Gabrielle Darko

Columbia Business School

“Curious explorer, undaunted and driven, with a proclivity to help and inspire others!”

Hometown: Houston, TX

Fun fact about yourself: I was on a kid’s TV show when I was like 7!

Undergraduate School and Degree: Spelman College, International Studies/Economics

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Adobe, Global Partner Manage

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Nike, Beaverton, OR

Where will you be working after graduation? Nike, Brand Marketing, LeBron

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• President, Black Business Students Association
• President, Volleyball Club
• VP of Media Management Association West Coast Trek
• VP of Follies Video Direction
• Hermes Deferred Enrollment Program Ambassador
• Career Management Center Receptionist
• Peer Advisor Lead, Admissions Interviewer

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest achievements in business school has been leading the Black Business Students Association (BBSA) into a new era of continued legacy. The role has been incredibly challenging, but it has also been the most rewarding and transformative learning experience—one that I see as the most transferable to a future C-suite position. A standout moment was launching the Black@ series, where we brought in SVP and C-suite executives from various industries to share their journeys and insights with the broader school community. Creating these spaces for authentic conversations and representation has been deeply meaningful.

Another unforgettable experience was meeting Robert F. Smith, a former BBSA president, and having the opportunity to discuss leadership with him. My co-president and I were honored to present him with a personalized gift, recognizing his impact and legacy. These moments have reinforced my passion for leadership, community-building, and paving the way for future generations.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The achievement I’m most proud of in my professional career is starting my own company and getting it officially recognized with an LLC and trademark. It took a lot of courage to take that step because I often hesitate to start new ventures out of fear of failure. Over time, I’ve learned that I’d rather fail trying than never try at all. Now, I’m working on three different entrepreneurial ventures that align with my passions: a tech startup focused on AI, a media production company, and a creative photography/videography business. I’m incredibly proud of how I’ve been able to pursue these dreams while still achieving success in the corporate world. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m excited about where it’s headed.

Why did you choose this business school? Two words: Authentic People.

I initially had another school in mind and was certain I would go there. However, after attending their admitted students’ weekend and comparing it to CBS’s, the choice became clear. Business school can sometimes feel like a “sharks and minnows” environment, but CBS cultivates the exact opposite—a culture not just of winning, but of winning together. What truly set CBS apart is the authenticity of its people. Their passion for being in business school went far beyond just making more money. During slim recruiting seasons, I’ve seen students go out of their way to support one another rather than compete. That strong sense of community was a huge factor in my decision, and it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Yikes! This one might get me in trouble because I’ve had so many incredible professors at CBS, but if I must choose, it’s Professor Modupe Akinola. Walking into my first CBS classroom and seeing a Black woman teaching immediately made my heart smile—it was an affirming moment that reminded me I belonged here, especially while battling imposter syndrome. But beyond that, I admire Professor Akinola for so many reasons unrelated to race or gender. She is unapologetically herself, always showing up in the best outfits, and she carries her accomplishments with well-earned confidence—a huge lesson for me in owning my worth.

Her expertise and passion for what she teaches are undeniable, and her career has flourished because of it—whether in the classroom or leading stress management sessions for Chris Hemsworth in a Disney docuseries! She knows her students deeply, cares about their growth, and has been an inspiration in my own journey to pursue what truly drives me.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Yikes, again! I can’t choose just one course because I’ve loved so many of the class offerings at CBS, from Tech Strategy with Dan Wang to Media Marketing and Entrepreneurship with Sharad Devarajan. But if I had to pick, my favorite course was Organizational Change, taught by the famous Todd Jick. It’s so easy in business school to get caught up in all the financial classes, but at the end of the day, those mean little if you can’t lead effectively. I really wanted to dedicate time to developing my soft skills, and this class was the perfect opportunity. I was fortunate to get in, especially since his waitlist usually has over 200 people. After just one class with Todd, I understood why. His attention to detail and the level of engagement he brings to teaching is unmatched. What surprised me most was how often, after reading a case, the solution I thought was best would actually be considered wrong. It completely shifted my perspective not just on how to lead, but also on how to be led—a crucial skill I know will serve me well in the future.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One of the biggest myths about CBS is that being in NYC makes it hard to build close relationships with your classmates because the city is too big, too crowded, and too distracting. As someone who lived in NYC before business school, I can confidently say the opposite is true. In fact, during my first year, I was so immersed in CBS that I barely saw my non-business school friends! There are endless opportunities to connect, and the intensity of the experience brings people together incredibly fast. NYC is actually the perfect place for grad school—if you can balance both worlds well.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? I mean… it’s NYC—there’s no better city in the world! What I love most is that there’s always something to do, always people to meet, always places to be. Whether it’s exploring new restaurants, catching a Broadway show, attending industry events, or just walking through a different neighborhood, you will never be bored. The energy of the city is unmatched, and it makes the business school experience even more dynamic. Being in NYC means that opportunities—both professional and personal—are always just around the corner.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? My pick might be an outlier, but for me, it’s Succession. My grandpa started our family business in Ghana in the ’60s, and both my parents are serial entrepreneurs. Having seen firsthand the ups and downs of running a business—especially within a family—I’ve strayed far from that path. Watching Succession, I couldn’t help but think, This is EXACTLY how that world works. While the show is exaggerated for drama, its portrayal of power struggles, family dynamics, and the complexities of managing legacy businesses felt eerily familiar. It was both hilarious and uncomfortably real. What I took away from Succession is that business isn’t just about numbers and strategy—it’s about people, relationships, and, sometimes, the messy emotions that come with them. Leadership and succession planning in a family business can be as much about personal dynamics as it is about competence, which is a reality I’ve seen play out in real life.

