Darlene works as a Business Solutions Officer for the Carolina Small Business Development fund, a community development financial institution (CDFI) providing technical assistance and funding to small businesses across the state. Prior to joining CSBDF, her career has included working with Self-Help and the NC Rural Economic Development Center, also CDFIs within NC.

With a penchant for small business Darlene pursued her own entrepreneurial dream by owning and operating an Edible Arrangements franchise for 12 years with locations in the Durham and Raleigh markets. Prior to joining CSBDF, she served as an Adjunct Professor with Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University.

Darlene has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from SUNY Old Westbury, and as a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship recipient, Darlene obtained a Master of Science Degree in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from the New School of Social Research in New York. She is currently a doctoral student at UNC Charlotte - Belk School of Business where she is pursuing a degree in business administration. Her research interests include exploring the resiliency of women-led organizations in the wake of the digital age.