Inclusive Excellence at Darden
MBA - Culture and Community - Inclusive Excellence at Darden - Women
Women
Darden women make a significant impact every day — at Darden, in Charlottesville and around the world. They are club presidents — currently leading over half of Darden's student clubs — community leaders, entrepreneurs and more. Darden is committed to recruiting women who want to positively impact the world, and empowering them for long-term success in whatever role they choose.
Over the course of two years at Darden and as a lifelong member of the alumni network, you will be able to take advantage of mentorship, alumni and career development resources, and you will develop skills critical to gaining respect as a business leader. Darden’s distinctive case method of instruction — designed to strengthen students' confidence in their communication, decision-making and teamwork skills — and experiential learning opportunities create a great learning environment for women.
Finding Your Voice at Darden
Meet five women from Darden who talk about the challenges they faced — and the successes they found — as they worked to find their voices in business school.
Below you will be able to meet some of Darden's female leaders, learn about the student and partner organizations that support our female students and peruse a collection of resources developed particularly for women. Be sure to check out the Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) club page for recent conversations with current students about various aspects of the Darden experience.
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Graduate Women in Business
Graduate Women in Business (GWIB)
Darden’s chapter of Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) promotes the role of professional women by developing a greater appreciation for issues of diversity among men, women, faculty and administration. GWIB provides resources related to women’s issues in pursuing a career in business and helps students create and build their professional and personal networks.
On the (GWIB) club page you will find webinars with students exploring various aspects of the Darden experience.
Sinmi Oyekola, President, Graduate Women in Business
Sinmi Oyekola, Class of 2026
President, GWIBPronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria
Undergrad Institution: Emory University
Undergrad Majors: Economics and Mathematics
Pre-MBA Experience: Mortgage Lending and Non-Profit Finance
Darden Clubs and Leadership Roles: Black Business Students Association, Darden African Business Organization, Darden Christian Fellowship, Finance Club, Graduate Women in Business (President), Latin American Students Association, Section B (Review Coordinator)
Why Darden? My sister went to Darden, and spending time with her and her friends in Charlottesville showed me what a wonderful community it is! From learning teams to sections and clubs, you always have the opportunity to meet people and form lifelong friendships. The faculty, administration and staff are always willing to support you in any way possible. Beyond that, I knew I wanted a business school that would push me out of my comfort zone, and my first cold call did exactly that. With the case method, Darden has made me more comfortable speaking up in uncertainty, and my classmates constantly challenge me to think more critically in a safe environment. This community has shaped me in ways I never expected, and I have become a better and stronger person as a result.
Meet Yatta Ackom, VP Admissions, Graduate Women in Business
Yatta Ackom, Class of 2026
VP of Admissions, GWIB
Pronouns: She/Her/HersHometown: Blessed to call three places home: Accra, Ghana; Freetown, Sierra Leone and London, England
Undergrad Institution: Aston University, United Kingdom
Undergrad Major: Industrial Product Design
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Advertising & Media Production and Project management
Darden Clubs and Leadership Roles: Black Business Students Association, Darden African Business Organization (EVP), Graduate Women in Business (VP Admissons), Marketing & General Management Club, Racquet Club, Section D (DEI Rep), Technology Club
Why Darden? When making decisions, I prioritize ones that offer a sense of comfort and peace, and Darden truly embodied that throughout my application journey. From my interactions with the admissions team to the students and alumni, I experienced warmth, support, and genuine insight into the community Darden has created. Now that I’m here, I’ve seen that this sense of belonging is a core part of Darden's culture. I’m confident that the bonds we’ve formed will only grow stronger with time, building a community that will continuously welcome and support you at every step. Additionally, Darden’s approach to diversity felt authentic to me. As a Black woman coming from a different country with a non-traditional background, finding a place that actively works toward fostering diversity in in all its forms. Darden has provided that — a space where I can belong, thrive, and grow as a well-rounded leader. The environment here has already challenged me in ways I didn't expect, and I’m excited to see how it will continue to shape me in the year ahead.