In conclusion…I also of course am taking an entrepreneurial route!

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? It’s wild how much AI is being integrated into business education—and at such a rapid pace. One of the most eye-opening experiences I had at CBS was taking Generative AI for Business. The course didn’t just teach us how to use AI tools; it took us behind the scenes, having us work with JSON and coding to understand AI’s biases and capabilities. Seeing firsthand how these systems operate—and where they can go wrong—was mind-blowing. I’ve also been surprised at how quickly professors have adapted, allowing AI in many aspects of our coursework. Having first studied AI back in 2019 while abroad, I was honestly scared of it then and could have never predicted how dominant it would become today. Now, I see AI as an incredible tool for efficiency, helping us work smarter and focus on the things that truly require human insight.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? There was no hesitation at all with this answer: Shatiek Gatlin. Shatiek has been such an inspiration to me, even when he didn’t know it. I met him at Connect Weekend and found out he had just had a daughter. I couldn’t believe he was going to balance both fatherhood and business school, but he does both—and then some—exceedingly well. Shatiek is a safe space for everyone. He’s kind, offers sound advice, and is very intentional about the people he’s around, genuinely getting to know their lives. He’s also a phenomenal leader, one who leads with his faith and with love. I playfully call him my “dad” at school because he truly feels like a dad to all of us! He ALWAYS shows up. I remember when I tore my ACL playing volleyball at school…he immediately sent me some food when I got back from surgery. He goes beyond the surface level that this environment sometimes provides. He’s respected not only by his peers but also by the faculty. Shatiek inspires me every day to be a better human, and I’m grateful to know him.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? Can I have 3?

1. To become a CMO for a Fortune 500 company – It’s a role that would allow me to combine my strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership skills at the highest level.

2. To make Forbes 30 Under 30 for something I’ve innovated – I want to be recognized for creating something impactful that makes a difference in the world, whether through tech, media, or another venture.

3. To make enough money to give it all back to those in need – Philanthropy is huge for me. I want to use my success to support causes that matter and help lift others up, making a lasting, positive impact on communities.

Each of these goals drives me to keep pushing forward, balancing ambition with a sense of purpose.

What made Gabrielle such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Gabrielle Darko has been an invaluable member of the Columbia Business School Class of 2025, leaving a lasting impact through her leadership, creativity, and deep commitment to community. As Co-President of both the Volleyball Club and the Black Business Student Association (BBSA), Gabrielle brought energy and vision to everything she touched. Her strategic and heartfelt approach to storytelling as BBSA’s marketing lead elevated the organization’s social presence, capturing the voices and journeys of its members in a way that resonated far beyond campus. She gave the community a platform that celebrated not just accomplishments, but also aspirations and challenges—helping students feel seen, heard, and supported.

Beyond her work with BBSA, Gabrielle served as Vice President of the West Coast Trek for the Media Management Association and as a Peer Advisor, where her mentorship inspired others to get involved and make the most of their CBS experience. Her warmth, connectivity, and drive helped increase interest in the PA program and brought more applicants into the fold. Whether building bridges between students, leading with empathy, or amplifying underrepresented voices, Gabrielle has been a force for inclusion, collaboration, and school spirit. Her impact will be felt by CBS for years to come.”

Samantha Shapses, Ed.D.
Senior Associate Dean and Dean of Student Affairs 
Columbia Business School

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