Meet Our Team
Jessica Ayala, Manager of Marketing & Communications
312-455-7808 | jessica@dmsf.org
Jessica is a Murphy Scholar Alumna (Loyola Academy, c/o 2013) and Evans alum (Marquette, c/o 2017). She has a background in event planning and nonprofit management, having started the Camp Kesem chapter at Marquette to provide a free week of camp for kids whose parents have or had cancer. Jessica previously worked in a Milwaukee-based advertising agency as a broadcast producer executing all sorts of commercial, radio, photography and podcast production work for her clients. Most recently, she directed the short film “Direct Positive” for a women’s leadership nonprofit, TEMPO Milwaukee, that was selected to premiere at the 2022 Milwaukee Film Festival. She is excited to return to DMSF as a staff member to lead the organization’s marketing and communications efforts to further boost the brand presence amongst all Scholars, alumni, donors and affiliates. Jessica is grateful for the opportunities DMSF has afforded her and looks forward to telling DMSF’s story to help the organization reach new heights.
Jessica is a Murphy Scholar Alumna (Loyola Academy, c/o 2013) and Evans alum (Marquette, c/o 2017). She has a background in event planning and nonprofit management, having started the Camp Kesem chapter at Marquette to provide a free week of camp for kids whose parents have or had cancer. Jessica previously worked in a Milwaukee-based advertising agency as a broadcast producer executing all sorts of commercial, radio, photography and podcast production work for her clients. Most recently, she directed the short film “Direct Positive” for a women’s leadership nonprofit, TEMPO Milwaukee, that was selected to premiere at the 2022 Milwaukee Film Festival. She is excited to return to DMSF as a staff member to lead the organization’s marketing and communications efforts to further boost the brand presence amongst all Scholars, alumni, donors and affiliates. Jessica is grateful for the opportunities DMSF has afforded her and looks forward to telling DMSF’s story to help the organization reach new heights.
ARMANDO BARRON, MANAGER OF EDUCATION
312-455-7803 | armando@dmsf.org
Armando is an alum of DMSF who is focused on advancing academic opportunities for students in Chicago. After working with youth in after-school programs in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, he saw the need for educators invested in the academic growth of students and pursued a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University Chicago. Prior to joining DMSF as Education Coordinator, Armando was a mathematics teacher for middle school students and served as a head counselor at the summer caddy program, as well as an Affinity Group leader for Murphy Scholars. Armando hopes to continue making a difference in the educational opportunities and lives of Murphy Scholars by working to provide academic supports and guidance to students throughout high school.
Armando is an alum of DMSF who is focused on advancing academic opportunities for students in Chicago. After working with youth in after-school programs in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, he saw the need for educators invested in the academic growth of students and pursued a Master’s degree in Education from Loyola University Chicago. Prior to joining DMSF as Education Coordinator, Armando was a mathematics teacher for middle school students and served as a head counselor at the summer caddy program, as well as an Affinity Group leader for Murphy Scholars. Armando hopes to continue making a difference in the educational opportunities and lives of Murphy Scholars by working to provide academic supports and guidance to students throughout high school.
NICK CROSS, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND COLLEGE SUPPORT
312-455-7807 | nick@dmsf.org
Nick leads the effort to successfully transition Murphy Scholars to college, through college and into their careers, promoting a passion for lifelong engagement with DMSF and with fellow Murphy Scholar alumni. Nick most recently served as Program Director at The Tobin School in Massachusetts and has previous experience working in alumni relations at Tufts University. Nick graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Wooster, where he was also named Captain and All Conference for the Lacrosse team.
Nick leads the effort to successfully transition Murphy Scholars to college, through college and into their careers, promoting a passion for lifelong engagement with DMSF and with fellow Murphy Scholar alumni. Nick most recently served as Program Director at The Tobin School in Massachusetts and has previous experience working in alumni relations at Tufts University. Nick graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Wooster, where he was also named Captain and All Conference for the Lacrosse team.
RYAN EVERETT, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING
312-455-7806 | ryan@dmsf.org
Originally from North Carolina, Ryan double majored in History and Spanish at NC State University. From there, he served in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua and then found his way to Northwestern University, where he received a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. Passionate about educational access and equity, Ryan spent several years in college admission and in college counseling prior to joining DMSF. He is excited to support our Scholars and their families in finding their best-fit college.
Originally from North Carolina, Ryan double majored in History and Spanish at NC State University. From there, he served in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua and then found his way to Northwestern University, where he received a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. Passionate about educational access and equity, Ryan spent several years in college admission and in college counseling prior to joining DMSF. He is excited to support our Scholars and their families in finding their best-fit college.
