Honorary degree recipient recognized for community impact, SDSU support

Norma A. Diaz is a purpose-driven, community-rooted leader whose career is defined by dedication, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to serve others. As Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Group – the oldest not-for-profit health plan in San Diego County –  Diaz has spent her life building systems of care that put people first.

Diaz began her career at age 14 with the San Ysidro Health Center and joined the Community Health Group in 1982. Through dedication and strategic leadership, she rose through the ranks in roles including chief human resources officer and associate CEO. She now celebrates 50 years of service in community health.

Today, and under her leadership, Community Health Group now serves more than 390,000 members and is recognized for its culturally sensitive, whole-person approach to health care.

Through Diaz’s vision, the Community Health Group has been a strong supporter of San Diego State University's College of Health and Human Services by funding scholarships for students in public health and nursing. These scholarships enable first-generation college students who have a significant financial need to achieve their academic goals and prepare them for the health workforce.

Recognized throughout the region for her work, Diaz’s accolades include the Spirit of Lifeline Award, the MANA Super HerMANA award and honors from the San Diego Business Journal and San Diego Magazine. She has also been recognized as the “Latina of the Year” by the Sweetwater Union High School District and was inducted into its Hall of Fame.

Diaz’s leadership is grounded in giving back, driven by her early experiences in the Girl Scouts and youth leadership training, her service as a teenage board member at the San Diego YWCA and her contributions mentoring young women through MANA de San Diego. 

Diaz earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from SDSU and a Master of Business Administration from National University.

“Norma Diaz represents the very best of what we hope our graduates will become – steadfast, compassionate and committed to the greater good,” said Amy Bonomi, dean of SDSU’s College of Health and Human Services. “Her life’s work is a powerful example of how one person can transform not only an organization, but an entire community.”