promise of Darden’s first on-Grounds student housing in Charlottesville
THE FINAL MILESTONE: YOUR MOMENT TO MAKE HISTORY
THIS IS IT
We’re in the final stretch of Powered by Purpose — the most ambitious campaign in Darden’s history. And what a journey it has been.
Together, we’ve raised more than half a billion dollars to support Darden. We’ve transformed the student experience, fueled faculty excellence, expanded scholarships and strengthened Darden’s position as one of the world’s best business schools.
But we’re not done yet.
The campaign closes on 30 June 2025. This is your moment to be part of history.
In this issue of Pillars you’ll see the incredible impact of your generosity — and why these final months matter so much.
Darden is on the verge of a game-changing shift: our first-ever, on-Grounds housing (p. 1). For decades, students have commuted from across Charlottesville. Now, thanks to visionary philanthropy — including a transformational gift from David (MBA ’78) and Kathy LaCross — Darden will offer a residential experience that fosters deeper connections, richer learning and an unparalleled sense of community.
You’ll also hear from a Class of 2025 Executive MBA student (p. 12) who
took a bold leap — walking away from a successful career to redefine what success truly means. Her story is a reminder that business education isn’t just about career advancement. It’s about finding clarity, purpose and the courage to take the next step.
Darden’s thought leadership continues to shape business and society (p. 6).
Our professors are tackling the biggest challenges in business today — ethical AI, sustainability and the future of leadership. Their work influences boardrooms, informs policy and prepares the next generation of leaders. Through Faculty Forward, Milestone II of the campaign, we’re ensuring Darden remains a magnet for world-class faculty.
The power of the Darden network has never been stronger. One alumnus found his next big career move — not through a job board, but through the Darden Career Connection Team (p. 16). If you’re thinking about what’s next, this and other resources from the Armstrong Center for Alumni Career Services are here for you.
And then, there’s gratitude (p. 9). This fall, Darden students wrote more than 500 thank-you notes to the donors who make
their experiences possible — expressions of appreciation for the scholarships, faculty support and opportunities fueled by the Darden Annual Fund. Philanthropy touches every corner of Darden. It’s shaping the School’s future — one student at a time.
This is what it means to be Powered by Purpose
As we count down to 30 June 2025, I invite you to make your mark. If you’ve already given, thank you. If not, now is the time. Every gift. Every dollar. Every act of engagement.
It all matters.
Let’s finish strong. Let’s do something extraordinary — together.
Because the end of this campaign is just the beginning of what comes next for Darden.
Warmly, Rob Weiler President, Darden School Foundation
Building Community, Building the Future: Darden’s First On-Grounds Housing Begins to Take Shape in Charlottesville
By summer 2027, a new chapter will begin at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. For the first time, Full-Time MBA students will live, learn and build lifelong connections — all right on Grounds.
This milestone will redefine the Darden experience. The impact of on-Grounds student housing will extend beyond convenience, positioning Darden among the world’s top business schools and strengthening its ability to attract talented students from around the globe.
This transformation is possible because of visionary
saw an opportunity to shape Darden’s future and stepped up to make it possible. Among them are David LaCross (MBA ’78) and his wife, Kathy, who recently made a transformative, $100 million gift to Darden. A portion of their gift is earmarked for student housing. Now, we invite you to be part of this moment.
IMAGINE WHAT WILL BE POSSIBLE
A First-Year, Full-Time MBA student wakes up in her apartment, steps from Darden’s Abbott Center, and heads
University of Virginia Darden School of Business Student Housing
FEWER COMMUTES, MORE COMMUNITY
For decades, Darden Full-Time MBA students have faced the challenges of living off-Grounds — long commutes, competitive housing markets and limited time on Grounds. This reality put Darden at a disadvantage in the elite MBA landscape.
Among top -tier MBA programs, Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business offer on-campus living that fosters spontaneous networking and a close-knit community. HBS’s six residence halls have been part of its MBA program since 1927. Stanford GSB’s facilities, dating to the late 1990s, provide students with private suites, shared kitchens and collaborative spaces. More than half of Tuck’s First Year MBA students live in on-campus residence halls — each built within the last 25 years — directly adjacent to the main classroom and administrative buildings.
coffee from the shared kitchen, greeting neighbors in the courtyard.
In the evening, students gather in the Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens, continuing conversations after a day of cases and interviews. Others retreat to shared study rooms, while faculty join in impromptu discussions over dinner. There’s a buzz in the air — the kind of energy that only exists when a community lives and learns together.
