Fast 15: Tracy N. Rowan

When Tracy Rowan found herself in a field that has little to do with what she studied in college, she addressed the situation with her trademark passion and energy.

Translation: Rowan enrolled in an MBA program that allowed her to attend classes at night, after her workdays at Tyson Foods Inc.

That probably didn’t surprise anyone who knows Rowan, who can pack a lot into 24 hours. In addition to her role at Tyson, which centers around helping corporate employees with citizenship compliance needs, Rowan also owns and operates a stationery business.

“It’s like I have one full-time job and then I go home and have another full-time job,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve turned my hobby into a job.”

Rowan also is highly active in her church and sorority alumni chapter. If there’s any spare time after all of that, she prefers to curl up with a book.

Rowan grew up in Little Rock and always had an artistic bent.

“I was the kid by the paper and the tablets. I wasn’t the kid by the toys,” she said. “I was always more excited about new pens or markers or pads.”

At the University of Arkansas, Rowan majored in health science, with an eye on becoming a community health liaison or perhaps a pharmaceutical sales rep. Her first job offer, though, came from Tyson.

Rowan began as an assessment coordinator, administering tests as part of the professional employment department. Within a year, she was promoted to her current job.

“It’s very interesting to know the recruiting world and it’s very interesting to know the immigration world, and to merge the two,” she said. “It gives me a challenge every day.”

Her side venture, From Me 2 You Creations LLC, helps satisfy her creative cravings. Launched after she helped a few friends design wedding invitations, From Me 2 You has taken off more than Rowan expected. She regularly attends bridal fairs and trade shows, and has been featured in the likes of Arkansas Bride.

Rowan insists on meeting each of her clients before filling orders for invitations, announcements, etc. She said it’s the only way she can “tell their story” through her handmade, custom-designed products.

 Rowan gives the same personal attention to those she assists at Tyson.

“It’s very fulfilling to help people who want to work in our company and in our country,” she said.