2025 Women of Influence Honorees

Rachel Sakai

Civic and Community Leader

  • Rachel Sakai has spent over 50 years involved in education and community service; a passion fueled by her parents. Understanding the importance of activism, Rachel served on the Laredo Community Action Agency Advisory Board at 18 years of age. Rachel worked in Harlandale ISD for 32 years, as teacher, counselor, principal, and director. In addition, she was the Executive Director for the Harlandale Education Foundation. In 2005, she was named the Director of the Gateway to College Program at Palo Alto College, which focused on preventing high school dropouts and servicing at-risk students. She has served on nonprofit boards, works with a number of nonprofits and is an active member of service organizations such as the SA Bar Auxiliary, Pan American League, and others. Rachel was inducted to the 2022 Women’s Hall of Fame for Volunteerism. She graduated from Texas A&M International University and the University of Texas in San Antonio. With her life-partner of over 42 years, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, they enjoy spending time with their two children and their families.

Jamie Kowalski

Vice President of Corporate Relations, The RK Group

  • As Vice President of Corporate Relations for The RK Group, Jamie Kowalski directs its diverse philanthropy initiatives while also supporting business development through brand marketing and design oversight.

    Under Kowalski’s guidance, the company’s philanthropic activities were formalized in 2018 as RK Cares to focus on four identified areas of need including combating food insecurity and hunger; children’s health and welfare; entrepreneurship and women’s leadership; and community and cultural enrichment. Hundreds of area programs have been aided through these initiatives that represent The RK Group’s extensive history of community service.

    Kowalski maintains an active presence in many civic and charitable efforts. She recently was included in “Texas 100: Influential pros to know in 2024,” American City Business Journals, and named in 2023 the “40 Under 40 Woman of the Year,” San Antonio Business Journal. Additionally, she was appointed by the mayor as a Tri-Chair of the City of San Antonio’s 2022 Bond Program and presently serves on numerous local boards, including Port San Antonio; Mays Cancer Center; San Antonio Public Library Foundation; Social Venture Partners; Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy; and the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

    Prior to joining The RK Group and following her graduation from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a bachelor’s degree in communications, Kowalski taught English language arts and reading and also coached middle-school sports.