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.
Jocelyn Cano, Education coordinator
312-455-7727 | jocelyn@dmsf.org
Jocelyn joined DMSF after completing her Master’s Degree in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago. As a first-generation student, herself, she has always had a passion for increasing access into higher education for other first-generation students. Jocelyn’s passion for how transformative education can be for students fuels her work as our Education Coordinator. In her role, she works closely with our scholars to ensure they have the resources and tools necessary to grow and learn. Jocelyn aims to create programs and opportunities for our scholars with their professional and personal development always in mind.
Jocelyn joined DMSF after completing her Master’s Degree in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago. As a first-generation student, herself, she has always had a passion for increasing access into higher education for other first-generation students. Jocelyn’s passion for how transformative education can be for students fuels her work as our Education Coordinator. In her role, she works closely with our scholars to ensure they have the resources and tools necessary to grow and learn. Jocelyn aims to create programs and opportunities for our scholars with their professional and personal development always in mind.
Molly conaty dApISA, dIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP AND DONOR RELATIONS
312-455-7808 | molly@dmsf.org
As the Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, Molly advances the mission of DMSF through meaningful stewardship, strategic engagement, and compelling solicitation. 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. In 2017, Molly earned a certificate in Nonprofit Operations and Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and currently she is a member of 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 daughter.
As the Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, Molly advances the mission of DMSF through meaningful stewardship, strategic engagement, and compelling solicitation. 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. In 2017, Molly earned a certificate in Nonprofit Operations and Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and currently she is a member of 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 daughter.
Alicia DeLaRosa-Velazquez , Manager of education
312-455-7805 | alicia@dmsf.org
Alicia currently holds a position at DMSF as an Education Manager. In her role she works directly with Murphy Scholars in helping scholars transition into their schools, providing advice and tools that will lead to academic success and the overall personal growth of each scholar but more so in providing an additional support system for the scholars. Alicia also works closely with the DMSF Parent Committee and School Liaison Committee. As a first generation woman of color and Murphy Scholar Alumna she understands and values the support that DMSF offers and knows firsthand the benefits of being a scholar as she has been able to partake in amazing once in lifetime experience and opportunities. Alicia attended De LaSalle H.S. and then went on to complete a Political Science Major and Double Minor in Communications and Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. After a four year internship with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UIUC she returned to Chicago where she attended Loyola University and completed her M.Ed.
Alicia currently holds a position at DMSF as an Education Manager. In her role she works directly with Murphy Scholars in helping scholars transition into their schools, providing advice and tools that will lead to academic success and the overall personal growth of each scholar but more so in providing an additional support system for the scholars. Alicia also works closely with the DMSF Parent Committee and School Liaison Committee. As a first generation woman of color and Murphy Scholar Alumna she understands and values the support that DMSF offers and knows firsthand the benefits of being a scholar as she has been able to partake in amazing once in lifetime experience and opportunities. Alicia attended De LaSalle H.S. and then went on to complete a Political Science Major and Double Minor in Communications and Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. After a four year internship with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at UIUC she returned to Chicago where she attended Loyola University and completed her M.Ed.
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.
Angela Escobar, Manager of Alumni Relations
312-455-7809 | angela@dmsf.org
Angela is a Murphy Scholar alumna from the Class of 2011. Her love of animals from her time spent milking cows at The Putney School led her to pursue a degree in Biology at Colgate University. Since moving back from the East Coast, she has grown to love the power of informal education through her work with Brookfield Zoo and DMSF.
Angela is a Murphy Scholar alumna from the Class of 2011. Her love of animals from her time spent milking cows at The Putney School led her to pursue a degree in Biology at Colgate University. Since moving back from the East Coast, she has grown to love the power of informal education through her work with Brookfield Zoo and DMSF.
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.
CARLY GARCIA, MANAGER OF FUNDRAISING OPERATIONS
312-376-0547 | carly@dmsf.org
Carly has worked in various administrative positions in PK-Higher Educational institutions for almost 20 years and supporting database and fundraising for the last 8 years, most recently for the Midwest Jesuits as Development Database Manager. After over ten years of working at a DMSF partner school and advocating for Murphy Scholars, she was excited to join the development team at Daniel Murphy. Carly comes with passion for fundraising and educational access in addition to the strong belief in the difference that Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund provides promising students.
Carly has worked in various administrative positions in PK-Higher Educational institutions for almost 20 years and supporting database and fundraising for the last 8 years, most recently for the Midwest Jesuits as Development Database Manager. After over ten years of working at a DMSF partner school and advocating for Murphy Scholars, she was excited to join the development team at Daniel Murphy. Carly comes with passion for fundraising and educational access in addition to the strong belief in the difference that Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund provides promising students.
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 B.A. 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 B.A. in History from Loyola University Chicago. He and his wife reside in Chicago with their three children.
Katherine lee, Operations and Administration Coordinator
Daniela Villalvazo, Advancement coordinator
312-376-0549 | daniela@dmsf.org
After serving as fellow in Northwestern University’s Public Interest Program, Daniela joined DMSF as Advancement Coordinator. 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.
After serving as fellow in Northwestern University’s Public Interest Program, Daniela joined DMSF as Advancement Coordinator. 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.
Willow Walker, Director of Education
312-455-7807 | willow@dmsf.org
Willow is an alumna of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund who is dedicated to advancing the academic success of at-risk youth. After working at several Chicago area nonprofit organizations, she saw the disparities of academic resources between schools and was inspired to pursue a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Educational Policy Studies. Willow currently works as the Director of Education at DMSF where she provides support to students as they transition from elementary school to high school by guiding them through the application and high school placement process. As such, she manages the Summer Bridge Program.
Willow is an alumna of the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund who is dedicated to advancing the academic success of at-risk youth. After working at several Chicago area nonprofit organizations, she saw the disparities of academic resources between schools and was inspired to pursue a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in Educational Policy Studies. Willow currently works as the Director of Education at DMSF where she provides support to students as they transition from elementary school to high school by guiding them through the application and high school placement process. As such, she manages the Summer Bridge Program.
