Dia Simms facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dia Simms
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Simms in May 2018
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D'Angela Banks
Monterey, California, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
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| Children | 1 |
D'Angela "Dia" Simms is a successful American business leader. She is known for being the co-founder of a company called Pronghorn. Before that, she was the president of Combs Enterprises, a major company founded by the famous musician and businessman Sean Combs. Simms was the very first person to hold the title of president at his company.
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Early Life and Schooling
Dia Simms was born D'Angela Banks in Monterey, California. When she was young, her family moved to Queens, New York, where she grew up. A very important person in her life was her mother. When Simms was nine, her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a serious illness. Seeing her mother face this challenge with strength and a positive attitude inspired Simms to be strong and determined in her own life.
For her education, Simms earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. She later earned a Master's degree in Management from the Florida Institute of Technology.
A Career in Business
Simms began her career working for the U.S. Department of Defense. After that, she worked in advertising and sales for different companies. While working at a media company called Clear Channel, she handled accounts for businesses owned by Sean Combs.
Working with Sean Combs
In 2005, Combs hired Simms to be his assistant. She was a hard worker and quickly earned more important roles. Over the years, she was promoted many times, becoming chief of staff and later the president of Combs Wine & Spirits. In this role, she helped the company buy the DeLeón Tequila brand and make the Cîroc vodka brand even more popular.
In 2017, Simms was promoted to president of the entire Combs Enterprises. This was a huge achievement, as she was the first person ever to have this job. As president, she was in charge of many different businesses owned by the company. These included businesses in music, fashion, drinks, and television.
Simms has often worked in industries where most of the leaders are men. She has said, "As a woman, it is important to feel like you can embrace your femininity — be ladylike and powerful simultaneously."
Starting New Businesses
In 2019, Simms left Combs Enterprises to start her own companies. She became a co-founder of a company called Pronghorn. She also became a board member for a company called TILT Holdings and invested in Saint Liberty Whiskey, a company led by women.
Awards and Helping Others
Simms has received many awards for her success in business. In 2010, The Network Journal named her one of its "40 Under Forty" rising stars. In 2011, Essence Magazine called her a "Leader of the New School."
She also uses her time to help others. Simms is a member of several organizations that support young people and the community, including the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem.
Personal Life
Simms married her husband, Keith, in 2007. They have one daughter. The family lives in Maryland, and for her work, Simms often travels to New York City.