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Partnerships
Forté
At Darden, we are committed to women's leadership, and since its inception have proudly partnered with Forté - a non-profit working to launch women into successful and significant careers. Through Forté's alliance of leading companies, top schools and pioneering donors, we empower women to rise higher. All female students at Darden get Forté's Premium Access Pass membership for FREE. Forté's community of 100,000+ motivated and inspiring women is changing the balance of power in the workplace.
Through the admissions process, exceptional female candidates are selected to receive a Darden School Foundation-funded Forté Fellowship. Along with the prestige of receiving this scholarship, Forté fellows gain access to exclusive Forté benefits, such as skill-building workshops, leadership conferences, networking opportunities, job postings and more.
APPLICATION FEE WAIVER
Forté MBALaunch members (If you have been accepted into the Forté MBALaunch program, your application fee waiver will be applied automatically upon submission of your application. You do not need to provide any further payment information.)
Access
Access (formerly Admit.me) is a free MBA admissions resource tailored for women and URMs. Its focus is helping prospective students through the admissions process by providing resources created by top MBA grads and admissions representatives.Application Fee Waiver
If you are an Acess Fellow, you are eligible for an application fee waiver for Darden's Full-Time MBA program. The waiver will be applied automatically upon submission of your application. You do not need to provide any further payment information.
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Prospective Student Resources
Graduate Women in Business (GWIB)
Darden’s chapter of Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) promotes the role of professional women by developing a greater appreciation for issues of diversity among men, women, faculty and administration. GWIB provides resources related to women’s issues in pursuing a career in business and helps students create and build their professional and personal networks.
1:1 Program for Prospective Student Women
Darden is known for having a tight-knit community. In order to give you a more personalized introduction, the Graduate Women in Business Club and the Office of Admissions are pleased to offer the 1:1 Program for Prospective Student Women. If you have questions regarding the 1:1 program, please contact Director of Women’s Recruiting Haley Whitlock Gyory
The program will pair you with a current female student mentor in late summer so that you can have a one-on-one connection with a member of the Darden community. Previous participants have found that this is a fantastic way to learn about the School, the student community and the many academic opportunities and resources.
Julia Reynolds, Class of 2025
"I am so grateful to have found Darden's 1:1 program during my application process. At the time, no one in my network was seriously considering business school and I felt that I was going into the process blind. My 1:1 mentor went above and beyond — advising me on testing and application deadlines and helping me to effectively share my 'story' in an interview setting. She provided a window into life at Darden and a strong support system. Through the 1:1 program I built both confidence in my candidacy and excitement about the opportunity to be a part of the Darden community!" — Julia Reynolds, Class of 2025UVA Resources for Women
Graduate Women in Business (GWIB)
Darden’s chapter of Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) promotes the role of professional women by developing a greater appreciation for issues of diversity among men, women, faculty and administration. GWIB provides resources related to women’s issues in pursuing a career in business and helps students create and build their professional and personal networks.
On the (GWIB) club page you will find webinars with students exploring various aspects of the Darden experience.
Sinmi Oyekola, President, Graduate Women in Business
President, GWIB
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria
Undergrad Institution: Emory University
Undergrad Majors: Economics and Mathematics
Pre-MBA Experience: Mortgage Lending and Non-Profit Finance
Darden Clubs and Leadership Roles: Black Business Students Association, Darden African Business Organization, Darden Christian Fellowship, Finance Club, Graduate Women in Business (President), Latin American Students Association, Section B (Review Coordinator)
Why Darden? My sister went to Darden, and spending time with her and her friends in Charlottesville showed me what a wonderful community it is! From learning teams to sections and clubs, you always have the opportunity to meet people and form lifelong friendships. The faculty, administration and staff are always willing to support you in any way possible. Beyond that, I knew I wanted a business school that would push me out of my comfort zone, and my first cold call did exactly that. With the case method, Darden has made me more comfortable speaking up in uncertainty, and my classmates constantly challenge me to think more critically in a safe environment. This community has shaped me in ways I never expected, and I have become a better and stronger person as a result.
