Sanela Diana Jenkins’ Net worth: What is it?
With a net worth of $300 million, Sanela Diana Jenkins, a Bosnian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and reality television star, has excelled in launching a successful drink startup and establishing herself as a highly regarded human rights activist worldwide.
The Bravo reality series “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” welcomed Diana Jenkins as the newest cast member during its 12th season premiere on May 11, 2022. However, she departed after just one season.
Aside from her reality show fame, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, Sanela Diana Jenkins made headlines for selling her mansion in Malibu to Whatsapp founder Jan Koum for $87 million in February 2021.
Early Life
Born as Sanela Dijana Ćatić in 1973 in Sarajevo, Diana Jenkins was the eldest of two children in a middle-class family. Her father was an economist, and her mother worked as an accountant. They resided in a typical Yugoslavian communist-era concrete apartment.
Tragically, Diana’s younger brother Irnis was murdered by Serb soldiers at 21 while she was studying economics at the University of Sarajevo. She fled Bosnia during the Siege of Sarajevo in April 1992 due to the outbreak of war resulting from the breakup of Yugoslavia.
After over a year as a refugee in Croatia, Diana migrated to London, England, where she resumed her studies at City University with a focus on math. She later obtained a BSc degree (with honors) in Computer Science and Economics.
Unlike many fellow refugees, Diana earned permanent citizenship through her exceptional academic record and independence from government welfare.
Melissa Odabash Swimwear
After graduation, Diana worked various jobs in London to save up for launching her jewelry store successfully.
Expanding from the jewelry store’s triumph, Diana co-founded the popular swimwear line Melissa Odabash with model Melissa Odabash. The brand gained celebrity favor, including from stars like Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson, and Heidi Klum. Diana still co-owns the brand, which remains thriving.
(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Personal Life
In 1999, Sanela Diana Jenkins tied the knot with British banker Roger Jenkins, becoming Sanela Diana Jenkins.
Roger and Sanela had two kids before they divorced after being together for a total of 10 years. Their breakup was later described as “the happiest divorce ever”.
In 2020, Jenkins had a child with her boyfriend Asher Monroe. They then announced their engagement. After they suffered a miscarriage, they announced in December 2022 that they were expecting another child.
Divorce Settlement
Diana received an estimated settlement of $300 million as part of the divorce. This settlement instantly jolted Diana to the ranks of the richest women in the UK.
Eventually, Diana retreated from London to Southern California, where she acquired an incredible 3-acre clifftop property in Malibu. She started focusing on philanthropy and her own entrepreneurial endeavors.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Neuro Drinks
Sanela Diana Jenkins, in addition to Melissa Odabash swimwear, is the founder of the health drink company Neuro Drinks. Neuro Drinks markets itself as a healthy alternative to soda and caffeine, promoting lines that boost immunity, reduce stress, promote sleep, and increase energy. Sanela holds the positions of Chairwoman and CEO of the company.
Philanthropy
Sanela Diana Jenkins is an extremely active philanthropist who has donated and helped raised millions of dollars for various charities supporting a wide variety of causes.
In 2002, she established the Sanela Diana Jenkins Foundation for Bosnia and Herzegovina in Memory of Irnis Catic, reportedly the largest privately funded Bosnian philanthropic organization.
Six years later, she went on to found the Sanela Diana Jenkins Human Rights Project at the University of California.
Her Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization provided medical care to thousands of victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, a mutual effort between Jenkins and Sean Penn. She has also organized fundraisers for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and posted bail for former Bosnian President EjupGanić, who was detained in the UK on a Serbian extradition request.
Partnering with George Clooney, Sanela helped raise over $10 million for the “Not on Our Watch” organization, drawing attention to human rights atrocities occurring in Darfur. In 2022, she founded the Sunela Foundation with a donation of $100,000 for the victims of Lion Air Flight 601.
Awards
In 2012, Elton John awarded Sanela the Enduring Vision Award from his Elton John AIDS Foundation.
That same year, she was named one of the “World’s Top Three Justice Innovators” by Hague Institute for Innovation of Law.
In 2013, Sanela was awarded the 2013 Isa-beg Ishaković Award for Patriotism.
(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation)