The life of a war refugee is far from easy. Diana Jenkins can attest to that. Despite experiencing such adversity, she came out on top as a successful entrepreneur. She has also started many philanthropic efforts to help others with similar backgrounds. Now, she’s on the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. As of 2023, Diana Jenkins has a net worth of $300 million.
Early Life
Born Sanela Dijana Catic on October 24, 1973, the reality star was raised in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her mother is an accountant, and their father is an economist. She has one younger brother named Irnis.
Sanela grew up in a communist era. While she was studying economics at the University of Sarajevo, war broke out. Her brother was murdered, and the rest of the family fled to Croatia.
After a year, they relocated to London where their daughter continued her education at City University of London. Under the English name Sanela Diana, she graduated with a degree in economics and computer science.
Business Career
When she finished college, Diana took a range of jobs and gradually saved enough money to open up her own jewelry business. It became very successful, helping her launch a new pursuit.
She worked with fashion model Melissa Odabash to found the Melissa Odabash swimwear brand. Then, she relocated to Sherman Oaks, California, to establish Neuro Drinks.
Jenkins also founded a recording label called D Empire Entertainment. Her most recent media endeavor is joining the cast of RHOBH in its season 12, which just started airing in 2022.
Philanthropic Pursuits
In 2002, Diana Jenkins created The Irnis Catic Foundation in honor of her late brother. The foundation offers crucial support for the University of Sarajevo’s healthcare facilities.
She worked with actor George Clooney to help the victims of the Darfur genocide by hosting the Mayfair London fundraiser. The same year, she partnered with the University of California, Los Angeles, to start the Sanela Diana Jenkins Human Rights Project.
Jenkins went on to initiate various relief operations in Congo and Haiti. She published Room 23, a photography book that featured many of her celebrity friends. All of its revenue went straight to charity.
Net Worth and Earnings
Diana got her first taste of financial success with the swimwear line Melissa Odabash. However, she made the majority of her wealth from her divorce settlement with Barclays Bank executive Roger Jenkins. When they ended their marriage, she walked away with £150 million.
To maintain her wealth, she set up various businesses under her name. She entered the beverage and media industries. However, her RHOBH per-episode pay hasn’t been revealed yet. Though she gives a lot of money to charity, she still holds a net worth of $300 million.
Personal Life
Diana and Roger Jenkins walked down the aisle in 1999. After ten years of being together, they called it quits and had a mutual breakup. Now, the businesswoman is in a relationship with musician Asher Monroe. She is living in a lavish mansion in Hidden Hills, California.