Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘The Circle‘ challenges contestants to showcase their social skills and ability to form connections in a unique, isolated environment. Without meeting face-to-face, players present a persona—authentic or fabricated—to navigate through elimination rounds. When Darian Holt entered the seventh season, he quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to his natural charm. Focused on playing a strategic game while building strong relationships, his genuine humility and honest approach resonated with his fellow contestants and the audience throughout the season.
Darian Holt Decided to Play the Game as His True Self
Darian Holt introduced himself on The Circle as a middle school teacher with his sights set on winning the cash prize. Confident in his game plan, Darian shared that he intended to use the $100,000 prize to support a youth organization focused on helping underprivileged children. When crafting his profile, Darian chose words like “fun,” “loyal,” and “confident” to describe himself, opting to play the game authentically as himself. He believed his success hinged on his ability to navigate the competition through his genuine personality. The first contestant to catch his attention was Jadejha Edwards, and he hoped to build a stronger connection with her as the game progressed.
Darian’s performance in the first round was solid, landing him in fifth place. He wasn’t too disappointed, especially since he wasn’t at immediate risk of elimination. Understanding the importance of building strong alliances, he connected with Kevin Fernandez and Andy (Heather Richardson) and became a part of the boy group. Darian also moved to talk to Jadejha, and their playful flirting quickly blossomed into a mutual interest.
They agreed to watch each other’s backs throughout the season. Being invited to Kevin’s party with the new contestants was a positive step for Darian, and by the second round of eliminations, he had climbed to third place. Savannah Miller’s elimination was a wake-up call, reminding him of the competition’s intensity. When tensions flared between Kevin and Gianna (The Scarlotta Twins), Darian wisely chose to stay out of the drama — a decision that even Jadejha admired. His mature approach and focus on long-term success clearly showed that Darian was in it for the long haul.
But alas, everything soon turned upside down as Andy’s unexpected elimination gave relative newcomer Madelyn Rusinyak ammunition to plant seeds of doubt, which she did so against Darian. Little did she know the two individuals were extremely close, yet her plan worked as it made Kevin turn against his “#CircleBro” in such a way that he actually ended up eliminating him despite claiming he had his back in a one-on-one chat. It was Darian who had made him an influencer with the Disruptor Mode, unaware it would completely backfire. Nevertheless, in the aftermath, he did get to meet, kiss, and establish an actual solid relationship with Jadejha, so he didn’t really walk away empty-handed.
Darian’s Professional Interests are at the Intersection of Public Health and Technology
Darian is a highly accomplished professional who has built an impressive career. Currently residing in Houston, Texas, he holds the position of Area Manager at Amazon, a role he stepped into in March 2023. Darian leads a team of over 50 in this capacity, managing critical areas such as safety, quality control, productivity, and customer delivery performance. His academic achievements are equally notable. He earned a degree in Applied Science from Alcorn State University in 2016, laying a solid foundation for his career. His passion for public health led him to pursue a Master’s in Public Health, focusing on Environmental and Occupational Health, from Jackson State University, which he completed in 2021.
Throughout his professional journey, Darian has developed many skills, including team leadership, project management, and problem-solving, all of which have contributed to his rapid rise within Amazon. He is also actively engaged in academic research through his involvement with Jackson State University. Since January 2020, he has been enrolled in their Environmental & Public Health Research (EPHR) Scholar Program, where he has been applying his expertise in public health to contribute to the program’s development and implementation. His work at the university focuses on creating impactful solutions within the public health sector, particularly emphasizing the intersection of health and technology.
Darian Holt’s Youth Organization is Making Strides Even Today
Darian has also found great fulfillment as a middle school teacher at RePublic Schools, where he has been managing classrooms since February 2020. He’s become an influential figure for his students, offering academic and personal guidance. In 2021, during a discussion about the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, some students misheard him, thinking he said “Apple Friend Apple Paternity.” Darian posted about the misunderstanding on TikTok, and it quickly went viral. What began as a humorous moment has since evolved into a passion project for Darian.
He founded a youth organization called Apple Friend Apple Inc., which aims to help minority students understand the values of service, brotherhood, sisterhood, academic excellence, and the importance of scholarships. Through this initiative, Darian hopes to empower students to pursue higher education and develop leadership skills while also fostering a sense of community. His work in education and public health, coupled with his dedication to mentorship, has solidified his impact on the lives of young people and his broader community.
Darian Holt is an Enterprising Public Figure
As a public figure, Darian has appeared on shows like Good Morning America to discuss his organization and raise funds, helping to further his cause. With around 35k Instagram followers and a growing presence on TikTok and YouTube, he’s steadily building a solid social media following. Known for his engaging personality, Darian enjoys participating in community activities and is a confident public speaker. This led to him being invited to host the 2024 Kixcon, a role he enthusiastically accepted, delivering an impressive performance.
Darian also values physical fitness, regularly dedicating time to the gym and even completing a marathon in September 2024. His well-rounded lifestyle includes balancing his professional commitments with personal leisure, as seen in his trip to Jamaica in January 2024. He has further expanded his public appeal with his appearance on the season, continuing to charm his audience and maintain an impressive public image.
Read More: Savannah Miller: Where is The Circle Contestant Now?
