Paula J. Hayes ’92 graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a BS in biology. She served on the Board of Alumni from June 2005-June 2011 and also as a volunteer with the Admissions Office and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. She received her MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Ms. Hayes is the founder and owner of Hue Noir, LLC, a cosmetic manufacturing company in Beaverton, Oregon. Her company was launched in 2009 and specializes in the formulation and development of cosmetic products designed specifically for women of color.
Ms. Hayes started her career as a research and development chemist for American Fruit Processors in southern California. As a research and development chemist, she specialized in new product development and had the opportunity to develop and contribute to new products for a range of clients including Hansen Beverage, Quaker Oats, and Coca Cola. Inspired by her experience, she has worked in the areas of product development, business development, finance, marketing and strategic planning. Prior to starting Hue Noir LLC, Ms. Hayes served as executive vice president of sales and operations for Trusperity Corporation in southern California, which provided new business start-up consultation and other management services. In this role, she was charged with the task of building businesses from concept to final product delivery in the marketplace. In 2016, Ms. Hayes was appointed and commissioned by Governor Kate Brown as a member of the Oregon Business Development Commission, where her goal is to advocate for business in the state of Oregon and help the state to innovate its approach to business development.
Paula Hayes is married to Brett Hayes, an attorney and the Senior Director Real Estate and Store Construction, Emerging Markets and Asia Pacific for Nike. Paula and Brett Hayes have two sons, Jayden and Camden.