Darla has over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher and school principal. Because of her expertise and passion for education, she was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on Virginia's Board of Education. In this capacity, she helped to develop policies and standards to support Virginia's schoolchildren.
As co-founder of an education consulting company, her company has developed an innovative platform to support districts with effective outreach to families using mobile technology. Her company is also the host of the National Family Engagement Summit, an educational conference to support educators with capacity building to enhance family and school partnerships. Darla is the co-author of several publications which provide best practices to educators on meaningful tips to promote school improvement and family and school partnerships.
Darla is a passionate entrepreneur who has been recognized by the Association of Black Charities in Baltimore as the Women Entrepreneur of the Year. Successful Innovations was also awarded the Blue Ribbon Award Small Business of the Year by the US Chamber of Commerce.
Darla stays active in her community as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also serves on the Board of Voices for Virginia's Children and University of Lynchburg Board of Trustees.