At Darden, we’re proud to bring together some of the brightest minds from around the world! This International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of the women in our community. From Charlottesville to Washington, D.C., our MBA programs are dedicated to attracting passionate, driven women who are ready to make a meaningful impact. During their time at Darden, they gain the skills, confidence and network to thrive in any path they choose—empowered to shape the future!
Crafting Strong Leaders
Darden students take on ventures that improve the world around them. We are proud partners with Forté Foundation, a non-profit working to launch women into successful and significant careers, and join them in celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day. Explore some of the amazing work being done in the Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA and Executive MBA programs.
How Kestia Saint-Armand Built an MBA Community with Forté Foundation
Saint-Armand (Class of 2026) attributes much of the community she has found and nurtured as an incoming dual degree student at UVA Darden and UVA School of Law to the Forté Foundation. We caught up with her after this year’s Forté Conference in Chicago, a space for women in business to come together to learn, share and network.
Filling a Need: Darden’s Entrepreneurial Flavor Catapults Bees Bisrat’s Venture
Bisrat (Class of 2024), Batten Scholar and Second-Year student at Darden, graduates this month with an MBA and a successful venture.
Life Lessons & Learning Teams: Dina Takchi (Class of 2025)
Dina Takhchi came to Darden with a robust career in engineering. Darden has helped her grow her confidence in and out of the classroom.
Set Up for Success: Liza Katcham (Class of 2024)
Ketcham grew up hearing her dad telling stories about his time at Darden in the Class of 1977. She has grown her business skills and understanding of the fragrance industry.
My Darden Journey: The Importance of Being a Role Model
Our current students in the Executive and Part-Time MBA programs share their experience balancing work, family and school.
A Strong Network of Alumnae
Our alumni network spans the globe. We love inviting them back to Grounds to inspire the next cohorts of students at Darden. Last fall, we were thrilled to host the Women Who Lead event at UVA Darden DC Metro for prospects, current students and alumni. 
Women Who Lead: Career Insights from Alumni & Current Students
UVA Darden hosted alumni, current and prospective students at UVA Darden DC Metro for an insightful panel about professional development. A joint event with Darden Admissions and the Career Center, the evening brought together women in all stages of their MBA journeys.
Gender Equity Representatives
Our Full-Time MBA students are just one of the reasons Darden’s community is so vibrant. Jaclyn Tossavainen (Class of 2026) says, “As gender equity rep I am passionate about helping to cultivate authentic, vulnerable and productive conversations about the role of gender in business. I care about being a strong advocate for the unique voice of women in the classroom, while promoting an inclusive space for all genders.”
Learn more about all the Gender Equity Representatives in Charlottesville.
Leaning In With Gender Equity Representative Jaclyn Tossavainen (Class of 2026)
Tossavainen shares her inspiring journey from working on U.S. Navy submarines to Section C camaraderie at Darden, her passion for empowering women in business and her role as a gender equity representative (GER).
Meet Gender Equity Representative Hope Tierney (Class of 2026): Empowered to Empower
GEPs are dedicated to keeping gender issues at the forefront of discussion and fostering community within their section and across the First Year class. Tierney connected with a second-year student who shared that the most valuable lesson she gained from her time at Darden was a newfound self-confidence. This encouraged her to apply.
Meet Gender Equity Representative Elli Mapstone (Class of 2026)
Inspired by impactful female mentors early in her career, Mapstone discusses her passion for fostering inclusion, building community and supporting women at Darden through events, collaborations with student clubs and her own leadership.
Fostering Community: Alys Herbert’s Full-Time MBA Story
Herbert has always found strength and inspiration from the female-led communities she’s been part of. The role involves creating and maintaining a larger community of respect and trust between all members of the section and providing opportunities for learning.
Darden Initiatives
Our leaders are dedicated to expanding Darden’s reach. Learn more about the work being done in Charlottesville and the DMV.
Continue exploring all the ways Darden supports women and the Women@Darden initiative by clicking the link below and the video library here.
