by The School of Business
June 9th 2025
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At this year’s Business Commencement ceremonies, Rowena Paz Norman will take the stage not only as a celebrated alumna, but as a passionate leader whose journey is rooted in purpose, perseverance, and possibility.
Rowena is a strategic and entrepreneurial force, known for her bold business instincts and a deeply authentic approach to leadership. She thrives on solving complex problems, imagining what’s possible, and building lasting relationships that make a meaningful difference.
Her journey began graduating Phi Beta Kappa and as a Pell Grant scholar from UC San Diego. Rowena launched her early career at Google, where she worked as a Senior Account Executive developing Southeast Asian and Canadian markets. While she appreciated the fast-paced innovation of the tech world, she felt pulled toward purpose-driven work. That calling led her to Feeding America, where as Director of New Partnerships, she led innovative collaborations with companies like Instacart and Uber to fight food insecurity.
Eager to deepen her impact, Rowena returned to school to earn her MBA from Portland State University—a decision that sparked her love for strategy and entrepreneurship. An internship with the Tillamook County Creamery Association evolved into a full-time role as Strategy Manager, where she led food service planning and long-term strategy development.
Her commitment to community and education runs deep. Rowena teaches at both Portland Community College and Portland State University, guiding students as an adjunct professor and capstone advisor. Together with her husband Luke, she created the Froilan S. Paz Entrepreneurship Fund at PSU to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
This spring, as she returns to address the Class of 2025, Rowena brings her full story—one of grit, growth, and giving back—with the hope of inspiring the next generation of business leaders to lead boldly and authentically.