Now, Darden is poised to offer similar advantages — answering students’ long-standing calls for more accessible, community-focused housing amid Charlottesville’s tight rental market.
“This project transforms the student experience,” says Dean Scott Beardsley. “Living here will be a game-changer — not just in daily life, but in how we compete with the best business schools in the world.”
WHY THIS MATTERS
This shift better positions Darden to:
• Recruit Top Talent: A more vibrant on-Grounds experience will enhance the appeal of Darden’s world-class MBA.
• Enhance Community and Alumni Bonds Living, studying and collaborating together creates deeper relationships that strengthen the Darden alumni network.
• Eliminate Barriers to Learning Living steps from classrooms and peers means more time for learning, collaborating and building connections.
“Proximity matters," says Professor Melissa ThomasHunt, vice dean and senior associate dean for the Full-Time Residential MBA Program. "At a place like Darden, the connections that form outside the classroom are as important as what happens inside. This model ensures that students build deep and broad relationships that embed them in the Darden community for life.”
“This isn’t just about housing,” Beardsley adds. “This can be a financial asset for Darden. Once paid off, this project has the potential to generate revenue that can fund scholarships, faculty excellence and new initiatives for decades to come.”
This project transforms the student experience. Living here will be a game-changer — not just in daily life, but in how we compete with the best business schools in the world.”
— Dean Scott Beardsley
David LaCross (MBA ’78) speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new student housing.
A rendering shows a shared space in House A — including two breakout rooms and an adjoining kitchen. Interior renderings are subject to review and approval by UVA and Darden.
UVA and Darden officials take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new student housing. From left: Vice Dean Melissa Thomas-Hunt, Dean Scott Beardsley, Kathy LaCross, David LaCross (MBA ’78), UVA President Jim Ryan, former Provost Ian Baucom, Architect for the University Alice Raucher, Darden School Foundation Board Chair Frank M. Sands (MBA ’94), and Senior Associate Dean Marc Johnson (EMBA ’13).
This isn’t just student housing. It’s a fundamental shift in the Darden experience.
UVA President Jim Ryan shakes hands with David LaCross (MBA ’78) alongside Darden Dean Scott Beardsley.
A rendering shows a bird's-eye view of Wilkinson Courtyard, surrounded clockwise from top by House C, the Library Building, Saunders Hall and the Abbott Center. House C is the flagship building of the new student housing.
LET’S DO THE EXTRAORDINARY: HOW DARDEN’S THOUGHT LEADERSHIP IS SHAPING BUSINESS AND SOCIETY
THE POWER OF BOLD IDEAS
What happens when the world’s toughest challenges meet the innovative spirit of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business? At Darden, bold ideas shape business and society. Faculty tackle pressing questions — How can business prioritize all stakeholders? What makes for effective ethics guardrails? Can competitors collaborate to solve big problems? — delivering insights that drive real change. This isn’t research confined to labs or locked away in academic journals. As Laura Morgan Roberts, Frank M. Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration and an expert in leadership and organizational behavior, puts it: “People often think about research as something that
happens in a lab, tucked away … and that’s not how we are engaging in thought leadership.”
Darden’s faculty members identify real-world challenges, collaborate across disciplines and translate insights into practical impact. Their work influences boardrooms, shapes policy, and prepares the next generation of leaders to think courageously and creatively.
BEYOND THEORY: IDEAS WITH IMPACT
For business leaders like Connie Hallquist (MBA ’91), president of Garnet Hill and a member of the Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees, the School’s approach stands apart: “It’s not theoretical, it’s not obtuse. It’s not something
that you just read in a book and have to absorb. These are practical, real-life examples of what is happening in the business world.”
This hands- on, solutions-focused mindset defines Darden’s research ethos. As Shane Dikolli, Bank of America Professor of Business Administration and an expert in executive compensation and managerial performance evaluation, explains, “Most research starts out with a conceptual idea that’s based on something that’s been observed in practice.” Through rigorous analysis and collaborative inquiry, faculty untangle complex concepts to reveal “elegant simplicity” — solutions that work in the real world.
COLLABORATION AT THE CORE
At Darden, collaboration isn’t just encouraged — it’s essential. Faculty from diverse disciplines co-teach classes, write cases together and exchange ideas in a culture of open dialogue. As Doug Thomas, Henry E. McWane Professor of Business Administration and an expert in technology and operations management, notes: “The collaboration across faculty in all disciplines is not like anything I’ve ever seen. Our offices are intermingled. We co-teach together, we write cases together and that helps build this general management mindset of the School.”
