Sakina Naqvi Empowers Communities Through Service and Leadership

Sakina Naqvi has spent nearly 30 years earning recognition as a leader in information technology (IT). As an enterprise resource planning (ERP) senior developer at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Naqvi brings expertise in human capital management systems. In this capacity, she delivers high efficiency to human resources, payroll, benefits, and recruiting functions. Although she has a distinguished career, volunteerism brings her the most fulfillment.

Charitable Giving in Action

Naqvi has made community service an integral aspect of her life. It’s difficult for a mother of three who balances family responsibilities with a demanding career, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “My love for community service has allowed me to manage my time between full-time jobs, raising kids, and doing community service and volunteer work,” she says. 

This love for volunteerism motivates Naqvi to participate in various initiatives. For example, she has worked at soup kitchens, worked with Give Kids the World, and packed toiletries for shipment to different countries. She has played a vital role in the 14 Stars Education Center since 2016 and has served as program manager for the Umoja Outreach Foundation. More recently, an online university assigned her the role of chief executive officer.

While writing checks to these organizations may be the easiest support route, it’s not enough for Naqvi. As someone with a service-oriented mindset, she prefers a hands-on approach. With that in mind, this devoted community volunteer believes in passing these values on to the next generation. As a result, she often involves young people in civic activities to expose them to the power of giving back.

A People-Centered Leader

“I fell in love with IT when I started taking computer classes before moving to the U.S.,” Naqvi says. Throughout her 30-year career, she admits to encountering allies and adversaries. Regardless of the workplace challenges, the IT professional sharpened her leadership skills while maintaining resilience, adaptability, and integrity. A firm believer in continuous learning, she credits her success to education and a strong sense of independence.

Although Naqvi held leadership roles at Raymond James, Northwestern University, State Farm, and other esteemed institutions, her greatest pride comes from earning respect outside the workplace. People often seek her advice for technical expertise and guidance in life. “Learning from others is a vital part of personal growth,” she reflects. “It might not always lead to promotions or titles, but it will elevate you in the eyes—and hearts—of those around you.”

Strength Through Adversity

Following her divorce, Naqvi shouldered the immense responsibility of raising three children while excelling in a full-time career. Through this journey, she gained a deep understanding of what it means to face hardship alone and turned that experience into a driving force for change. Committed to lifting others up, she connects people with vital resources and offers meaningful mentorship. Her unwavering support and resourcefulness have made her a pillar of the community — a go-to problem solver and a trusted source of strength.

An Ongoing Mission to Uplift Others

With an eye on retirement in the next decade, Naqvi envisions a future filled with travel and cultural exploration. However, stepping away from the workforce does not mean stepping away from service. In retirement, she plans to dedicate even more time to volunteerism.

Despite her professional achievements, Naqvi views her work as a means to an end. “I work because I have to make a living, but I use every minute of my spare time to give back to the community,” she says. A career in IT has provided financial stability, but true fulfillment has come from a more profound calling–serving others.