Gila Schwarzschild

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

“Chef and dietitian pursuing MBA to connect food, wellness, and strategy in meaningful, scalable ways.”

Hometown: New York City, NY

Fun Fact About Yourself: I worked as a vineyard hand in the South of France on a 5-acre biodynamic vineyard. The staff included two winemakers (mother and son), me, and a cow named Ma Belle.

Undergraduate School and Major:

Barnard College, Columbia University BA in Economics

Hunter College, City University of New York MS in Nutrition Science

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:

Employer: Hunter College School of Health Professions

Job Title: Nutrition & Food Science Laboratory Manager

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method facilitates learning by doing which is how I have always learned best. After culinary school, I really learned to cook like a professional on the line in busy kitchens. Later, as a dietitian, I built my skills through hands-on internships and real-world counseling. I have learned from experience that the most effective way to learn is by jumping in, practicing as you go, and learning from the inevitable mistakes along the way.

I also appreciate that the case method builds in accountability. Working with a team where others rely on your input is a great motivator—and it mirrors what it’s like to be in a leadership role, where your team depends on your perspective and follow-through.

Aside from cases and classmates, what was the key part of Virginia Darden’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Aside from Darden’s commitment to facilitating an unparalleled education, I was particularly drawn to the school for its geographic position in Charlottesville, VA and the program’s commitment to being part of the greater Charlottesville community. I grew up in New York City and I love city life, but I was looking to do my MBA in a smaller town. Most Darden students come to Charlottesville from other areas for the express purpose of getting an MBA and I like that intentionality. It means that everyone feels a responsibility to put effort into creating a community here. As a bonus, this gives my husband and me the chance to experience life together not only in a different part of the country, but also in a new environment—with more rural surroundings and a smaller-town feel.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Virginia Darden? I am excited to get involved with Community Consultants of Darden – a student-run not-for-profit that offers consulting services to local businesses. This is a chance to take the case method outside the classroom and put it to use within the Charlottesville community. I love the idea that even as a student I can play a role in bettering local businesses while bettering my own skills at the same time.

What are your early impressions of Charlottesville? It’s exactly the hamlet I was looking for when I started considering business school. There are mountains everywhere I look, and locals always excited to share a piece of their town with newcomers. Last weekend we went peach picking 15 minutes away from our new apartment – what could be better!?

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of teaching college and graduate level nutrition courses at Hunter College. It has been incredibly rewarding to figure out how to take complex, science-based concepts and translate them into digestible lectures for students from a variety of academic backgrounds. The opportunity to be involved in educating future healthcare professionals has felt like a huge responsibility, but also one where I could make a real contribution through my work.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2027? Why? Cooking in restaurant kitchens taught me to think on my feet, adapt quickly, and support my team without hesitation. During the rush of service, roles blur—getting beautiful food to guests on-time depends on all the cooks reading the room and figuring out how to step up beyond their assigned tasks. That kind of situational awareness and shared accountability creates deep trust and high-performing teams. I hope to bring that same mindset to Darden, contributing where I can and learning from the diverse experiences, insights, and strengths of my classmates along the way.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Virginia Darden’s MBA program? Learn as much as you can about the program and genuinely consider why it’s a place you’d like to be. I’d like to think that kind of authenticity will come through in your application essays and interview responses.

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