This spirit of collaboration extends beyond the classroom, as faculty engage with business leaders, policymakers and global organizations to ensure their research drives meaningful change. Carl Peoples (MBA ’94), managing director at Goldman Sachs and a member of the Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees,
I think the Darden idea is to wrestle expertly with really difficult topics. They’ve done the work, they’ve wrestled with the problem, they’ve identified and delivered solutions in the real marketplace.”
underscores the impact: “I think the Darden idea is to wrestle expertly with really difficult topics. They’ve done the work, they’ve wrestled with the problem, they’ve identified and delivered solutions in the real marketplace.”
That same mindset also defines Darden Executive Education & Lifelong Learning — where real-world challenges, rigorous thinking and collaborative problemsolving come together to transform leaders at every level. As academic director of the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning, Thomas helps extend this spirit of inquiry and impact far beyond the MBA classroom.
INVESTING IN EXCELLENCE: FACULTY FORWARD
Darden’s commitment to thought leadership is backed by bold investments in faculty excellence. Through Faculty Forward, Milestone II of the Powered by Purpose campaign, the School is securing the resources needed to attract and support the world’s brightest minds.
Darden is fundraising for several opportunities that will strengthen the School’s faculty and elevate teaching excellence. Among them, a proposed $55 million endowment fueling groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary innovations and next-generation educational content. Additionally, a $30 million investment
Laura Morgan Roberts, Frank M. Sands Associate Professor of Business Administration
— Carl Peoples (MBA ’94), managing director at Goldman Sachs and a Darden School Foundation Trustee
Doug Thomas, Henry E. McWane Professor of Business Administration and Academic Director of the Sands Institute for Lifelong Learning
aims to establish a Center for Transformational Learning, advancing teaching excellence and providing faculty and students with the resources they need to excel.
By supporting these initiatives, donors can help drive the future of business education, ensuring Darden remains a global leader in faculty excellence and innovative teaching.
THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS — AND IDEAS
Fundraising for thought leadership not only attracts the best faculty to Darden, it helps keep them here, ensuring they develop into the next generation of great scholars and teachers. Supporting this work means sustaining what makes Darden special — our distinctive approach to ideas, research and education.
As Darden prepares the next generation of business leaders, it also cultivates the next generation of faculty who will shape the future of business education. Peoples reflects on the School’s enduring legacy: “As I’ve gotten to meet the next generation of Ed Freemans
and Bob Bruners, I’m continuously amazed and wowed and impressed that these folks seem to get it just as much as those legends got it when I was there.”
With innovative research, unparalleled teaching and a collaborative spirit, Darden is charting new frontiers of knowledge — and inviting the world to join in the discovery. As Roberts puts it: “We are inviting everybody into the process of critical inquiry, and that shapes a new level of discovery.”
JOIN US IN SHAPING THE FUTURE
Darden’s success is fueled by the generosity of those who believe in the power of ideas. By supporting Faculty Forward, you help advance research, elevate teaching and shape the future of business education. Join us in driving this transformation.
Learn More at drdn.mba/faculty. To discuss giving opportunities, contact Samantha Hartog, senior associate vice president for advancement, at +1-434-982-2151 or HartogS@darden.virginia.edu
Faculty Spotlight
Academic Area: Accounting Research Focus: Performance evaluation of CEOs, compensation incentives and corporate performance measurement
Recent Case: Airinit: Clearing the Accounting Air – Explores how a company navigates budget variance analysis to diagnose financial deviations and implement strategic solutions.
Academic Area Leadership and Organizational Behavior Research Focus: Maximizing human potential in organizations, strength-based development and leadership authenticity
Recent Case: David Reyes – Examines the challenges faced by an executive navigating professional expectations in a corporate environment, fostering discussions on leadership and workplace dynamics.
DAY OF GRATITUDE
Academic Area: Technology and Operations Management Research Focus: Supply chain management, inventory planning and logistics performance measurement
Recent Case California Closets: Rethink, Rebuild – Examines how a high-mix, high-volume manufacturer can improve quality, delivery and production targets using Lean techniques.
THE POWER OF GIVING BACK: HOW ONE SMALL GESTURE SPARKED 500 MORE
IT STARTED WITH A PEN.