ALINA GONZALEZ, DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
312-376-0547 | alina@dmsf.org
Alina serves as the Development Coordinator at DMSF who is responsible for gift processing and donor relationship management, as well as assisting the team with all fundraising efforts. She joined DMSF in October 2020 and is excited to work with the wonderful community of Scholars, families, and partner schools. Alina graduated in 20a18 from Xavier University, where she became dedicated to social justice and community advocacy work. Her previous role at Norwegian American Hospital Foundation has helped shape her passion for creating opportunity for families in the Chicago community.
Alina serves as the Development Coordinator at DMSF who is responsible for gift processing and donor relationship management, as well as assisting the team with all fundraising efforts. She joined DMSF in October 2020 and is excited to work with the wonderful community of Scholars, families, and partner schools. Alina graduated in 20a18 from Xavier University, where she became dedicated to social justice and community advocacy work. Her previous role at Norwegian American Hospital Foundation has helped shape her passion for creating opportunity for families in the Chicago community.
JACLYN GROVES, MANAGER OF ANNUAL GIVING & EVENT STEWARDSHIP
312-455-7726| jaclyn@dmsf.org
Jaclyn serves as the Manager of Annual Giving & Event Stewardship advancing the mission of DMSF through meaningful development and event efforts. Prior to joining DMSF, Jaclyn worked for Rush University Medical Center as Associate Director in Development and has previous experience working for other Chicago based non-profit organizations focusing on board management, events and fundraising.
Jaclyn graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Youth, Adult and Family Services. Jaclyn has a passion for education and is committed to helping create opportunities for Chicago’s youth.
Jaclyn serves as the Manager of Annual Giving & Event Stewardship advancing the mission of DMSF through meaningful development and event efforts. Prior to joining DMSF, Jaclyn worked for Rush University Medical Center as Associate Director in Development and has previous experience working for other Chicago based non-profit organizations focusing on board management, events and fundraising.
Jaclyn graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Youth, Adult and Family Services. Jaclyn has a passion for education and is committed to helping create opportunities for Chicago’s youth.
CINDY HALLUMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
312-455-7716 | cindy@dmsf.org
In her role as Executive Director, Cindy is responsible for leading the development, strategy and vision of the organization that serves 500 Scholars on their path to high school and college graduation. Cindy has dedicated her career to nonprofit service and educational equity. Cindy rejoined the DMSF team in April 2020 as Chief Education Officer, and previously worked for DMSF from 2008 to 2013. Her prior experience include serving as a Teach for America Corps Member; Director of KIPP to College at KIPP Ascend Charter School; Director of Community Partnerships at Teach for America Chicago-NWI, and Managing Director of Development at Educators for Excellence.
Cindy received her BA in Spanish Language and Literature and Women’s Studies from Rhodes College, and a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Chicago with their two children.
In her role as Executive Director, Cindy is responsible for leading the development, strategy and vision of the organization that serves 500 Scholars on their path to high school and college graduation. Cindy has dedicated her career to nonprofit service and educational equity. Cindy rejoined the DMSF team in April 2020 as Chief Education Officer, and previously worked for DMSF from 2008 to 2013. Her prior experience include serving as a Teach for America Corps Member; Director of KIPP to College at KIPP Ascend Charter School; Director of Community Partnerships at Teach for America Chicago-NWI, and Managing Director of Development at Educators for Excellence.
Cindy received her BA in Spanish Language and Literature and Women’s Studies from Rhodes College, and a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Chicago with their two children.
TIM KENNEDY, CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
312-455-7802 | tim@dmsf.org
Tim joined DMSF in July of 2018 as Chief Advancement Officer overseeing the planning and execution of DMSF’s development efforts. Prior to joining DMSF, Tim served as an Associate Vice President of HUB Philanthropic Solutions, a fundraising consulting firm, where he worked with a variety of Chicago based non-profits on fundraising strategy and capital campaign management. Prior to consulting, Tim served as Sr. Director of Development for the global office of Ronald McDonald House Charities where he was responsible for overseeing the organization’s annual fundraising efforts.
Tim has been an active committee member of Swim Across America Chicago, Old St. Patrick’s Church and a variety of other organizations. Tim holds a BA in History from Loyola University Chicago. He and his wife reside in Chicago with their three children.
Tim joined DMSF in July of 2018 as Chief Advancement Officer overseeing the planning and execution of DMSF’s development efforts. Prior to joining DMSF, Tim served as an Associate Vice President of HUB Philanthropic Solutions, a fundraising consulting firm, where he worked with a variety of Chicago based non-profits on fundraising strategy and capital campaign management. Prior to consulting, Tim served as Sr. Director of Development for the global office of Ronald McDonald House Charities where he was responsible for overseeing the organization’s annual fundraising efforts.
Tim has been an active committee member of Swim Across America Chicago, Old St. Patrick’s Church and a variety of other organizations. Tim holds a BA in History from Loyola University Chicago. He and his wife reside in Chicago with their three children.
