Longtime advisor honored by KIPP Foundation for outstanding service to students and alumni across Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. — Friday, August 1 — KIPP DC is proud to celebrate LaMika Carroll, Associate Director of Postsecondary Support, as the 2025 recipient of the Alexcia Gest Excellence in Counseling and Advising Award—a national honor presented by the KIPP Foundation to recognize extraordinary postsecondary advisors across the KIPP network. In addition to the national recognition, Carroll received a $5,000 award for her outstanding commitment to student success and alumni support.
A member of KIPP DC’s KIPP Forward advising team for more than a decade, Carroll has supported over 1,000 alumni directly and positively influenced thousands more through her leadership and advocacy. From helping students navigate college, job searches, and credentialing programs to mentoring newer advisors and championing support for alumni facing life’s most complex challenges, her impact is unparalleled.
“LaMika’s impact on our alumni is immeasurable,” said Susan Schaeffler, Founder and CEO of KIPP DC. “She meets students with grace, helps them navigate life’s most complex moments, and stays by their side as they pursue college, career, and beyond. She is a model of excellence, care, and leadership—and we are so proud to see her receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Carroll has been instrumental in launching and expanding several key alumni-facing initiatives at KIPP DC, including the Future Forward professional development program, alumni career networking events, microgrant reform, and the introduction of the KIPP DC Alumni Achievement Awards. Her thoughtful and persistent leadership has made KIPP DC’s postsecondary support model stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful.
“LaMika is the heartbeat of our KIPP Forward work,” said Julia Hellmich, Managing Director of KIPP Forward at KIPP DC. “She’s a mentor, a connector, and a trusted advisor whose work has shaped our alumni experience and improved outcomes across the board.”
About KIPP DC
KIPP DC is a network of 20 high-performing public charter schools and two specialty programs in Washington, D.C., serving more than 7,500 students from preschool through high school. KIPP DC schools provide rigorous academics, joy-filled classrooms, and holistic support to ensure every student is prepared to pursue a fulfilling life and career.
About KIPP Forward
KIPP Forward is a national program of the KIPP Foundation that supports KIPP students and alumni in preparing for and achieving success in college, career, and beyond. At KIPP DC, KIPP Forward counselors and advisors help students navigate high school transitions, college and credential program pathways, career exploration, and persistence, ensuring every student has the guidance, resources, and relationships to thrive after graduation.
