Experience Darden

Experience Darden #186: Meet Alyssa Gonzalez, President, Graduate Women in Business Student Organization

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Alyssa Gonzalez. Alyssa is a second year student in Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and she is also the President of the Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) student organization. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with Alyssa about her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, and the important role community and mentors have played during her MBA journey. She also shares insights about GWIB and the organization’s plans for the months ahead.

Experience Darden #185: In Conversation | Scott Beardsley, Dean of the Darden School of Business

In this special edition of the podcast, we are excited to share a recent conversation between the Dean of the Darden School of Business Scott Beardsley and Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke about why it has never been a better time to be at Darden. Beardsley and Clarke share insights on a number of topics including the importance of financial accessibility and scholarships, Darden’s unique academic environment, updates on School priorities and how students can take a Darden MBA ‘from here to anywhere.’ This conversation was recorded on 2 November.

Experience Darden #184: Women@Darden Spotlight | Professor Melissa Thomas-Hunt

In this special edition of the podcast, we are excited to share another installment from our ongoing Women@Darden event series featuring Professor Melissa Thomas-Hunt. Thomas-Hunt is the John Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School of Business and Professor of Public Policy at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and she is also the former Head of Global Diversity and Belonging at Airbnb where she led the strategy and execution of our global internal diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging programs. For 25 years, she has taught MBAs and executives leadership, team dynamics, and negotiations and conducted research on the factors that unleash, leverage, and amplify the contributions made by individuals, particularly women, underrepresented individuals, and numerical minorities. During this wide-ranging conversation moderated by Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke, Thomas-Hunt touches upon her professional journey, what led her to Darden, her experience at Airbnb and more.

Experience Darden #183: Meet Devon Page, President, Parents of Darden

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Devon Page. Devon is a second year student in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and he is also the President of the Parents at Darden student organization. We talk with Devon about his decision to pursue an MBA, what led him to Darden, how he navigated his first year, and how he has balanced the demands of an MBA program and family. Devon also shares his goals for the Parents at Darden student organization in the months ahead.

Experience Darden #182: Student Spotlight | Myles Stroud, Darden Military Association Co-President

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Myles Stroud. Myles is a second year student in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and he is one of the co-Presidents of the Darden Military Association (DMA). We talk with Myles about his background, how he decided to pursue an MBA, what led him to Darden, how he spent his summer internship as well as his goals for the DMA in the year ahead. This episode is highly recommended for any military veterans considering any of Darden’s MBA formats.

Experience Darden #181: Darden PhD Spotlight | Kirsten Martin (MBA ’99, PhD ’06), Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

Darden has re-launched its PhD program, and, in honor of the occasion, we are sharing interviews with Darden PhD program alums on the podcast. In this episode, we catch up with Kirsten Martin (MBA ’99, PhD ’06). Martin is the William P. and Hazel B. White Center Professor of Technology Ethics and a professor of IT, analytics, and operations in the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. A nationally recognized expert in privacy, technology, and business ethics, she is the director of the Notre Dame Technology Ethics Center (ND TEC). In this wide-ranging conversation, Martin reflects on her experience as a Darden PhD student, her interest in technology ethics, her current research and more.

Experience Darden #180: Event Spotlight | Meet Fanny Mei and Pooja Vittal, Diversity Conference Co-Chairs

This weekend marks the occasion of the annual Darden Diversity Conference! During this in-person event in Charlottesville, prospective students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of programming – from a mock case discussion to alumni and student panels and beyond. The Darden Diversity Conference is an opportunity for prospective students interested in the Darden Full-Time MBA program to experience how the School embraces diversity and inclusion. A few weeks ago, we invited Diversity Conference Co-Chairs Fanny Mei (Class of 2023) and Pooja Vittal (Class of 2023) on the podcast to discuss their MBA journeys and plans for this year’s conference.

Experience Darden #179: Meet Megan Scott, President, Black Business Student Association

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Megan Scott. Megan is a second year student in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and she is also the President of the Black Business Student Association (BBSA). We talk with Megan about her background, what led her to Darden, how she spent her first year summer, plans for BBSA in the year ahead and more.

Experience Darden#178: Women@Darden Spotlight | Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88), Executive Fellow and Professor of Practice

In this special episode of the Darden Admissions podcast, we’re excited to share a recent installment from our ongoing Women@Darden event series featuring Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88). Miles is an Executive Fellow and Professor of Practice, and she is also the former Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children, an organization that gives children in the United States and around the world a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. In this conversation, Miles shares reflections on her MBA journey, the impact of her Darden experience, the work she and other are doing as part of Darden’s Women 2.0 initiative, highlights from UVA Darden’s inaugural women’s summit and more.

