DMSF family. ​The DMSF team got to sit with Yan to talk about his experience and the life he’s built. Here’s what he had to say:
Q: Looking back at that time in your life when you were an eighth grader, what motivated you to apply for the Murphy Scholarship? Why was receiving a good education important to you?
A: My parents instilled the value of education in me from an early age as a way to become successful in life. And back then, having just moved from the former Soviet Union, now Ukraine, despite lacking the financial and cultural resources, they were very motivated to find an environment for me to be able to get a great education. And upon finding out about the Murphy Scholarship, I was very motivated to earn it, to attend Ida Crown, and thus not having to relocate to the suburbs or go to local public school, which had a 30% graduation rate and didn't have the academic support and the rigor that Ida Crown had.​​​​
Q: What makes the Murphy Alumni network great?
A: To this day, the Murphy alums I caddied with or met through the programming are my friends. They're now serving on the DMSF Board with me and are working to help the next generation of Murphy Scholars and Alumni succeed. I think at this point, the hundreds of alumni who've graduated from high school and college and achieved success in every career field imaginable, can now serve as role models for the current and future generations of Murphy Scholars. Having someone come from a similar background and achieve success is a powerful motivator and instills self-belief into those who are often the first in their families to attend college or pursue a career in a new field. Having somebody who comes from a similar background can be an inspiration.
"I would encourage supporters, to bring more friends, colleagues, and professional acquaintances to the organization for them to understand how full of potential Murphy Scholars are, how deserving of opportunities they are, and how they make for great students, employees, and ultimately leaders of the organizations they will go on to be a part of in their life."
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