Experience Darden

Experience Darden #312: PhD Program Spotlight | Skyler Clark-Hamel

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Skyler Clark-Hamel. Skyler is a member of Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and he is currently pursuing his PhD at Darden in the Strategy, Ethics and Entrepreneurship area. We talk with Skyler about his background, what led him to Darden for his MBA, how he decided to pursue a PhD, what he’s enjoyed about the PhD program so far, what he’s looking forward to in the months ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #311: Student Spotlight | Yatta Ackom

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Yatta Ackom. Yatta is a student in Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and she is also the VP of Admissions for the Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) student organization and the EVP for the Darden African Business Organization (DABO). We talk with Yatta about her background, what led her to Darden, her plans for her second year, what attracted her to her role with GWIB and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #310: Student Spotlight | Sinmi Oyekola

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Sinmi Oyekola. Sinmi is a dual degree, MBA/MPP student, in Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and she is also the President of Darden’s Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) club. We talk with Sinmi about her background, what led her to Darden, her plans for the summer, her goals for GWIB in the year ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #309: Meet Jennifer Hulvey, Senior Director of Financial Aid

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Jennifer Hulvey. Jennifer is the Senior Director of Financial Aid at the Darden School of Business, and she joined the Darden team after 15 years at the University of Virginia School of Law. We talk with Jennifer about her background, what she enjoys about financial aid, ways students can learn more about the financial aid process, her advice for incoming students and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #308: Student Spotlight | Ben Gustafson and Alexa Bartels, Darden Student Association

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with two students in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, Ben Gustafson and Alexa Bartels. Ben and Alexa were recently elected President and Executive Vice President, respectively, of the Darden Student Association (DSA), and we talk with them about their MBA journeys, what attracted them to their leadership roles, their plans for the DSA in the year ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #307: Spotlight on Private Market Case Competitions

During this episode, we catch up with three UVA Darden Full-Time MBA students – Catie Nolan (Class of 2026), Matt Cunningham (Class of 2025), and Tom Alappat (Class of 2025) – to talk about their recent experience competing in private market case competitions. Catie competed in the Venture Capital Investment Competition with 5 other Darden students and placed 2nd at regionals. Matt and Tom competed in the Cornell Case Competition for Family Ownership with 2 other Darden students and placed 3rd overall. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #306: Alumni Spotlight | Carissa Sanchez (MBA ’20)

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Carissa Sanchez. Carissa is a graduate in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2020 and currently works as an Investment Associate for Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, an impact-driven venture capital firm focused on investing in Indigenous and Native American businesses. We talk with Carissa about her journey to Darden, how her career has progressed since graduation, what led her to the venture capital industry and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #305: Women@Darden Spotlight | Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88)

In this special edition of the podcast, we are excited to share another installment from our ongoing Women@Darden event series featuring Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88). Career-wise, Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88) has seemingly done it all. She’s worked in corporate America for a Fortune 500 company, been an entrepreneur overseas, taught in higher education, and served as CEO for a global NGO. Now, she’s back in Charlottesville, having completed a term as the Interim President of the Darden School Foundation, and continuing to serve as the John Alden Purinton Jr. Professor of Practice and senior adviser to the dean helping the school implement its ambitious 2030 sustainability goals. The Women@Darden event series is hosted by Senior Assistant Dean for Admissions Dawna Clarke. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #304: Student Spotlight | Alys Herbert

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Alys Herbert. Alys is a first year student in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and she is the new VP, Academics for the Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) student organization, VP, Careers for the Darden Technology Club, as well as a Forte Ambassador. We talk with Alys about her decision to pursue an MBA, what she has enjoyed about her first year, her work as a Gender Equity Rep for Section A, her plans for her summer internship and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #303: Entrepreneur Spotlight | Ben and Paige Foote

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Ben and Paige Foote. Ben is a second year student in Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2025, and he and his wife Paige, a registered dietitian and athlete, have a venture called Noogs, whose signature product is a gummy sports chew with a sour coating, loaded with electrolytes and nutrients needed by endurance athletes on the go. We talk with Ben and Paige about the inspiration for their venture, how Darden has helped them grow Noogs, their participation in Darden’s Venture Capital Investment Competition and the UVA Venture Capital Conference, what’s next for Noogs and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #302: Alumni Spotlight | Lucy Alexander (MBA ’01)

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Lucy Alexander. Lucy is a graduate in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2001, and she currently works for Astra Zeneca as Executive Director, Head of Lean Digital Intelligence, Global Supply Chain & Strategy. We talk with her about her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, how her career has unfolded and developed, her favorite memory from her time at Darden and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #301: Alumni Spotlight | Emily Anthony (MBA ’23)

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Emily Anthony. Emily is a graduate in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, and she currently works for Dick’s Sporting Goods in their Real Estate Strategy & Operations area. We talk with her about her decision to pursue an MBA, how her career goals evolved during her time in Charlottesville, how time at Darden has been helpful to her at Dick’s, her advice for prospective students and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #300: Student Spotlight | Sterling Dixon & Alberto Ramirez, Student Admissions Committee

