Meet Our Team
Jose Rodriguez, Executive Director
312-455-7894 | jose@dmsf.org
Jose joined DMSF in February 2018 after 16 years at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Christ the King Jesuit College Prep where he acted as Vice President of the Corporate Work Study Program, the largest jobs program for youth in Chicago. His passions include civic involvement as he sits on the boards of Arrupe College of Loyola University, Advocate Health Care/Advocate Bethany Fund, Chairman’s Advisory Council of Big Shoulders Fund, and was a member of the Leadership Greater Chicago 2013 cohort.
Jose graduated from DePaul with a BA in Communications and earned a MBA from Loyola University of Chicago. He and his wife Patricia reside in Chicago with their son Joseph.
Jose joined DMSF in February 2018 after 16 years at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Christ the King Jesuit College Prep where he acted as Vice President of the Corporate Work Study Program, the largest jobs program for youth in Chicago. His passions include civic involvement as he sits on the boards of Arrupe College of Loyola University, Advocate Health Care/Advocate Bethany Fund, Chairman’s Advisory Council of Big Shoulders Fund, and was a member of the Leadership Greater Chicago 2013 cohort.
Jose graduated from DePaul with a BA in Communications and earned a MBA from Loyola University of Chicago. He and his wife Patricia reside in Chicago with their son Joseph.
ARMANDO BARRON, EDUCATION COORDINATOR
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.
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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.
MOLLY DAPISA, DIRECTOR OF development
312-455-7808 | molly@dmsf.org
As the Director of Development, Molly advances the mission of DMSF through meaningful donor stewardship and solicitation as well as managing all organization communications. A lifelong proponent of equitable educational access, Molly has nine years of fundraising experience from her previous work at Alliance for Catholic Education, the Cristo Rey Network, and Horizons for Youth. Her commitment to service work began at the University of Notre Dame where she earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Education degrees. More recently, Molly earned a certificate in Nonprofit Operations and Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and participated in the Management Fellows Program of the Development Leadership Consortium.
Both Molly and her husband are proud mentors of Murphy Scholars as well as proud parents of their young children.
As the Director of Development, Molly advances the mission of DMSF through meaningful donor stewardship and solicitation as well as managing all organization communications. A lifelong proponent of equitable educational access, Molly has nine years of fundraising experience from her previous work at Alliance for Catholic Education, the Cristo Rey Network, and Horizons for Youth. Her commitment to service work began at the University of Notre Dame where she earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Education degrees. More recently, Molly earned a certificate in Nonprofit Operations and Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and participated in the Management Fellows Program of the Development Leadership Consortium.
Both Molly and her husband are proud mentors of Murphy Scholars as well as proud parents of their young children.
TRENTON DUNN, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
312-455-7730 | trenton@dmsf.org
Originally from the Bluegrass State, Trenton has always had a passion for helping students. He received his Masters of Education from Florida Atlantic University, and previously worked as a residential life coordinator at UIC. He hopes to continue to "ignite potential" by being serving as a holistic support for students and their families.
Originally from the Bluegrass State, Trenton has always had a passion for helping students. He received his Masters of Education from Florida Atlantic University, and previously worked as a residential life coordinator at UIC. He hopes to continue to "ignite potential" by being serving as a holistic support for students and their families.
RYAN EVERETT, 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.
CINDY HALLUMS, CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER
312-455-7716 | cindy@dmsf.org
In her role as Chief Education Officer, Cindy oversees the planning and execution of DMSF’s education efforts. Cindy previously worked for DMSF from 2008 to 2013 and her prior experience includes 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 and Managing Director of Development at Educators for Excellence.
Cindy received her BA in Spanish Language and Literature from Rhodes College and a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. She and her husband live in Chicago with their two children.
In her role as Chief Education Officer, Cindy oversees the planning and execution of DMSF’s education efforts. Cindy previously worked for DMSF from 2008 to 2013 and her prior experience includes 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 and Managing Director of Development at Educators for Excellence.
Cindy received her BA in Spanish Language and Literature from Rhodes College and a Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. She and her husband 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 AND ADMINISTRATIVE 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.
DANIELA VILLALVAZO, MANAGER OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND STEWARDSHIP
312-376-0549 | daniela@dmsf.org
Daniela joined DMSF in 2018 as a Northwestern University Public Interest Fellow. As Manager of Special Events and Stewardship, Daniela manages the planning and execution of DMSF's special events and serves as staff liaison to DMSF's Associate Board. She received her BS in Education and Social Policy from NU in 2018 and has interned and volunteered at several Chicago area nonprofits including Erie Neighborhood House and Howard Area Community Center. Passionate about social justice and supporting the educational endeavors of youth, Daniela hopes to contribute to making a difference in the lives of Murphy Scholars.
Daniela joined DMSF in 2018 as a Northwestern University Public Interest Fellow. As Manager of Special Events and Stewardship, Daniela manages the planning and execution of DMSF's special events and serves as staff liaison to DMSF's Associate Board. She received her BS in Education and Social Policy from NU in 2018 and has interned and volunteered at several Chicago area nonprofits including Erie Neighborhood House and Howard Area Community Center. Passionate about social justice and supporting the educational endeavors of youth, Daniela hopes to contribute to making a difference in the lives of Murphy Scholars.
