Meet Virginia Darden’s MBA Class of 2019

Kimberly Diaz 

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business 

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: A Jersey girl turned non-profit guru &and entrepreneur with a 90s music obsession.

Hometown: West Caldwell, NJ

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I have an obsession with 90s R&B and spoke to Aliyah on Total Request Live (TRL) on MTV as a 13 year-old.

Undergraduate School and Major: 

BA, University of Virginia, Economics & Pscyhology,

MAT, American University

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Co-Founder oneTILT (onetilt.org) , Managing Director, Teacher Leadership Development at Teach for America – DC. Region, Teacher @ Friendship Public Charter Schools

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Co-founding oneTILT, an organization that coaches education-sector managers to lead from a place of inclusion and innovation.  I never thought I’d see entrepreneur next to my name but it’s been the best (and scariest!) decision I’ve made in my professional career! Being your own boss + doing work that matters = professional fulfillment

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? Start preparing earlier than you think you need to, ask for feedback from EVERYONE (current MBAs, alumni of programs you’re interested in, even your mother!), and don’t sell yourself short. Remember, schools are looking for holistic views of candidates. Even if that GMAT is a bit lower than the mean of the school you’re interested in – apply anyway!

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The curriculum! Darden means business – the core curriculum is rigorous and the case-method will set me up for success for my future, regardless of the post-MBA career of my choice!

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school?  A job I love (and a dope new wardrobe to match!)