Experience Darden #177: Event Spotlight | GWIB Conference with Catherine Kirchner and Elizabeth Saltonstall

It’s conference season at UVA Darden! In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Catherine Kirchner and Elizabeth Saltonstall. Catherine and Elizabeth are second year students in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and they both serve as VP of Conference for Darden’s Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) club. We talk with Catherine and Elizabeth about their decisions to pursue an MBA, what led them to Darden, how they spent the summer, their plans for this year’s GWIB conference and more.

Experience Darden #176: Club Spotlight | Meet Lizzy Belair, President, Net Impact at Darden

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Lizzy Belair. Lizzy is a second year student in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and she is the President of the Net Impact club at Darden. We talk with Lizzy about her background, her decision to pursue an MBA, as well as her passion for real estate, sustainability and user-focused design. Lizzy also shares insights about Net Impact and plans for the year ahead. Darden’s Net Impact chapter is part of a global network of more than 300 Net Impact chapters on six continents and thousands of student and professional members.

Experience Darden #175: MSBA Spotlight | Interview with Trey Maxham, MSBA Co-Academic Director

In this episode of the podcast, we spotlight the MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program with a conversation with James G. “Trey” Maxham III. Maxham is the William Stamps Farish Entrepreneurial Eminent Research professor at UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce and he also serves as one of the Academic Directors for the MSBA program. In this wide-ranging conversation, Maxham reflects upon how the MSBA program has evolved since its launch in 2017, sharing insights about the inspiration for the program, how the program’s integrated design leverages faculty and expertise from both Darden and McIntire, his experience teaching in the program and more. This episode is essential listening for anyone considering the MSBA Program.

Experience Darden #174: Admissions Tips | Making the Most of Admissions Events

In this episode, we catch up with Darden Admissions Committee members Whitney Kestner and Catie Yeilding to talk about a subject near and dear to our hearts: Events! Whitney and Catie share insights about the role events play in the business school research process, how event preparation is kind of like getting ready for a case discussion, the importance of intentional engagement and more. This episode is essential listening for Darden applicants.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: UVA Darden | A Step by Step Application Guide

Please join our Admissions team for these special micro-podcast episodes giving you a step by step guide to the application process. There are two ways to listen to the playlist... here, on Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EtyMkjZzi9ErgSjrTxKEl?si=1bffd345fee549ad

Experience Darden #173: Dual Degree Spotlight | Huan Zheng (MBA/M.Ed ’22)

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Huan Zheng. Huan is a recent graduate in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2022, and she completed the MBA/M.Ed dual degree program during her time in Charlottesville. In this wide-ranging conversation, Huan reflects upon her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, as well as what attracted her to the MBA/M.Ed dual degree program. She also talks about moving to the U.S. from China, the importance of networking, her growing interest in venture capital and much more. Editor’s Note: This conversation was recorded towards the end of Huan’s second year at Darden.

Experience Darden #172: Darden PhD Spotlight | Jeff York (PhD ’09), University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business

Did you know that Darden has re-launched its PhD program? In honor of the occasion, we will be sharing interviews with Darden PhD program alums on the podcast in the coming weeks, and first up is Jeff York (PhD ’09). York is a Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business, and he currently serves as the Chair of the Division of Social Responsibility and Sustainability (SRS) Research Director for the School’s Deming Center for Entrepreneurship. In this podcast, we talk with York about his decision to pursue a PhD, what led him to Darden, and what he has been up to since his time in Charlottesville. This conversation is highly recommended for anyone interested in climate change, sustainability and green technologies.

Experience Darden #171: A Historic Opening Week

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we catch up with Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions, Dawna Clarke, to reflect on a truly historic opening week for the Darden School of Business. On Monday, 15 August, for the first time in the history of the School, we welcomed Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, and Executive MBA students to grounds for the start of school. In this episode, we discuss key data points for each of these classes and look ahead to a busy fall for the Admissions team, including upcoming deadlines, the annual Diversity Conference, a Women’s Leadership Symposium in Rosslyn and more.

Experience Darden #170: In Conversation | Senior Associate Dean Yael Grushka-Cockayne

In this special episode of the Darden Admissions podcast, we’re excited to share a recent installment from our ongoing Women@Darden event series featuring Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke and Senior Associate Dean, Professional Degree Programs Yael Grushka-Cockayne. Grushka-Cockayne leads UVA Darden’s Part-Time MBA, Executive MBA  and MSBA programs, and she is also a member of the Quantitative Analysis faculty. This conversation touches upon a wide variety of topics including UVA Darden’s differentiators, how faculty are an integrated part of the Darden community, the power of the case method, imposter syndrome and more. Grushka-Cockayne also shares insights from her research and publication.