A simple thank-you note, written by a Full-Time MBA student at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, to someone they’d never met. Someone who, without expecting anything in return, had changed their life.
Then came another. And another.
By the end of the first-ever Day of Gratitude last fall, more than 500 handwritten notes filled the tables of the South Lounge — each one a testament to what the Darden Annual Fund makes possible.
Students packed South Lounge in Saunders Hall for a morning of gratitude, starting with First Coffee and ending with thank-you note writing.
Doug Thomas
Shane Dikolli
Laura Morgan Roberts
"YOU ARE THE REASON I’M HERE"
Darden is fueled by ambition, but generosity makes it possible. Here’s what students wrote to the donors who changed their lives:
“Your support has made it possible for me to attend Darden. I have full funding to be here. As a veteran and mother, I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity.”
— Natalie Crow (Class of 2026)
“Your support made my dreams a reality and gave them wings. Thank you for your loyalty to Darden’s mission. You are the reason I’m here.”
— Sunmisola Alade (Class of 2026)
“Thank you for making it possible for first-generation students like myself to have the opportunity to come to Darden.”
— Mercy Ogbleba (Class of 2026)
These aren’t just students. They are scholars, parents, first-generation graduates, global citizens and future leaders — and they are here because of you.
WHAT DOES THE DARDEN ANNUAL FUND DO?
A lot.
Alumni giving touches every part of the Darden experience:
• Scholarships: Expanding access for the best and brightest.
• Clubs and Student Initiatives: Funding case competitions, career treks and industry conferences.
• Faculty and Curriculum: Supporting groundbreaking research and experiential learning.
Your support made my dreams a reality and gave them wings. Thank you for your loyalty to Darden’s mission. You are the reason I’m here. Sunmisola Alade, Class of 2026
Joy,Classof2025
scholarship.atDardenhaditnotbeenfortheFoundation
And here’s the part that surprises most people — tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a Darden education. The Darden Annual Fund fills that gap. Students took note — literally:
“Your generosity makes it possible for top-grade professors here to continue giving their talents inside and outside of the classroom!”
— Dallin Robins (Class of 2026)
“Your support has helped so many students like myself have an incredible experience at Darden. I’ve learned to grow as a future leader in ways I could not have imagined.”
— Spencer Holmgren (Class of 2025)
THIS ISN’T JUST PHILANTHROPY — IT’S A MOVEMENT
Something bigger is happening at Darden. The next generation is watching. They see what alumni do, and they want to be part of it.
In the thank-you notes, students didn’t just express gratitude. Many of them committed to paying it forward:
“I’m one of the students who wouldn’t be able to be here at Darden had it not been for the Foundation scholarship. … I promise to pay it forward for as long as I live!”
— Elsa Joy (Class of 2025)
YOUR LEGACY STARTS NOW
Philanthropy is not about wealth. It’s about impact.
A single gift — whether it funds a scholarship or a plane ticket for a global consulting project — can alter the trajectory of someone’s life. At Darden, those lives go on to change industries, companies, communities and the world. The cycle of giving starts here. And it starts with you.
To continue making moments like these possible, consider making your next gift to the Darden Annual Fund: drdn.mba/give
Students write thank-you notes to Darden Annual Fund donors during First Coffee.
Mercy Ogbleba (Class of 2026)
Sunmisola Alade (Class of 2026)
Natalie Crow (Class of 2026)
Dallin Robins (Class of 2026)
Spencer Holmgren (Class of 2025)
Elsa Joy (Class of 2025)
From Burnout to Breakthrough: How UVA Darden’s Executive MBA
Helped One Student Redefine Success
Madeline Peterson (Class of 2025) had built a career most would envy. She drove market expansions at a real estate tech firm, won million-dollar contracts at a cloud computing company and thrived in high-pressure enterprise sales. She was always moving — closing the next deal, chasing the next opportunity, stacking achievement upon achievement.
And then, suddenly, she wasn’t. She left her job. She walked away from the title, the salary, the prestige. In the midst of her Executive MBA program, she had to sit in the uncertainty of having no job, no next step lined up and no clear answer to what comes next. What she found there was something she hadn’t expected: clarity.
THE COURAGE TO STEP BACK
“I was burning the candle at every end. My health was suffering. I felt disconnected from my family. And even though I had this incredible opportunity at Darden, I wasn’t really present for it,” says Peterson, who will graduate from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business in May. At first, leaving her role as an account executive at a Fortune 500 company felt like a free fall. But once she gave herself permission to step back, she started seeing things more clearly — what she wanted, what she didn’t and what success actually looked like beyond a LinkedIn title.
