LaShae Simmons

Age: 24

Family: Parents, younger brother, Trey; dogs, Baxter and Ron.

Employer: Mississippi River Radio

Position: Account executive

Community Involvement: Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Chamber Young Professionals, Team Captain for MDA lockup, St. Denis Women's Club at St. Denis Church in Benton.

Family and career are what set LeShae Simmons of Benton, Mo., apart from the crowd.

"As long I've known her, LeShae has been actively involved with her church, as well as several non-profit organizations in and around Cape Girardeau," says Ashley Davis. "In addition to helping raise money for the MDA and Big Brother Big Sisters, she regularly volunteers her time to helping others."

Simmons spends weeknights and weekends with her Little Sister, Davis said.

"She has made a huge impact in her life in the time they have been paired together," she said.

As an account executive with Mississippi River Radio, Simmons works with businesses creating advertising strategies.

"I like being out and about with people," Simmons said. "I just like to be able to make their businesses improve, and to try different things with them until they find their niche in advertising."

Although Simmons keeps busy with work and other activities, "family still remains her number one priority," Davis said, "which I feel is very admirable."