Bexar County Clerk Lucy Adame-Clark has deep activist roots. Her family can recount Emma Tenayuca and the movement she led in the 1930’s as her grandmother worked as a pecan sheller. Additionally, the legacy of Bexar County Lucy Adame-Clark is rooted in these activist traditions.
As the first woman and first Latina ever elected County Clerk, she takes her responsibilities of overseeing fifteen County Courts at Law, a Mental Health Court, three probate courts, and an Auxiliary Jail Court in graceful stride. Bexar County Lucy Adame-Clark continues to serve in these roles.
During her time in office, Adame-Clark has earned numerous honors, highlighting a commitment to public service, including the distinguished Bexar County Pioneer Award and the Legendary Advocate Award from the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association. On November 6, 2025, Adame-Clark is being presented with the 2025 Successful Women in Business Award, honoring outstanding women leaders.
When asked for the secret to her success, she is quick to acknowledge her team’s efforts.
“I worked under five Sherriff’s, so I’ve gained institutional knowledge and enjoy innovating,” said Adame-Clark. “When you have a team that understands your vision and does what is best for the community, you will have success. The team makes all the difference.” Bexar County Lucy Adame-Clark attributes much of her vision to collaboration.
Her commitment to service was evident in her first year in office, with mobile initiatives that promoted accessibility to her office. She and the team initiated the County Clerk’s Office Straight to You, Records on the Run program, which included one mobile satellite unit and 4 pop-up stations that provided land and vital records services. The program has been a model for other offices and has received national recognition.
Adame-Clark saw the community’s needs growing up with four sisters in the Alazan-Apache Courts. She attributes her work ethic to her supportive parents, who were migrant farm workers. Her father, a U.S. Marine, was strict but loving with his daughters.
Bexar County Lucy Adame-Clark
She credits her love of service to her mother, a fearless community advocate. One of her earliest memories is of the María Antonietta Berriozábal Campaign. “We block walked the Alazan-Apache Courts,” said Adame-Clark. “We talked with everybody to get people to vote.”
A powerful sense of advocacy for others and a deep connection to community began to form for Lucy Adame-Clark in those early years. She recalls, “My mother advocated for my special needs sister and students like her. She took me to City Hall and showed me what standing up for people looked like.” With her actions, she showed a young Lucy that she belonged in places of influence and power.
With a hectic schedule and demands for her time with various organizations and causes, Adame-Clark worked to find balance. She recounted that when she came into office, she weighed 160 pounds. Over the years, she developed unhealthy habits like eating late that contributed to weight gain. “We don’t often say no,” said Adame-Clark. “I’d bring in tacos or eat fast food while trying to get things done. Mentally, I was strong, but physically, we cannot always control our bodies.”
One day in the office, Adame-Clark had an unhealthy episode with stroke-like symptoms. It was a wake-up call that landed her in the hospital for a week. After testing and evaluation, she was told she was pre-diabetic, prescribed blood pressure medication and encouraged to make immediate changes. In fact, Bexar County Lucy Adame-Clark hopes her story inspires others to prioritise their health.
“I needed to prioritize my health,” said Adame-Clark. “I realized my unhealthy habits were also negatively influencing my daughter.” She has since begun a weight-loss journey and has proudly lost 68 pounds. Her daughter has also made personal strides, losing over 20 pounds.
Adame-Clark continues to serve in various leadership roles. Currently serves on the Eagles Flight Advocacy & Outreach board of directors as Vice President, and previously served as Vice President and board member of Women Unlimited SA. In addition, her team participates in many initiatives, from supporting victims of domestic violence to volunteering for food drives during the federal shutdown.
When asked what guidance she’d offer other Latinas, she emphasizes the importance of mentoring and diversity.
“I credit my daughter for showing me the value of mentoring,” said Adame-Clark. “I look at the women of our family with all their talents and strengths and can acknowledge that diversity makes us stronger.’
She believes the best advice is simple. “Mistake in life?” asks Adame-Clark. “There’s another chapter of the book. Keep writing yours!”