“The hardest part was my ego. Who am I without this? I was afraid of being judged by my classmates, afraid of saying, ‘I don’t have a job right now.’ But once I got over that, I realized — this was the best decision I could have made.”
A DIFFERENT KIND OF ROI
When Peterson first considered an MBA, she didn’t think she fit the mold.
“I thought MBAs were for people pivoting into consulting or investment banking. That wasn’t me.”
But the more she talked to people — Darden alumni, women in business, mentors — the more she realized that an MBA wasn’t just about switching industries. It was about options — learning how to expand, stretch and redefine what’s possible.
The ROI for her wasn’t about an immediate salary bump. It was about breaking open possibilities she hadn’t even
considered before. During her first class at Darden, she realized that she fit in, after all.
“We’re on day one, the first case. Hands shoot up. My professor — Yael Grushka-Cockayne — cold-calls my classmate, and I just thought, ‘Oh, we’re cold calling already?’”
At first, she braced herself. Then, something shifted. “I had imposter syndrome coming in. I thought, ‘I just want to survive.’ But the classroom wasn’t what I expected — it was collaborative, it was safe, it made me want to take risks. And that’s when I realized: I belong here.”
A NETWORK THAT OPENS DOORS — EVEN WHEN YOU’RE NOT LOOKING
When Peterson started at Darden, she assumed networking was transactional. You reached out when you needed something. You leveraged connections for job leads. Simple. But that’s not how it happened for her.
“I reached out to an alumnus after seeing him speak on a panel. I wasn’t even a Darden student yet, and he immediately got on the phone with me. He said, ‘I always take these calls because so many Darden alumni did it for me.’ That stuck with me.”
The Darden network isn’t just about job opportunities — it’s about access to people who genuinely want to help.
It also reshaped her perspective on giving back.
“When you give to Darden, you’re not just helping the next class of students — you’re strengthening your own degree. The more engaged the alumni, the stronger the School, the more doors it opens for everyone.”
Peterson received a Darden School Foundation scholarship, funded by alumni gifts to the Darden Annual Fund, though she hadn’t even applied for financial aid — she assumed she wouldn’t qualify. When she got it, it shifted her perspective on generosity.
“I didn’t think I was scholarship material. But someone else thought I was. And that made me want to pay it forward.”
That sense of gratitude and responsibility led her to take an active role in her class gift campaign, rallying her classmates to contribute and reinforcing the culture of giving at Darden.
“I want my classmates to see what I see — that giving back isn’t just about writing a check. It’s about strengthening the Darden community for the next generation, just like someone did for us.”
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE — THAT’S THE POINT
If you ask Peterson what comes next, she won’t give you a five-year plan. Not because she doesn’t have ambition — but because she’s finally allowing herself the space and time to think bigger than one career track.
She knows she loves global business. She knows she thrives in strategic growth. And she knows — now more than ever — that she can take her skill set and apply it in ways she hadn’t even imagined before Darden.
“In your 20s, it’s easy to say, ‘I can do anything.’ In your 30s, it’s harder to believe that. But Darden has made me believe it again.”
Career paths are rarely linear. And for the first time, Peterson is not only okay with that — she’s excited about it.
Madeline Peterson (Class of 2025) during a residency in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Madeline Peterson (Class of 2025), far left, with classmates on the rooftop of UVA Darden Sands Family Grounds in Arlington, Virginia, overlooking Washington, D.C.
Madeline Peterson (Class of 2025)
THE POWER OF PAYING IT FORWARD: BETSY MOSZETER’S VISION FOR DARDEN ALUMNI
Her story isn’t just about giving back. It’s about redefining success — and proving that real leadership starts when you invest in others.
There’s a moment when you realize: I could just read the alumni magazine — or I could actually do something.”
That realization changed everything for Betsy Moszeter (EMBA ’11).
For many, an MBA is a launchpad — the University of Virginia Darden School of Business equips its graduates to lead, innovate and succeed. But she sees another layer of responsibility: not just to advance her own career but also to make sure others have the same opportunities.
As a leader in sustainable finance, a mentor to students and a driving force in alumni engagement, Moszeter — now based in Boulder, Colorado — is turning that philosophy into action.
