Janine Pairis brings nearly 10 years of management and consulting experience in the fields of government, politics, community and public relations to the Southwest Strategies team.  Her broad experience enables her to collaborate with colleagues and clients to ensure successful strategic planning and implementation of our clients’ public affairs programs. 

Janine Pairis comes to Southwest Strategies directly from the California State Legislature, where she served as senior consultant to Assemblyman Juan Vargas.  While at the State Capitol, she assisted in the creation of public policy and developed support for legislation.  She analyzed legislative proposals pending consideration before the Assembly Committees on Insurance; Business and Professions; the Select Committee on California Latin-American Affairs; along with the Democratic, Moderate and Latino Caucuses.   In Assemblyman Vargas’ district office, Pairis maintained strong relationships and represented the Assemblyman before community organizations and residents across South San Diego County. 

While working in the political arena, Pairis has held key positions in electoral campaigns for local government, State Legislature, and United States Congress candidates.  Pairis has served as campaign manager, field director, press secretary, and campaign strategist for various successful campaigns.  She has managed campaign budgets, while finding creative ways to implement comprehensive Spanish and English public relations and advertising plans. 

In 2001, Pairis served as campaign manager for a National City mayoral race, responsible for fundraising and mobilizing staff and volunteers.  In 2006 she managed a team of 25 campaign staff and assisted with message development, fundraising, payroll and press opportunities in a $1 million campaign for United States Congress.

Prior to her political experience, Pairis worked at a high-tech public relations firm and on numerous projects with the Latino business community.  Projects included the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Viva El Mariachi Festival and the Latino Builders Industry Association's annual golf tournament. 

Pairis is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a Minor in Sociology from San Diego State University.  While at SDSU, Pairis had the opportunity to work with Professor Glen Broom, Ph.D. on an intercultural, worker-management communication research study supported by Samsung, International.