Norma M. Suarez, MBA, MPM, started as a financial analyst working in commercial banking. As technology continued to develop and change the world around her, she decided to pursue a new career in the technology industry even without a formal background in engineering or computer science. After years of climbing the ranks in a different and exciting field, Ms. Suarez is now the director of market intelligence, marketing and artificial intelligence (AI) decisioning with Pegasystems Inc., an American software company that develops software products for workflow automation, AI decisioning, customer relationship management, and business process management.
In her prime position, Ms. Suarez is responsible for marketing and AI decisioning technologies market and competitive intelligence. She is also a key contributor to Pegasystems 1:1 customer engagement product marketing, product strategy, and sales enablement. She ensures the sales teams are well-equipped to win opportunities for the company’s technologies and maintains strict ethical standards while following all competitive intelligence rules. In addition, she conducts research and analysis while contributing to high-level roadmap and ecosystem development conversations with management teams.
Ms. Suarez believes her success so far is the result of her dedication to continuous learning, her ability to network with various cross-functional teams, and her capacity for assimilating the needs of the individuals she supports. In 2021, she accomplished a significant feat by earning the Pega Chairman Award, which is presented to only 15 individuals each year. To be eligible for the award, she was nominated by her team and peers based on her representation of Pegasystems Inc.’s top values.
Ms. Suarez graduated from the Tulane University A.B. Freeman School of Business with a Bachelor of Science in Management in 1988. In her undergraduate studies, her degree concentration was in finance and economics. Continuing her academic journey, she earned a Master of Business Administration in international business at Loyola University New Orleans in 1992. In addition to her formal degrees, Ms. Suarez earned a master project management (MPM) certification from The George Washington University School of Business in 2011 and completed the AMA/Terry College of Business Advanced School of Marketing Research in 2005. To burgeoning professionals in her industry, she emphasizes the importance of staying focused and believing in oneself. She advises young people to maintain a clear vision of their goals and cultivate unshakeable determination. By remaining steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, she believes people can overcome any obstacles and achieve success.
In the future, Ms. Suarez sees herself staying active in her field and potentially pursuing a career in consulting. She hopes to utilize her experience and expertise to work on exciting projects for various companies and organizations. In addition to her professional aspirations, she hopes to devote more time to writing and traveling. In her free time, Ms. Suarez enjoys walking, hiking, spending time outdoors, volunteering, and practicing meditation, Yoga, and Pilates.