When Christina Jaracz joined Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning in September 2024, she hit the ground running. As Managing Director of Custom Solutions, she’s committed to building meaningful partnerships and crafting unforgettable learning experiences for client organizations. We caught up with her to talk about what brought her to Darden, what makes the work so exciting, and the moments that have stuck with her since arriving.
How did your professional journey bring you here?
I’ve spent more than 20 years in higher education, building partnerships across K-12 and corporate markets, leading business development, and ultimately running the executive education practice as assistant dean at Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business. That journey brought me to Darden, where I now lead client partnerships within Custom Solutions. Earlier in my career, I worked in media relations and crisis communications at organizations like Marriott International and Staples—but it was higher ed where I found my passion.
Darden is a value amplifier! Our clients already have amazing initiatives, and we help take that to the next level.
What’s been your favorite part of the role so far?
It’s incredibly rewarding to work with innovative leaders and help companies build signature learning experiences they couldn’t create on their own. We’re supporting talent at every level—from rising managers to senior execs—and helping organizations share their best practices with the broader team. I especially love digging into what makes a company exceptional and weaving that into a program they’re proud to call their own.
What makes Darden stand out?
Darden is a value amplifier! Our clients already have amazing initiatives, and we help take that to the next level. They’re sharp, talent-driven and want a partner who keeps pace. And that’s what we do. There’s something powerful—almost magical—about the Darden classroom. I’ve been in many university classrooms, but here, participants go deeper. They leave with insights that fuel smarter decision-making and build lasting organizational momentum.
Our faculty bring in timely, real-world case studies that challenge people to think critically and question assumptions. Add to that our hospitality and infrastructure—which are honestly top-tier—and it’s clear we’re not just delivering programs. We’re building pathways for leadership growth.
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Any memorable moments since joining Darden?
I visited one of our clients recently, and several people there had been through our programs. What struck me was how quickly they could recall something meaningful they’d learned—something that stuck long after the session ended. That’s how I know we’re making a real impact. I always say: the longer I keep thinking about a concept after a session, the more valuable that learning was.
Why does lifelong learning matter so much to you?
For me, it’s simple; the most successful organizations are the ones that prioritize learning. If you can learn faster than your competitors, you have a serious advantage. The best companies are customer-centric because they invest in their people—the ones creating real value. Sure, they might use tech tools like AI, but it’s the human thinking that drives innovation. And honestly, there’s always something someone needs to learn in a given moment to grow. I love being part of that process.
