Rhea C. Norwood
Director, Diversity and Inclusion
Lowe’s Companies Inc.
Mooresville, N.C.
Age: 37
For Rhea C. Norwood, the words “never stop improving” aren’t just part of the brand logo for Lowe’s Companies, where she currently holds the title of director of diversity and inclusion. In every aspect of her professional and personal life, Norwood has adopted this philosophy and made it her mission. A self-described “creative community servant and globe-trotter with a passion for developing talent and workforce solutions,” she has the credentials and experience to support this claim.
In her private life, Norwood rebuilds communities and drives growth in nonprofit organizations across the country — from children’s advocacy organizations such as VOICES for Michigan’s Children, to startup nonprofit organizations like Travel.Rebuild.Inspire.Progress. On the job, she is the company’s newest director of diversity and inclusion, promoted in April from director of professional development. “I accepted this promotional opportunity to lead the diversity and inclusion strategy for the Lowe’s brand,” she explains.
Norwood attended the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, where she earned a master’s in business administration. She also completed the Strategic HR Leadership program at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and several times recognized for her leadership in service and profession, she is an executive officer for the Executive Leadership Council’s NextGen Network Inc. “I am who I am because I know where I am from — humble beginnings,” Norwood says.
Norwood meditates, enjoys African dance art forms, and, until recently, held long talks with her grandmother, who passed away unexpectedly on April 28. “She is the very being of why I am who I am,” Norwood says.
Fun Facts
Favorite song: “ Loving You” by Minnie Ripperton
Dish you cook best: Quiche
Countries visited: Hungary, India, Argentina
