Spotlight on Our Graduates

Awa Diarra

Business Management | DEC
Entrepreneur at a Boutique 

Name: Awa Diarra 
Titre: Founder and CEO
Company: Snack Simple inc. 
Study Program: DEC in Business Management
Degree obtained in: 2008

What position do you hold and what are your main responsibilities?

I’m the founder and CEO of Snack Simple. 

Could you describe a typical day in your professional life? 

I manage the production team, marketing, human resources and sales. So basically, I’m involved in everything.

Could you describe your career path? 

After studying at the International School of Business and Technologies of LaSalle College, I tried to open several businesses that unfortunately didn’t work out, including a hair salon and a t-shirt company. 

I had to find my path, so I decided to broaden my knowledge at the university. But I realized I was still lost even after completing my studies. So I took a temporary job at a cereal and nut manufacturing company. That’s when it hit me! Right then and there, I knew I was going to make a career in the agri-food industry. My boss back then found that I had talent and she offered me a promotion as a sales representative. I accepted the job so I could get a better understanding of how things worked in the industry. 

It was with my former boss, who is now my mentor, that I learned how to master distribution, margins, customer service, new product creation, etc. I also learned how to work with the company’s employees. After several years with this company, I gained self-confidence and decided to launch my own project.

What is your fondest memory of your days at LaSalle College? 

I was a chatterbox in class and I asked a lot of questions. I loved the teachers; they were so approachable. It was at LaSalle College that I realized I wanted to have my own business someday.

What was your favorite subject in the curriculum? Do you use what you learned now in your career? Do you have any stories to share? 

I loved marketing and anything to do with marketing and getting products out on the market. I use the concepts I learned in these classes every day.

Could you describe the general impression you had when you started at LaSalle College? 

When I started at LaSalle College, I was searching for my vocation. Thanks to the courses I took, after only a few months, I discovered that I really wanted to have my own business. Since then, I’ve done everything possible to make this dream come true.

What surprised you the most when you entered the job market?

I learned that some things can’t be taught in class. You have to experience them to understand. 

What advice would you give to a student currently enrolled in the same program that you completed? 

The program allowed me to touch all the aspects of day-to-day life in a company, and the concepts I learned are very useful to me today. 

What are the essential qualities required to succeed in your field? 

Perseverance and ambition. There’s a lot of uncertainty and many ups and downs. 

Who are the role models that inspire you and why? 

Sara Blakel. She started her business with only $5,000 in her pocket and went on to build an empire with her Spanx brand.

Something to add that could inspire the next generation?

Don’t be afraid to take risks and believe in yourself.

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