Our People

Pedro Anaya, a native of San Diego County, had worked in San Diego's non-profit sector for nearly a decade before joining Southwest Strategies. Working in some of San Diego's most vital communities, he has established a strong and respected reputation for both his professional and volunteer work.

At the National Conference for Community & Justice (NCCJ) he coordinated programming designed to address issues of diversity and leadership among high school youth throughout the region. In 2004, Anaya joined the staff of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA where he worked to ensure that all had access to its programs regardless of economic status. Most recently he served as the Executive Director of the Greater Golden Hill CDC where he worked with neighborhood stakeholders to improve the quality of life and the business atmosphere in Greater Golden Hill.

An established leader of San Diego's Latino community, Pedro has a deep history of community involvement. He currently serves on the San Diego Padre's Hispanic Leadership Council and the Salvation Army's Joan Kroc Center Hispanic Task Force. He is a co-founder of the San Diego Cesar E. Chavez Commemoration Committee, which for the past 16 years has hosted the largest series of events in honor of Mr. Chavez in the country. As part of his efforts, Anaya served a critical role in the campaign to establish a paid-state holiday in honor of the late labor leader (CA SB984). For his work in the community, he has received the Cesar E. Chavez Social Justice Award, the Channel 10 Leadership Award and in 2003 was selected as one of five International Reebok Humanitarian award recipients.

He completed his undergraduate work at San Diego State University earning degrees in psychology and Chicana/o studies. He earned his master's degree in non-profit management and leadership studies from the University of San Diego as part of the program's inaugural class.

In addition to his community and volunteer work, Anaya takes time to educate youth as a cultural dancer for San Diego's oldest Aztec Dance Circle, Danza Mexi'cayotl that recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. A dance group with a strong sense of tradition and family, he dances with his wife Rosalina Anaya and his daughter Dahlia Citlali Anaya.

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