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August 2019 #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight: Erika Marquez

By Kristopher Porter

Erika Marquez
Erika Marquez

August’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Member Spotlight is dedicated to Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Chair Erika Marquez from WARN Industries. Check out her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN below:

SEMA: What is the best advice you ever received?

Erika Marquez: Don’t overthink your purpose in this life. Give out as you receive, always be humble and loyal. Serving others is the key.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

EM: Since I landed in this industry back in 2009, I fell in love with the passion and the fellowship of this industry. I've made so many good friends and met outstanding people that I can't think of working in another place!

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found? 

EM: An outdoor activity during the morning, including hiking or jogging, is the usual start of my weekend. Also, I love spending time with my family, and cooking is my passion, so usually planning and preparing a delicious meal for supper.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

EM: I am usually organized and prepared for meetings, especially the ones I lead. Having a few bullet points of the items that need to be discussed helps. Also, having some questions ready for the meeting helps the team think out of the box and promote new ideas.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be? 

EM: I have been very fortunate to have had lunch with industry leaders who I admire and respect; however, I would love the opportunity to meet General Motors CEO Mary Barra. She’s the first female CEO of a major global automaker. She started working at the age of 18 at a GM plant inspecting fenders and panels to pay for college tuition. She is an inspiration and I hope to meet her one day!

Fill out your form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, eNews, and have yourself recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While you’re there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Sign up, and join the action today!