Darla grew up in Ohio, far from Alaska, yet closely connected to her family’s story through her great-grandmother, Gronia Alec of Eklutna. Today she lives just outside Chicago with her husband, her high school sweetheart, and their three children: Riece, Luca, and Olive. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Benedictine University, she built a career in Investor Relations, a field that blends strategy, communication, and financial understanding.

A Path Made Possible Through Support

Darla’s relationship with The CIRI Foundation began when she was seeking support that could make school financially realistic as a young mother balancing work and family. Scholarships from TCF eased that burden by reducing the debt she would have taken on and making her degree possible.

“Opportunity appears during difficult moments.”

Those early steps shaped the way she approached her education.

Moments That Built Confidence

Balancing motherhood, career responsibilities, and college coursework required strength and discipline. The academic expectations she met became foundational to her confidence and direction. Being challenged in her classes and learning to build a professional network helped her grow in ways she had not expected, reminding her that resilience often forms over time.

As her world expanded, her anchors remained the same.

Heritage, Strength, and the Power of Support

Her support system reinforced her belief that success takes a village, and helped Darla to stay grounded when competing responsibilities felt overwhelming. Her children remained her guiding motivation, daily reminders of why perseverance matters. Becoming the first college graduate in her immediate family is a milestone that means a great deal to her.

“Success takes a village.”

Lessons That Continue to Guide Her

Motherhood shaped Darla’s resilience long before she earned her degree. She learned patience, resourcefulness, and how to balance multiple responsibilities, one day at a time. Those lessons continue to influence both her personal and professional life.

She brings that steady perspective into her career today, navigating complex responsibilities with clarity and care.

Leading by Lifting Others

Mentorship plays a central role in Darla’s life. She serves on the board of her local National Investor Relations chapter in Chicago, inspired by the guidance she received early in her career. Giving back means supporting others in ways both big and small, because she knows even brief moments of encouragement can create lasting impact.

She hopes to stay connected with The CIRI Foundation and with other descendants who are building their own paths, knowing that shared stories strengthen the community.

Words for the Next Generation

Darla encourages emerging leaders to trust their abilities and stay curious, especially when opportunities feel out of reach.

“Confidence and a willingness to learn can open doors.”
“Small acts of support can create lasting impact.”

Her hope is that future students and parents see they are capable of charting their own paths, even when the journey feels uncertain.

In Her Own Words

Because of The CIRI Foundation, I was able to “become the first college graduate in my family, provide my daughter with an example of a strong woman, and feel fulfilled knowing I charted my own path.”

Three words that describe her journey: Transformative. Rewarding. Challenging.

A fun fact: Darla loves to be creative and work with her hands. No job is ever too big.