Akilah Darden

Akilah Darden joined Indiana University Health Design & Construction as Program Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Supplier Diversity in late 2021. She is leading diversity and inclusion initiatives for design and construction leveraging her 23 years of construction and intentional diversity initiatives. This position works closely with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Governmental Affairs offices within IU Health.

Prior to IU Health, Akilah founded The Darden Group, LLC a construction management and training firm, where she was instrumental in leading the team to 100% minority participation on her most recent construction project. Before becoming a business owner, Akilah had over 21 years of construction experience working with general contractors, such as Clark Construction and Gilbane Building Company. She is passionate about creating equitable opportunities in spaces that include design and construction, education, mentoring and philanthropy. Akilah completed her undergraduate studies at North Carolina A&T State University in Architectural Engineering, and her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Marymount University. She is also a LEED Accredited professional.

Giving back to the community is something Akilah is very passionate about. She enjoys spending time empowering girls, women, and minorities within and interested in STEM careers. She serves as Board of Directors President for the ACE Mentor Program of Indiana, Vice-Chair and President-elect for Pass the Torch for Women, Inc and is active as an Advisory Council member with Stanley K. Lacy (SKL) and Stand for Children. She enjoys travelling, finding great restaurants, cooking and entertaining, cultivating relationships and watching movies with her husband and four children – two boys and identical twin girls.

Akilah was named a 2021 Women of Influence by the Indianapolis Business Journal, 2022 TechPoint Mira Award Winner for Community Impact, 2022 Minority Business of the Year by the City of Indianapolis, was part of the Inaugural Indiana 250 – Most Influential and Impactful Leaders in Indiana, awarded 2022 ‘You Inspire Us’ Leading Light Award by Women & Hi Tech, 2022 TechPoint Mira Nominee for Rising Entrepreneur, and most recently announced 2023 Champion of Diversity by Indiana Minority Business Magazine.