In a world where change often starts with a single spark, Dia Simms emerges as one of the driving forces behind an independent, groundbreaking company with one single goal: diversify the spirits industry and support the growing population of Black entrepreneurs and executives. As one of the co-founders of Pronghorn, Simms is on a mission to open the door and break down barriers.

From her early days as a carefree child growing up in Queens, N.Y., to her ascent as an international trailblazing entrepreneur, Simms’ journey as a business executive is a testament to her resilience, innovation, and power to leverage business for social impact.

The Morgan State alum’s path to entrepreneurship wasn't a linear one. Simms discovered her passion for business during her time working with Washington D.C. nightclub legend, Marc Barnes. She told BET.com, “Maybe I'll be a doctor or lawyer, but it really didn't occur to me the idea of entrepreneurship as a lifestyle or a choice until I started working for Marc.”

The experience exposed her to the world of hospitality and spirits, planting the seeds for her future endeavors. The realization that the world of business could be a pathway to building brands and making a lasting impact ignited her entrepreneurial spirit.

Simms’ journey led her to the forefront of brand building, where she played a pivotal role in the success story of Ciroc Vodka. Collaborating with music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, Simms was instrumental in transforming Ciroc into a multi-billion dollar brand. This journey taught her the art of operationalizing ideas and the power of nurturing business endeavors from the ground up.

The birth of Pronghorn emerged after Simms and her partners realized that economic empowerment is an often overlooked critical aspect of civil rights. Simms, along with her co-founders Erin Harris and Dan Sanborn, established Pronghorn with a mission to diversify the spirits industry by supporting the next generation of Black business owners and executives.

The company is named after the second-fastest land mammal in the world. A pronghorn (which looks something like an antelope) comes second only to the cheetah. And yet, when it comes to the long distance, Proghorn—the company and the mammal—both operate knowing that lasting results require both speed and endurance. The lesson here is that real change comes after the marathon, not the sprint.

“We need to catch up on centuries of inequity, we have a lot of ground to cover," said Simms. "The pronghorn is a beautiful manifestation of what we are focused on achieving, which is covering a lot of ground in the shortest, most impactful time.”

With Diageo, a global leader in beverage and alcohol, as their anchor investor, Pronghorn is able to prioritize profit, industry enrichment, and diversity all at once, creating a unique business model in the industry. The company has achieved a remarkable milestone by raising a staggering $200 million. In its inaugural year, Pronghorn invested that money in 19 brands and progressed toward its goal of placing five percent of Black leaders in 1,800 industry roles. This commitment aligns with Pronghorn's aspiration to generate $2.4 billion of economic value for the Black community by 2032.

Pronghorn's success stories illuminate its impact. Brands like Ten to One Rum, Hella Cocktail Co., and Delta Dirt Distillery, the only Black distillery in the state of Arkansas, are examples of the Black-owned brands that Pronghorn is helping to thrive. By supporting and showcasing these brands, Pronghorn is facilitating the transformation of the narrative and culture of the spirits industry.

T Capri Tequila, another Pronghorn initiative brand, is led by founder Tiffany Hainesworth who believes in Pronghorn's potential.

"With Dia Simms' association, I trust they can elevate my company," said Hainesworth.

“We are creating generational wealth. We're employing minorities and people in the diversity and  inclusion space. We're building people up and showing the Black community that we can do what other races can do, too. We can be at a higher level and successful at it."

Looking ahead to 2024–2025, Pronghorn's focus remains on three core areas: fostering entrepreneurship, recruitment, and supporting the Black community in the spirits industry. The initiative seeks to recruit talent from diverse backgrounds, inject fresh perspectives into the industry, and empower aspiring entrepreneurs. Pronghorn aims to make a significant impact on the spirits industry within the next decade, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous landscape.

Simms believes that supporting Black businesses should be a natural part of our everyday choices. By deliberately choosing products and services from Black-owned businesses, consumers can drive change and contribute to economic empowerment. “Take the extra step to support Black businesses in the choices you make. Vote with your wallets,” she says.

As we continue to highlight the achievements of Black Businesses, Simms stands as a beacon of inspiration. Her journey from a curious child to a change-driving entrepreneur demonstrates the power of determination, innovation, and a relentless commitment to driving positive change through business. With Pronghorn, she's carving a path toward a more diverse, inclusive, and economically empowered spirits industry, setting a precedent for a brighter future.