Janey Pearl, a Mexico native and Harvard graduate, has joined the Arizona Department of Health Services as its Public Information Officer.

Recognized by various local and national organizations for her service to Arizona's Latino community, Pearl will also be working with the Department to outreach Latinos across Arizona. Most recently, Pearl focused on Latino outreach during the 2006 elections.

Pearl was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the East Valley when she was nine years old. She has resided in Arizona for over 15 years, and recently returned after earning her Master's degree from Harvard University. She represented Arizona well at Harvard, as she was one of eight students selected to be honored during commencement.

Pearl earned her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in Justice Studies, Multicultural Education, and Communication. She also obtained a Certificate in American Humanics: Leadership and Administration of Non-profit Organizations.

For many years, Pearl has worked tirelessly on issues of social justice and empowering youth. "Helping people is my passion," said Pearl. "I am fortunate to be able to work in an agency that has so many programs which benefit the people of Arizona."

Janey Pearl's leadership and activism has gained local and national recognition, most notably receiving the Manuel Ortega Youth Leadership Award from Valle del Sol's Profiles of Success, the Gates Foundation Millennium Scholarship, ASU's Hispanic Student of the Year Award, National Hispana Leadership Institute selection and mention in Latino Perspectives Magazine as one of Arizona's 25 innovative Latino Leaders.