By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named April Wong, marketing specialist at Unicorn Tire, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. Get to know Wong in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
April Wong: I've been with my current company for nearly three years, and what I enjoy most is the team around me. They make me feel like family. Working in marketing allows me to juggle many different tasks, so every day is unique. I love that my role lets me handle exciting projects, from social media and content creation to event planning, sponsorships and even modeling at events, which makes the work both dynamic and fun.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
AW: The biggest challenge is managing the sheer variety of projects that come my way. From surprise tasks to event modeling, e-commerce, social media campaigns, builds, content, graphic design and coordinating with sponsors and vendors. At times, it can feel overwhelming, but navigating these challenges has helped me sharpen my organizational skills, prioritize effectively and stay adaptable under pressure.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
AW: I'm going on three years in the industry, and this is my first industry role. It's been an incredible learning experience, allowing me to grow professionally while contributing to the company's marketing and branding initiatives.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
AW: Adaptability, ability to work well under pressure and empathy have been crucial in my career. Adaptability allows me to pivot quickly when unexpected projects or challenges arise. Working well under pressure ensures I can deliver high-quality results even in fast-paced environments. Empathy helps me understand colleagues, clients and audiences, fostering stronger relationships and collaboration both personally and professionally.
SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
AW: Being a woman in the automotive and motorsports industry can be challenging, especially when it comes to breaking through stereotypes and showing that you can handle the work just as well as anyone else. One thing I'm really proud of is building our whole sponsor program from the ground up. I coordinated partnerships, managed communications and made sure everything lined up with our marketing goals. Seeing it all come together successfully has been such a rewarding experience and really shows why I love being in this industry.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
AW: My biggest role model is the owner of our company. She's a true girl boss and the epitome of breaking through stereotypes in this industry. Watching how she leads, makes decisions and handles challenges has been so inspiring. She's shown me what's possible and encouraged me to trust myself, take ownership of projects and push myself to grow every day.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
AW: "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: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
AW: I honestly didn't know where I was going to end up. I've always loved makeup and fashion, but cars have been a passion too. I used to own a Miata and would go to car shows with friends all the time. What keeps me in this industry is how fun and laid-back it can be, but also how hype it is. The adrenaline. The energy. The events. I love being part of that excitement and the creative, fast-paced environment.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
AW: The most influential person in my career has been my mom. She immigrated here from China, and knowing the sacrifices she made pushes me to chase the opportunities she wanted but never had. She's always supported me, encouraged me to follow my passions and taught me to work hard and stay confident. Her guidance has shaped not only my career but also how I approach challenges and opportunities in life.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.
