The Hon. Peter Sakai, the County Judge of Bexar County, Texas, is a dedicated public servant and a key advocate for foster care programs. Introduced by President Eigmhy, Judge Sakai has significant leadership roles in the community. Notably, Judge Sakai is the only County Judge in Texas who has previously served on the bench as a judge.
“It is incumbent on us individuals in our local community to take care of people in our community so they can continue to innovate and create”
The Hon. Peter Sakai
County Judge
Bexar County
Having grown up in South Texas as the son of a farmer and the child of Japanese immigrants, Judge Sakai has a deep appreciation for the contributions of immigrants to American society. He believes that immigration strengthens local communities and makes them more dynamic and innovative.
There are two aspects of San Antonio that Judge Sakai believes make the city so great. First, the fact that its residents actively engage in discussions on crucial issues, working together to find solutions and drive progress. The second ingredient is San Antonio’s collaborative and communicative culture.
One of the critical issues Judge Sakai addressed is the lack of participation among Texas foster children in university training programs, with only three percent taking advantage of these opportunities. Identifying the reasons behind this, Judge Sakai and Bexar County officials realized that the state often abandoned foster children once they aged out of the system. To combat this, Bexar County launched the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success project. This initiative established centers to provide mentorship and services to foster children, helping them transition into higher education and stable careers — an example of how innovation can empower disadvantaged groups, ensuring more members of the community have the opportunity to succeed.
San Antonio’s innovation has uplifted its community members, but it also plays a critical role in the nation’s future through its advancements in cybersecurity. In today’s interconnected world, every sector of the economy relies on a secure cyber environment. Judge Sakai noted that cybersecurity is an ongoing necessity, as a single attack can rapidly damage an entity’s reputation and stability. Texas stands at the forefront of the national cybersecurity landscape, with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) leading advancements in this field.
But the Judge noted how maintaining leadership in cybersecurity will only happen by regional leaders’ continuous efforts to forge strong partnerships. Judge Sakai called for Texas to expand its collaborations, particularly with Mexico, recognizing the immense value of cross-border partnerships. Regionalism is a powerful force, and Judge Sakai noted that bringing manufacturers and workforce initiatives together across borders can create a harmonized and mutually beneficial economic environment. He stated, "We do not need to beat anybody, we just need to be the best we can be and take advantage of our connections."
According to Judge Sakai, the development of talent and innovation is a collective responsibility. Everyone participating in the Competitiveness Conversation has a role in fostering growth, ensuring that Texas and the broader region continue to be a hub for economic and technological advancement.
