Darrin Sharif was born in Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. He attended elementary school in Newark and middle and high school in West Orange New Jersey. After high school Darrin attended Rutgers University where he majored in Business Management (concentration finance) graduating Magna Cum Laude. After college Darrin held a number of positions in the public and private sector. He developed detailed knowledge of computers and technology after holding positions at the Summit Medical Group as a Computer Network Technician and as a Computer Software Trainer at New Horizons.

His knowledge of nonprofit management and program design came after serving as the Director of Operations for the Urban League of Essex County. Darrin was introduced to local government serving as the Chief of Staff to the current United States Senator Cory A. Booker when Senator Booker served on the Newark Municipal Council from the Central Ward. Darrin would follow in Senator Booker’s footsteps by also representing the Central Ward.

During Darrin’s service on the Newark Municipal Council the Central Ward led the State of New Jersey in commercial and multi-family development. During his tenure on the Municipal Council Darrin developed close working relationships with leaders of the following institutions and corporations: the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, Essex County College, the University of Medicine and Dentistry, the Prudential Insurance Company, and Panasonic of North America.