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Sterling Dixon and Alberto Ramirez. Sterling and Alberto are first year students in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and they are also members of the Student Admissions Committee. We talk with Sterling and Alberto about their decision to pursue an MBA, what led them to Darden, what attracted them to serving on the Student Admissions Committee, what they enjoy about connecting with prospective students and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #299: Student Spotlight | Mel Phillips

During this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Mel Phillips. Mel is a first year student in our Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and we talk with him about his decision to pursue an MBA, what led him to Darden, highlights from his first year and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #298: Women@Darden Spotlight | Mandy Lozano (MBA ’09)

In this special edition of the podcast, we are excited to share another installment from our ongoing Women@Darden event series featuring Mandy Lozano (MBA ’09). Lozano is a Darden Foundation Board of Trustees member, and, in this wide-ranging conversation, she offers insights about her experience at Darden as well as lessons learned from her over 15 years working in large manufacturing, consumer goods, and retail industries. The Women@Darden event series is hosted by Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #297: Student Spotlight | Adair Maynard

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Adair Maynard. Adair a second year student in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2025. Adair is the President of the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, and she also has a venture – Memorial Tribute Legacy LLC. We talk with Adair about her background, her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, how her time at Darden has helped her develop her start-up, her advice for prospective students and more.

Experience Darden #296: Office Hours Spotlight | Darden Health Care Initiative

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours’ faculty spotlight series. This episode features a conversation with Professors Christoph Herpfer and Marc Ruggiano, two faculty members involved with the Darden’s Health Care Initiative, hosted by the Institute for Business in Society. We talk with Chris and Marc about healthcare-related curricular and co-curricular opportunities at Darden, the healthcare ecosystem at the University of Virginia, challenges with healthcare delivery in the United States and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #295: Office Hours Spotlight | LaCross Institute for Ethical AI

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours’ faculty spotlight series. This episode features a conversation with Vice Dean Yael Grushka-Cockayne and Professor Raj Venkatesan, Academic Directors for the LaCross Institute for Ethical AI at the Darden School of Business. We talk with Yael and Raj about their interest in AI, what attracted them to their roles with the LaCross Institute, what’s happening around AI at Darden, the Institute’s plans for the months ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #294: Tips for Waitlisted Candidates with Senior Associate Director Merav Frazier

In this special edition of the podcast, we catch up with Merav Frazier. Merav is the Senior Associate Director of Global Recruitment, and she also works closely with candidates on the waiting list for UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA program. Merav shares more about what the waitlist decision means, the waitlist process, next steps for candidates on the waitlist and more.

Experience Darden #293: Office Hours Spotlight | Mayo Center for Asset Management

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours’ faculty spotlight series. This episode features a conversation with Rodney Sullivan and Caitlin Boyer with Darden’s Richard A. Mayo Center for Asset Management. The Mayo Center advances the study and practice of responsible asset management globally through developing and delivering world-class research, educational programs and activities, awards, and support for student clubs and Darden Capital Management (DCM). We talk with Rodney and Caitlin about resources and opportunities for Darden students interested in a wide range of asset management-related fields including traditional asset management, private equity, venture capital and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), and real estate.   For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #292: Student Spotlight | Andrew Yowell

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Andrew Yowell. Andrew is a second year student in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2025, and he is also a Future Year Scholar. We talk with Andrew about his decision to pursue an MBA, what attracted him to the Future Year Scholars Program, how he figured out the right time for him to enroll in business school, what he’s enjoyed about his Darden experience and more. We also talk with Andrew about the recent Darden Sustainability Conference, hosted in November 2024. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #291: Student Spotlight | Richie Todd

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Richie Todd. Richie is a second year student in UVA Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2025, and he is also the President of the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) club. We talk with Richie about his background, his decision to pursue an MBA, why he's passionate about entrepreneurship, what the ETA club has planned for the months ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #290: Future Year Scholar Spotlight | Dan Smith

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Dan Smith. Dan is a first year student in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and he is also a Future Year Scholar. We talk with Dan about his background, his decision to pursue an MBA, what attracted him to the Future Year Scholar Program, what he’s enjoyed about his first year and more. Dan also spent significant time as a youth soccer coach prior to Darden, and we talk with him about his coaching philosophy and what he enjoyed about coaching. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.
 

Experience Darden #289: Reflecting on This Year’s GWIB Conference

In this episode of the podcast, we spotlight this year’s Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) Conference. The conference is an annual event that kicks off the recruiting cycle for GWIB members and also offers members opportunity for leadership and professional development. We talk with two second year students in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2025, Meredith Johnson and Jin “JJ” Jiang who serve as VP Conference on the GWIB Board about highlights from this year’s conference, what guided their plans for the event, what GWIB has meant to them during their time at Darden and more. The Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) is an organization that serves to empower women to be the fullest expression of themselves by creating inclusive spaces to grow authentic connections, further gender equity and forge partnerships on and off grounds. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Experience Darden #288: Student Spotlight | Matt Rafferty

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Matt Rafferty. Matt is a second year student in UVA Darden’s Full-Time MBA Class of 2025, and we talk with him about his decision to pursue an MBA, what led him to Charlottesville, the impact of his time at Darden and more. Matt is passionate about entrepreneurship, and we talk with him about his venture experience and how Darden and the Batten Institute have helped him explore his ideas. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.