The 2025 Women Leaders in Consulting: Akilah Darden

Akilah Darden is a nationally recognized trailblazer in construction consulting, transforming how organizations integrate equity, innovation and operational excellence. As President of The Darden Group, LLC, based in Indianapolis, she brings over 25 years of executive leadership to multimillion- and billion-dollar commercial construction projects, including a historic $4.6 billion hospital campus—the largest in the nation. Akilah has driven results that include $440+ million in diverse vendor spend, 30% diverse workforce inclusion, 8% women participation, and opportunities for over 160 diverse firms, with several advancing from subcontractor to prime contractor status. Her expertise extends beyond infrastructure to supplier diversity strategy, workforce development and construction operations.

A sought-after speaker, author and award-winning entrepreneur, Akilah empowers organizations to deliver projects that achieve both business and community impact. Her acclaimed Construction Management Masterclass has trained more than 250 professionals to lead with precision and equity. Co-author of the nationally and internationally award-winning children’s book My Mom is a Construction Manager, she inspires the next generation to explore careers in STEM and construction. Akilah is redefining leadership in consulting by building access, creating opportunity, and implementing systems that generate lasting economic and social value.