Keynote Address

Presented by




Sachi Koto
former CNN News Anchor &
Founder of Sachi Koto Communications



Following more than 16 years with CNN, Sachi Koto launched a public relations and video production company - SKC, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia in July, 2005.

As a veteran of CNN, Koto served as a news anchor for CNN Headline News based in the network's world headquarters in Atlanta. During her tenure at CNN, Koto anchored for CNN Radio, CNN Airport Network, CNN International and CNN QuickCast. She also produced, wrote and anchored for Turner South, Turner Entertainment Group's entertainment network dedicated to southern style programming.

Before joining CNN, Koto worked as an anchor for Tokyo's JCTV (Japan Cable Television) and for Nippon Hoso Kyoku (NHK) Radio, also in Tokyo. Previously, she was a reporter for WQXI radio station in Atlanta from 1974-1975 and for CNN affiliate WAGA-TV in Atlanta from 1975-1977.

Koto has received multiple honors and awards for her reporting and speaking engagements including - The Women Looking Ahead News Magazine's 100s List of the Nation's Most Powerful and Influential Women's Award, the SCLC's Heritage Award in Honor of Coretta Scott King, The National Star of Asia 2002 Award, "Honorary Texan Award" by Texas Governor Rick Perry, "Honorary Citizen Award" by Austin, Texas, Mayor Gus Garcia, Honorary Member of the Japan America Society by Japanese Consul General George Hisaeda, appointed as a member to the Asian-American Commission for a New Georgia by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage speakers award, Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta's speakers award, Japanese American National Museum and The William Bremen Jewish Heritage Museum speakers award, Asian Pacific American Council of Georgia Speakers award and the S.M.C.I. Jaycees Appreciation Award.

Koto is a third-generation Japanese American, born and raised in Atlanta. Koto was the first Japanese on-air talent in the Southeast and the first Asian on-air talent in Atlanta.

A presidential scholar, Koto graduated summa cum laude from Reinhardt College with a bachelor's degree in communications. She also earned a diploma in Japanese language and culture from the Gendai Japanese School in Tokyo.

Koto is a member of the Board of Curators for Delta Airlines, Member of the Atlanta Regional Commission's Fifty Forward Steering Committee, Vice Chair of the Japan America Society of Georgia, Vice Chair of the Atlanta - Fukuoka Sister Cities Commission, General Manager of JapanFest, board member of the Refugee Family Services, former President of the Japanese American Citizens League SE Chapter, Vice President of the Asian American Heritage Foundation, Board member of the Reinhardt College North Fulton Center, Board member of the Japanese American National Museum, and Committee Chair of the Society of the Who's Who in Asian American Communities.

Koto is a featured speaker for Premiere Speakers Bureau.

October 7, 2006, Koto released her children's book on teaching Diversity - Penelope Hates Stew.