KATHERINE LEE, OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
312-376-0545 | katherine@dmsf.org
Katherine serves as the Operations and Administration Coordinator, and as she is a Murphy Scholar alumna, she is an excellent ambassador for DMSF. She is a Golden Apple Scholarship recipient and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University. A former classroom teacher with the Chicago Public Schools, Katherine still devotes her energy to education, from working in Early Childhood settings to teaching and proctoring certification programs for adults. She also works an Affinity Group Leader to help support the personal development of the next generation of Murphy Scholars.
Katherine serves as the Operations and Administration Coordinator, and as she is a Murphy Scholar alumna, she is an excellent ambassador for DMSF. She is a Golden Apple Scholarship recipient and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from National Louis University. A former classroom teacher with the Chicago Public Schools, Katherine still devotes her energy to education, from working in Early Childhood settings to teaching and proctoring certification programs for adults. She also works an Affinity Group Leader to help support the personal development of the next generation of Murphy Scholars.
BRITTANE MADDOX, EDUCATION COORDINATOR
312-455-7805 | brittane@dmsf.org
Brittane has a passion and heart for seeing young people succeed and live the lives of their wildest dreams. As a student at Trinity High School, Brittane was a HighSight and Madonna Scholar and knows the importance of hard-work and high standards of self and work ethic. She went on as a Posse Scholar to obtain her Bachelor's from Denison University before entering the education landscape. After several years of teaching English and transitioning into college access work she is excited to join the DMSF team to build more bridges and connections for young people across the city.
Brittane has a passion and heart for seeing young people succeed and live the lives of their wildest dreams. As a student at Trinity High School, Brittane was a HighSight and Madonna Scholar and knows the importance of hard-work and high standards of self and work ethic. She went on as a Posse Scholar to obtain her Bachelor's from Denison University before entering the education landscape. After several years of teaching English and transitioning into college access work she is excited to join the DMSF team to build more bridges and connections for young people across the city.
LAKESHA NELSON, MANAGER OF ANNUAL GIVING & DONOR RELATIONS
312-455-7727 | lakesha@dmsf.org
Lakesha Nelson is the Manager of Annual Giving & Donor Relations for DMSF. In this role, Lakesha works with the Development department to raise funds to benefit scholarships and programming for deserving Chicago high school students.
Lakesha is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University in GA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts, with a concentration in PR. To continue growing professionally, Lakesha participated in the Management Fellows Development Leadership Consortium program. With a heart for service, Lakesha has worked with several well known nonprofits designed to create future leaders - Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, After School Matters, and Mikva Challenge.
She resides in the Chicago area with her daughter Kennedy.
Lakesha Nelson is the Manager of Annual Giving & Donor Relations for DMSF. In this role, Lakesha works with the Development department to raise funds to benefit scholarships and programming for deserving Chicago high school students.
Lakesha is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University in GA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts, with a concentration in PR. To continue growing professionally, Lakesha participated in the Management Fellows Development Leadership Consortium program. With a heart for service, Lakesha has worked with several well known nonprofits designed to create future leaders - Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, After School Matters, and Mikva Challenge.
She resides in the Chicago area with her daughter Kennedy.
MIA STOKES, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
312-455-7809 | mia@dmsf.org
Mia Stokes is the Director of Admissions for DMSF. In this role, Mia works with the Education Department to identify academically talented students and select each new class of Murphy Scholars. Mia is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Mia is passionate about improving the lives of students through education and enrichment. As a life-long educator, Mia has served as an English teacher, elementary school counselor, and high school administrator. She resides in Chicago with her son Braxton.
Mia Stokes is the Director of Admissions for DMSF. In this role, Mia works with the Education Department to identify academically talented students and select each new class of Murphy Scholars. Mia is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Mia is passionate about improving the lives of students through education and enrichment. As a life-long educator, Mia has served as an English teacher, elementary school counselor, and high school administrator. She resides in Chicago with her son Braxton.
ISMAEL TIDJANI, EDUCATION COORDINATOR
872-263-9954 | ismael@dmsf.org
Ismael is from Cincinnati, Ohio by way of Dakar, Senegal and has recently relocated to the South Side of Chicago. Ismael has a commitment to empowering youth and their families through educational opportunities. He is a native French speaker with intermediate fluency in Spanish and Wolof. He earned his BA and M.Ed from Xavier University. He is a lifelong Shotokan Karate practitioner and loves music from around the world. Ismael looks forward to working with and learning from DMSF
Ismael is from Cincinnati, Ohio by way of Dakar, Senegal and has recently relocated to the South Side of Chicago. Ismael has a commitment to empowering youth and their families through educational opportunities. He is a native French speaker with intermediate fluency in Spanish and Wolof. He earned his BA and M.Ed from Xavier University. He is a lifelong Shotokan Karate practitioner and loves music from around the world. Ismael looks forward to working with and learning from DMSF
