Being a successful Asian-American comes with a responsibility that Wendy Urushima-Simmons takes seriously.

“Growing up, I didn’t think it was cool being an Asian-American,” recalls Simmons, 33. “But when I learned my family’s story, I realized that it was a good thing.”

During World War II, Simmons’ grandparents and parents were interned in a camp for Japanese-Americans and lived in horse stalls. “They went willingly because that’s what you did as a good American,” she says. “My family taught me that giving back was important.”

As promotions director at KGTV/San Diego, Simmons furthers her commitment to the community. Her job includes marketing, branding and public relations as well as promoting various programming. She also coordinates the week-long Help-A-Thon, puts together a Channel 10 free child ID event, and serves as project director/producer for the weekly 10 Leadership Award segment and the San Diego Gala, which highlights businesses, nonprofits and individuals of the year.

Simmons is vice president for Girls Inc. of North San Diego County, which helps at-risk girls ages 6 to 18, and is board chair for the Asian Business Association. She has received many awards for her community work, including the McGraw-Hill Most Valuable Player Award for Outstanding Community Service and ABA Member of the Year.

“I really love what I’m doing now,” she says. “It’s exciting to do something different every day, from working with the folks at ‘Oprah’ to putting on a telethon to helping the homeless. News can be so depressing, but we have a responsibility to do what we can do. That’s what my family taught me — that it’s important to give back and make the world a better place.”

— Patricia Morris Buckley