Her story isn’t just about giving back. It’s about redefining success — and proving that real leadership starts when you invest in others.
LEARNING HOW TO DRIVE CHANGE
Moszeter smiles when asked how her younger self — the Darden student — would perceive the person she has become today.
“I think she’d be surprised by how much I’ve leaned into leadership outside the traditional corporate path.”
Moszeter built a high-impact career in sustainable investing, first as senior vice president and a managing member of First Affirmative, then as COO of Green Alpha Investments, and now as portfolio manager, chief distribution and marketing officer at Green Alpha. Her work challenges outdated financial models, proving that sustainability isn’t just ethical — it’s smart business.
But her legacy won’t just be measured in financial returns.
“I’ve always believed that if you benefit from something — a great education, a strong network, mentors who help you — you have a responsibility to pay it forward,” she says.
That belief has shaped her 12 years on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, her leadership in Women@ Darden and her willingness to take on every role that helps bring alumni closer to each other — and to the School.
THE REAL MEANING OF GIVING BACK
“People think philanthropy is about writing a check,” Moszeter says. “But real impact? It happens when you show up.”
That means mentoring students, saying yes when Darden calls and being present — whether as a reunion organizer, a classroom speaker or a connector who opens doors for others.
“I had alumni who took time for me when I was a student. Now, it’s my turn.”
Her passion is especially strong for Executive MBA alumni, who often assume they’re too busy to engage.
“That ’s the misconception,” she says. “But the reality is, because you’ve balanced school, career and life, you’re actually the most qualified person to help the next generation navigate it.”
“I’ve always believed that if you benefit from something — a great education, a strong network, mentors who help you — you have a responsibility to pay it forward.”
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR EVERY ALUMNUS
For Moszeter, the question isn’t if you should give back — it’s how.
Her advice? Start small. Say yes to one thing.
• Speak to a student.
• Attend an event.
• Introduce two people who should know each other.
• Refer someone to a Darden MBA or Executive Education & Lifelong Learning program.
“Every ‘yes’ builds something bigger,” she says.
And as Darden’s alumni network grows — especially with more non-traditional MBA paths — there’s an opportunity to reshape engagement itself, making it more flexible, diverse and deeply connected.
“There’s a place for everyone in this community,” Moszeter says. “You just have to take that first step.”
ENGAGE WITH DARDEN
Ready to take the first step? Here are three ways to get involved today:
1. Share Your Passions — Complete the Alumni Interest Form to tell us about your experiences and interests so we can connect you with meaningful opportunities: drdn.mba/interest
2. Find Your Fit — Evergreen opportunities by interest area are detailed here: drdn.mba/engage
3. Support the Next Generation — Make a multi-year pledge to the Darden Annual Fund and help shape the School’s future: drdn.mba/pledge
Betsy Moszeter (EMBA ’11)
Betsy Moszeter (EMBA ’11), second from left, with students during a global business experience in Istanbul, Turkey, designed to enhance alumni-student engagement.
FROM CLASSMATES TO COLLEAGUES: HOW ALUMNI CAREER SERVICES SPARKED A CAREER-DEFINING CONNECTION
Iwasn’t just looking for a job — I was looking for one that would fulfill my career ambitions,” says Roberto Sada Kane (MBA ’05), reflecting on his recent career transition. After years in global business development, he sought a role in which innovation and impact converged. What he found was a connection poised to shape his future.
His journey began with a call to the Armstrong Center for Alumni Career Services (ACS) at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, a resource designed to support Darden graduates throughout their careers.
Established in 1998 through the leadership, vision and generous gifts of Beverley “Booty” W. Armstrong (MBA ’66) along with support from his classmates and other alumni, Alumni Career Services was renamed in Armstrong’s honor in 2010. With personalized coaching, networking opportunities and digital resources, ACS empowers alumni to navigate career transitions and build meaningful connections.
THE POWER OF THE DARDEN NETWORK
Navigating a competitive job market is rarely a solo endeavor, and for Kane, the Darden alumni network proved invaluable. “Networking is about building relationships before you need them,” he says. “ACS helped me refine how I approached those conversations, making each connection more purposeful.”
Through one-on-one coaching and the Darden Career Connection Team — a group for alumni who are seeking new roles — Kane gained insights into emerging industries and refined his pitch. “Hearing other alumni share their experiences gave me perspective,” he notes. “And sometimes, the right conversation at the right time is all it takes.”