Meet Yatta Ackom, VP Admissions, Graduate Women in Business
VP of Admissions, GWIB
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Blessed to call three places home: Accra, Ghana; Freetown, Sierra Leone and London, England
Undergrad Institution: Aston University, United Kingdom
Undergrad Major: Industrial Product Design
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Advertising & Media Production and Project management
Darden Clubs and Leadership Roles: Black Business Students Association, Darden African Business Organization (EVP), Graduate Women in Business (VP Admissons), Marketing & General Management Club, Racquet Club, Section D (DEI Rep), Technology Club
Why Darden? When making decisions, I prioritize ones that offer a sense of comfort and peace, and Darden truly embodied that throughout my application journey. From my interactions with the admissions team to the students and alumni, I experienced warmth, support, and genuine insight into the community Darden has created. Now that I’m here, I’ve seen that this sense of belonging is a core part of Darden's culture. I’m confident that the bonds we’ve formed will only grow stronger with time, building a community that will continuously welcome and support you at every step. Additionally, Darden’s approach to diversity felt authentic to me. As a Black woman coming from a different country with a non-traditional background, finding a place that actively works toward fostering diversity in in all its forms. Darden has provided that — a space where I can belong, thrive, and grow as a well-rounded leader. The environment here has already challenged me in ways I didn't expect, and I’m excited to see how it will continue to shape me in the year ahead.
Forté
At Darden, we are committed to women's leadership, and since its inception have proudly partnered with Forté - a non-profit working to launch women into successful and significant careers. Through Forté's alliance of leading companies, top schools and pioneering donors, we empower women to rise higher. All female students at Darden get Forté's Premium Access Pass membership for FREE. Forté's community of 100,000+ motivated and inspiring women is changing the balance of power in the workplace.
Through the admissions process, exceptional female candidates are selected to receive a Darden School Foundation-funded Forté Fellowship. Along with the prestige of receiving this scholarship, Forté fellows gain access to exclusive Forté benefits, such as skill-building workshops, leadership conferences, networking opportunities, job postings and more.
APPLICATION FEE WAIVER
Forté MBALaunch members (If you have been accepted into the Forté MBALaunch program, your application fee waiver will be applied automatically upon submission of your application. You do not need to provide any further payment information.)
Access
Access (formerly Admit.me) is a free MBA admissions resource tailored for women and URMs. Its focus is helping prospective students through the admissions process by providing resources created by top MBA grads and admissions representatives.
Application Fee Waiver
If you are an Acess Fellow, you are eligible for an application fee waiver for Darden's Full-Time MBA program. The waiver will be applied automatically upon submission of your application. You do not need to provide any further payment information.
Graduate Women in Business (GWIB)
Darden’s chapter of Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) promotes the role of professional women by developing a greater appreciation for issues of diversity among men, women, faculty and administration. GWIB provides resources related to women’s issues in pursuing a career in business and helps students create and build their professional and personal networks.
1:1 Program for Prospective Student Women
Darden is known for having a tight-knit community. In order to give you a more personalized introduction, the Graduate Women in Business Club and the Office of Admissions are pleased to offer the 1:1 Program for Prospective Student Women. If you have questions regarding the 1:1 program, please contact Director of Women’s Recruiting Haley Whitlock Gyory
The program will pair you with a current female student mentor in late summer so that you can have a one-on-one connection with a member of the Darden community. Previous participants have found that this is a fantastic way to learn about the School, the student community and the many academic opportunities and resources.
"I am so grateful to have found Darden's 1:1 program during my application process. At the time, no one in my network was seriously considering business school and I felt that I was going into the process blind. My 1:1 mentor went above and beyond — advising me on testing and application deadlines and helping me to effectively share my 'story' in an interview setting. She provided a window into life at Darden and a strong support system. Through the 1:1 program I built both confidence in my candidacy and excitement about the opportunity to be a part of the Darden community!" — Julia Reynolds, Class of 2025
UVA Resources for Women
Women@Darden: In the News
Featured Alumnae
