By Ashley Reyes
 Kendra Sommer |
This month’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight features SBN select committee member Kendra Sommer of CWK Media. She is the head of her brand, “Cruisin’ with Kendra,” where she thrives as a motorsports reporter and helps provide a voice for women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
Throughout her career, she has excelled as an automotive storyteller by reporting on car culture all over the world, highlighting manufacturers, covering motorsports events and installing products during “How-To” productions. Her work can be found in contributing articles and photography and video reports for many industry-leading publications. It’s volunteers like Sommer who truly make a difference to the industry.
Get to know Sommer in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN:
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Kendra Sommer: “Just jump and the parachute will open.” – Steve Harvey
“You have to follow your passions and sometimes, it takes a bold move to spark your success.” – Myself
Both of those have been mottos that I live by—the latter being my own.
SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?
KS: The people who are in this industry are incredibly supportive, welcoming and passionate about their work, so who wouldn't want to be around that kind of environment? Aside from the amazing people in this field, this is an industry I love. I grew up with my father and in his fleet of Old International Trucks.
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
KS: On Saturdays you will likely find me on location producing and filming content that not only celebrates our industry, but also promotes engagement in the trades and profiles the wonderful people who make up this industry.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
KS: I try to be as relaxed as possible before meetings. I try to find a few moments for myself to relax, drink water and focus my thoughts.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?
KS: I would love to have lunch with Alice Huyler Ramsey. In 1909, Ramsey was the first woman to drive across the country—coast to coast—at the young age of just 22. During her drive, she endured various obstacles, but stayed true to her path. I admire her bravery and dedication to act as a role model to women, especially since women drivers were rare during that time.
Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.
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