By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named April Wong, marketing specialist at Unicorn Tire, as the network's newest spotlight member.
Get to know Wong in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?
April Wong: "Adaptability is your greatest asset." This advice has shaped both my career and personal life. In marketing, especially in the tire industry, strategies, trends and consumer behaviors are constantly shifting. Being adaptable has allowed me to pivot when needed, stay ahead of trends and take on challenges with confidence. Personally, it's taught me to embrace change rather than fear it, leading to growth in all areas of my life.
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
AW: I've always been a car girl--there's just something about the automotive world that has intrigued me for as long as I can remember. Being in this industry allows me to blend that passion with my expertise in marketing, bringing products to life in a way that resonates with drivers and buyers. Tires are an essential yet often overlooked part of a vehicle, and I love the challenge of making them stand out. Plus, the fast-paced nature of the industry, the relationships I've built and the constant evolution of technology and trends keep me engaged.
SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
AW: It depends on the weekend! I might be at a festival, soaking in the energy of live music, or in the gym, pushing my limits and setting new goals. Some weekends, you'll find me working a promo modeling gig with the Sullivan Agency, connecting with people and representing brands in a fast-paced environment. And when I'm not on the go, I'm probably in the kitchen cooking, spending time with loved ones or binging a good TV show.
SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
AW: For me, preparation starts with organization. I make a list of key points, questions and objectives to keep everything structured. Research is a given, but I also think about the audience--what matters to them and how can I communicate my ideas in a way that resonates? Confidence comes from knowing my material, so I practice framing my thoughts concisely. And right before the meeting, I take a moment to reset--whether it's a deep breath or a quick mental run-through, it helps me walk in focused and ready to deliver.
SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?
AW: I'd love to have lunch with Bertha Benz. She wasn't just the wife of Karl Benz--she was the driving force (literally) behind the first long-distance automobile journey, proving the viability of cars to the world. Her determination, problem-solving skills and willingness to take risks resonate with me. She saw the potential in something before the world did and wasn't afraid to push boundaries. I'd love to hear her perspective on innovation, perseverance and what it was like to pave the way for the automotive industry as we know it today.
Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.