Omar Simmons, Managing Partner and Raynya Simmons, Marketing Strategist, Exaltare Capital Management

Th Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award was created to highlight organizations or individuals that have made significant contributions to diversity in franchising, whether it be through their organization or on a larger scope. Omar Simmons, managing partner and Raynya Simmons, marketing strategist for Exaltare Capital Management are the 2025 recipients of the Ronald E. Harrison Diversity Award.

Omar L. Simmons is an entrepreneur, private equity investor, husband, and father. He is the founder and president of Exaltare Capital Management (ECM), a consumer-focused investment firm with a diversified portfolio of franchise and multi-unit businesses. Omar currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the franchisor UniK Wax, the largest Good Feet Store franchisee, and a leading Urban Air Adventure Park franchisee. He is also the founder, former CEO, and Executive Chairman of ECP-PF, one of the largest Planet Fitness franchise platforms, which grew to more than 100 locations across North America before the sale of a controlling stake in 2021.

Over the course of his career, Omar has closed private equity transactions totaling more than $2.6 billion in aggregate value. Prior to founding ECM and ECP-PF, he worked at several leading private equity firms, including Windjammer Capital Investors and Summit Partners. Omar graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Business School, with honors. At Princeton, he was co-captain of the men’s track team and an Olympic Trials quarterfinalist. A proud Boston native, he remains an avid supporter of the Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots.

Raynya Simmons is a devoted wife and mother, accomplished singer, marketing and public relations professional, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is passionate about creating opportunities for others while inspiring individuals to become their best selves through meaningful connection, spiritual renewal, and creating joy. When time allows, Raynya supports strategic marketing initiatives at Exaltare Capital Management, while primarily focusing her leadership, organizational, and operational expertise on managing Team Simmons.

Raynya proudly served the City of Boston during the Menino administration and built a strong foundation in advertising through her work at Leo Burnett’s urban advertising agency, Vigilante, and at Burrell Communications Group, a leading multicultural firm in Chicago.

Among Raynya’s most notable accomplishments was being selected to sing on Oprah Winfrey’s 21-Day Mediterranean Harpo Cruise, singing the national anthem at a Red Sox game and opening for James Taylor at the Boston Arts Academy annual gala HONORS 2024. Raynya played a pivotal role in helping build one of the nation’s largest Planet Fitness franchise platforms along with her husband, Omar. Above all, Raynya considers raising three independent, faith-centered sons her greatest achievement.

Together, Omar and Raynya Simmons are deeply committed to service and philanthropy, supporting Christian ministries, the arts, education, and racial justice organizations. They share a strong belief in the power of entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity and economic mobility. In partnership with the International Franchise Association, they co-founded the Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI) to expand access to franchising, cultivate diverse franchisee talent, and help build generational wealth in underrepresented communities.