Linda Darragh's professional and volunteer experience has focused on enhancing entrepreneurship in Chicago for three decades. In 2018, she was awarded the 'Entrepreneurial Champion Award' by 1871.
As the Larry Levy Executive Director of the Kellogg Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, Ms. Darragh oversees one of four strategic initiatives at Kellogg. In this capacity, Darragh has updated and enhanced the curriculum, expanded the faculty and increased engagement opportunities for students and alumni. Darragh also teaches courses that focus on entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
Previously, Ms. Darragh was the Director of Entrepreneurial Programs at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Ms. Darragh's accomplishments included organizing global immersion programs and launching the Global New Venture Challenge. She taught the New Venture Lab and Social Entrepreneurship Lab courses and was also a coach for the New Venture Challenge and the Social Venture Challenge.
Ms. Darragh started her academic career as an adjunct professor at Kellogg and later became Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship.
As Vice President of the Women's Business Development Center, she piloted innovative lending programs and organized Springboard: Mid-West, a nationally recognized investor forum for women entrepreneurs. The forums raised more than $85 million for participants.
Ms. Darragh is a co-founder and current Board member of Impact Engine, a venture capital and private equity investment firm focused on growing companies that generate positive outcomes in education, health, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Ms. Darragh has been a long-time board member of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center/1871 and a board member for the Golden Apple Foundation and Injustice Watch.
In her free time, Ms. Darragh will be on the golf course or paddle tennis court, skiing or in her garden.