People Strategy.
Real Impact.

People Strategy. Real Impact.

Darden & Company is a boutique HR consultancy rooted in the belief that people strategy is business strategy. Founded by Shez Darden, a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience, we help mission-driven organizations stabilize, grow, and lead with integrity.

Shez has led transformational HR efforts across healthcare, nonprofits, government, and public-private partnerships — guiding organizations through crisis, compliance challenges, leadership gaps, and culture change. Her leadership is defined by the rare ability to balance structure and soul: where policy serves purpose, and compliance coexists with compassion.

At the heart of Shez’s work is a deep commitment to equity, discretion, and results. She doesn’t just advise from a distance — she rolls up her sleeves, aligns people systems with business goals, and helps teams lead with clarity and care.

“I come from a background where access had to be earned, not given — which is why equity isn’t just a concept for me. It’s the lens I bring to everything I do, from policy audits to executive coaching.”

Whether launching HR departments from scratch, navigating sensitive personnel issues, or mentoring the next generation of inclusive leaders, Shez leads with empathy, excellence, and hard-earned insight.