Candidate Name: Sabreena Hakemy
Occupation: Entrepreneur and bank vice-chairman
How long have you lived in Southlake? What brought you to town?
My family moved to Southlake 28 years ago. We previously lived in the Richardson/Plano area, and it was being over-developed. My family fell in love with Southlake’s small-town culture, its large green spaces, great schools and friendly community.
What inspired you to run for this position?
Since I was a young girl, I have witnessed great local, state and national leaders step up and serve our community and country. My father was and is an active supporter of many of the great men and women who have served not only in Southlake, but also at the state and national level. It was a privilege to be able to meet many of our great leaders, and I was greatly influenced by their dedication to serve their country and community. In recent years, I have admired the dedication and selfless service of some of our local leaders. It inspired me to get involved. I wanted to give my time and serve my community — a community that has given me so much and shaped me into the woman I am today.
What in your background has prepared you for this position?
I have served as a volunteer, for two terms, on the zoning board of adjustment with the city of Southlake. It brought me great joy to serve my fellow citizens, and I want to continue my volunteer service with the city. I knew that my background as a seasoned entrepreneur and my experience in enterprise technology and business development would be an asset to the city leadership.
What do you hope to bring to this role?
I am a business owner and a banker. My experience in business and enterprise technology would be an asset to citizens and business owners. My experience and skill set would lend a fresh perspective to the leadership of the Southlake city council.
What do you hope to accomplish in this position?
I would like to work with our city leadership and staff to create initiatives that will support our local businesses, lower property taxes, support responsible development and preserve and protect low-density single-family homes.
Why do you believe you will be successful in this position?
I am a native Texan, and I know Southlake. Southlake and I grew up together. I’ve witnessed its growth from the very start, and this is my town. And now, as a successful entrepreneur, I have the experience, the dedication and the passion to lead my community. I just want to give back to my city that has given me so much.
What are your top priorities if elected?
As your councilwoman, I promise to work hard each and every day to preserve and protect lower-density single-family homes, reduce traffic, lower your property taxes and maintain our parks and open spaces.
What actions do you believe are necessary to help unify the community?
I was born and brought up in Texas, but I am also of Central and South Asian descent. If there is anyone who understands the issues on diversity and can empathize on the issues in our community, it is me. Now more than ever, it is time to stop the divisiveness. We are one community. I would encourage civil dialogue and discourse and urge our citizens to pause and reflect before reacting in a negative or rash manner. I would work to bridge the differences of opinion and look towards working out an amicable solution.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?
Years ago, I earned my black belt from our very own Southlake ATA Martial Arts. The discipline, dedication and character-building skills that I developed as a student at Southlake ATA have helped shape me into the confident, driven, dedicated person I am today.
Each candidate in this race was provided the same questions. We are publishing their answers in their own words. The views expressed in these articles do not directly reflect those of Southlake Style.