Experience Darden #169: Office Hours Spotlight | In Conversation with Professor Robert Carraway

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share the 15th installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours’ faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Robert Carraway. Carraway teaches in the Quantitative Analysis area, and he has taught in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA and Executive MBA programs, and he will teach Decision Analysis in the core curriculum of the newly launched Part-Time MBA program. He served as Senior Associate Dean for MBA programs at UVA Darden from 2006 to 2011, a period that included the introduction of the Executive MBA program. In this wide-ranging conversation, Carraway offers his insights about the case method, the Darden community as well as the design of Darden’s core curriculum. He also discusses the important role intuition plays in analysis, and why stories matter when working with data.

Experience Darden #168: Office Hours Spotlight | In Conversation with Professor Andy Wicks

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share the 14th installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours’ faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Andy Wicks. Wicks teaches Ethics in Darden’s MBA and Executive Education programs. An ethicist with a background in religious studies, Wicks examines both the theoretical and practical implications of ethics through thought-provoking courses such as: "Responsible Leadership: Ultimate Questions and Creating Value for Stakeholders"; "Leadership, Values and Ethics"; "Servant Leadership"; and "Contemporary Issues in Business Ethics." In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with Wicks about his background in Religious Studies, what led him to Darden, what he enjoys about teaching Ethics in business school, the inspiration behind his popular “Ultimate Questions” elective and more. Wicks is also the Director of UVA Darden’s Doctoral program, and he discusses the re-launch of the PhD program this fall.

Experience Darden #167: Future Year Scholar Spotlight | Daniela Fernandez (Class of 2023)

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Daniela Fernandez. Daniela is a student in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and she applied to Darden through the Future Year Scholars Program. Daniela talks about her career prior to Darden – including a stint at Mattel serving as a regional brand manager for Barbie – as well as how she decided to pursue an MBA. She also reflects upon her first year at Darden, her plans for the summer and some of her extracurricular activities, including the Darden student/faculty band and the Cold Call Chorus.  e podcast, we catch up with Daniela Fernandez. Daniela is a student in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and she applied to Darden through the Future Year Scholars Program. Daniela talks about her career prior to Darden – including a stint at Mattel serving as a regional brand manager for Barbie – as well as how she decided to pursue an MBA. She also reflects upon her first year at Darden, her plans for the summer, and some of her extracurricular activities, including the Darden student/faculty band and the Cold Call Chorus.  

Experience Darden #166: Future Year Scholar Spotlight | Lindsay Bralower (MBA ’22)

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Lindsay Bralower. Lindsay is a recent graduate in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2022, and she also applied to Darden through the Future Year Scholars Program. We talk with Lindsay about her MBA journey, what attracted her to the Future Year Scholars Program, what it’s like being a “double ‘Hoo”, and where she’ll be heading after graduation.

Experience Darden #165: Meet Cecilia Rios Murrieta (MBA ’22), Founder of JAS

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Cecilia Rios Murrieta. Cecilia is a graduate in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2022, and she is also a founder. We talk with Cecilia about her MBA journey, including her background in the Mezcal and spirits industry as well as her new venture, JAS. JAS (Joie Avec Sans) is an alcohol-free beverage brand that allows everyone to participate in the social ritual of drinking without compromise, by mindfully creating beverages that emulate the look, taste and mouth-feel of traditional alcoholic beverages.

Experience Darden #164: Meet Yeti Ogunwumi, President, Building Goodness in April

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Yeti Ogunwumi. Yeti is a second year student in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and she is also President of Building Goodness in April (BGIA), a student organization dedicated to keeping marginalized homeowners living in warmth, dignity, and decency, and to improving the facilities of local community groups. We talk with Yeti about her background in architecture, her passion for art, why she was excited to be a double ‘Hoo, her plans for BGIA in the year and much more.

Experience Darden #163: Meet Vashti Barran, President, Humans of Darden

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Vashti Barran (Class of 2023). Vashti is a second year student in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and, in this wide-ranging conversation, she reflects upon her MBA journey – from growing up in New York City, to college in NYC, to her career in the non-profit sector, to Charlottesville and her first year as a Darden student. Vashti is President of Humans of Darden, a student organization that seeks to form stronger connections among the humans of the Darden School of Business, and she also shares her plans and vision for Humans of Darden in the year ahead.