A CHANCE CONNECTION
One such conversation led Kane to Otavio Freire (MBA ’05), CEO and co-founder of Caju.AI and a visiting executive lecturer at Darden. “We hadn’t spoken in years,” Kane recalls, “but we picked up like no time had passed.” Their exchange quickly shifted from memories of Darden to the future of artificial intelligence.
Caju.AI is a technology company that uses generative AI to help businesses better understand and improve their customer conversations. Its platform helps teams in sales, marketing and support work more efficiently — all while keeping data private, secure and compliant. The company works with clients across industries like financial services, healthcare, life sciences and enterprise technology.
“Caju.AI is focused on more than automation — we’re about enabling smarter, faster decisions while keeping humans at the center,” Freire explains. “When I heard about Roberto’s experience and approach, I knew he’d be a great fit. His passion for innovation, curiosity and ability to connect people align perfectly with what we’re building. I could see how his leadership would help us expand our reach.”
The company's mission resonated with Kane, as did the co-founder's vision. “What stood out to me was Otavio’s clarity of purpose — he wasn’t just talking about technology; he was talking about making a real difference,” Kane says. “When I learned what Otavio was building, I thought, ‘This is it.’ It combined my experience in business development with a company pushing the boundaries of AI.”
Within months, he stepped into the head of global business development role, tasked with expanding Caju.AI’s reach and forging strategic partnerships.
GIVING BACK AND PAYING IT FORWARD
Kane’s success story is a testament to both his drive and the support he received from ACS. Now, he’s committed to helping others find their path. “I know what it’s like to stand at a crossroads,” he says. “If I can help someone see what’s possible and take that next step, I’m happy to do it.” Whether mentoring fellow alumni, participating in industry panels or sharing job openings, Kane embodies the spirit of giving back. “The Darden network is only as strong as the connections we maintain,” he adds. “When we support each other, we all succeed.”
WHAT CAN DARDEN
DO FOR YOU TODAY?
• Advance Your Career: Schedule a one-on-one coaching session with an ACS coach to clarify your goals, refine your resume and develop a tailored job search strategy.
• Expand Your Network: Join the Darden Career Connection Team to connect with fellow alumni seeking new roles, exchange networking strategies and gain insights. Meetings are biweekly and virtual.
• Find Your Next Opportunity: Explore job postings curated specifically for Darden alumni via the Darden Career Link, and connect with hiring managers through the Darden Hiring Network monthly email.
• Give Back Share your company’s job openings with fellow alumni, volunteer as a mentor, or participate in industry panels and roundtables.
From left: Otavio Freire (MBA ’05), CEO and co-founder of Caju.AI; Edwin Solis, president of Caribbean and Latin America for Innova Solutions; Jim Ting, COO and co-founder of Caju.AI; and Roberto Sada Kane (MBA ’05), head of global business development for Caju.AI.
From left: Otavio Freire (MBA ’05) and Roberto Sada Kane (MBA ’05).
P. O. Box 7726
Charlottesville, Virginia 22906-7726
USA
Pillars is published by the Darden School Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the Darden School by promoting philanthropic support from alumni, friends and corporations; managing endowment funds for the School’s exclusive benefit; operating Darden’s top-ranked Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs; and owning The Forum Hotel on the Darden Grounds.
Questions, comments and address changes should be directed to: advancement@darden.virginia.edu or
Darden School Foundation
Office of Advancement
P.O. Box 7726
Charlottesville, Virginia 22906-7726 USA
Darden School Foundation President
Rob Weiler
Senior Associate Vice President of Advancement
Samantha Hartog
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Juliet K. Daum (TEP ’22)
Editor & Writer
David Buie-Moltz
Copy Editor
McGregor McCance
Design
Geoff Molinaro
Photography
Tom Cogill; J.B. Fitts; Avi Gerver; Allie Hayhurst; Sam Levitan; Andrew Shurtleff; Sanjay Suchak;
Robert A.M. Stern Architects
LEADERSHIP HONED OVER DECADES, STRENGTHENED IN MONTHS.
Discover Darden’s immersive, comprehensive advanced management and succession planning experience, featuring timely global perspectives, coaching, integrated wellness program, business challenge project and a network of international peers.
Apply or nominate your senior leaders for our October 2025 program. Contact TEP Director, Allison Stratton (StrattonA@darden.virginia.edu).
THE DARDEN SCHOOL CAMPAIGN Provided by the UVA Darden School Foundation
