Linda Darragh

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.

Education

• M.Sc.(Pl.), 1978, University of Toronto
• B.A., 1976, Queen's University

Academic Positions

• Director of Entrepreneurship Programs, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship; Clinical Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Booth School of Business, University of Chicago , 2005-2012
• Assistant Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, 2003-2005
• Adjunct Professor, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University, 1999-2003
• Professional Experience
• Co-Founder, Impact Engine, 2011-present
• Vice President, Women's Business Development Center, 1989-2003
• President, EconoTech, 1983-1988
• Staff Member, City of Chicago, 1979-1983
• Staff Member, Metropolitan Toronto Planning Department, 1978-1979

Awards

• Entrepreneurial Champion Award, 1871/Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, 2018
• Educator of the Year, Social Entrepreneurship Alliance
• Chicago 50 on Fire, Chicago Inno
• Chicago Tribune 'Blue Network' Top 100 Tech and Innovation Leaders, 2015
• Illinois Technology Association, 2009
• Finalist for the Most Outstanding Professor Award at Kellogg, 2004-05
• U.S. Small Business Administration, Women, 2002
• U.S. Small Business Administration, Financial Services Advocate (for Illinois and the Midwest), 1998
• Illinois State Treasurer, 2002
• Chicago Sun-Times Top 100 People Influencing Technology in Chicago, 2001, 2002, 2003
• Teaching Interests
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation

INTL-473 Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Emerging Markets

The purpose of this course is to understand the impact of history, culture, politics and economics on the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Class sessions explore various frameworks that evaluate global entrepreneurship as well the importance of various stakeholders and factors that foster successful ecosystems – universities, accelerator/incubators, venture capital, banks, labor laws, intellectual property rights, etc. This year, students will research the ecosystems in Peru and Colombia.

EMBA Capstone Course

The purpose of this experiential learning course is to provide EMBA students an opportunity to apply their Kellogg knowledge and experience. Students work with local growth stage companies. Students interview key stakeholders, analyze company data and then develop a strategic plan focused on a specific issue.