U-CAN Co-Founder and Chief Administrative Officer

Donna L. Rowe has been surrogate mother to countless youths during
U-CAN’s twenty-year commitment to assisting African American youth in fulfilling education dreams at historical black universities and colleges. 

Donna is retired after thirty-three years as an employee of the State of California where she served as chief of Human Resources for the past twenty years.  Often working behind the scenes, Donna uses her professional skills to provide invaluable support to U-CAN in the areas of human resources and office development as well as organizational structure and procedures.     

Donna has been married to her high school sweetheart Dr. Alan H. Rowe for nearly forty years.  Together the two visualized and actualized the U-CAN concept of removing barriers to college by making historical black colleges and universities a gateway to education for African American students denied entry or who could not afford to attend California schools of higher education. 

Like the dreams she has for her children and grandchildren, Donna has big dreams for U-CAN.  “My dream is to expand U-CAN services by creating a U-CAN Academy that will work with students at a much earlier age.  I want to instill in them early on the expectation  and belief that they can and must go to college.  I want them to realize that they can rise above their circumstances, regardless what they are.  

“Every child is here for a purpose,” she said, “so let’s be about finding out what it is.” 

Together Donna and Alan have nurtured U-CAN for twenty years.    She is her husband’s strongest supporter.   “I really don’t know anyone who joyfully gives the way Alan does – his dedication to our youth is untiring and there is no limit to what he would do for his fellowman.  I have seen the fruits of Alan’s hard work.  He is truly doing what God put him here to do,” she said. 

Devoted Christians, the Rowes are committed to living their lives as God has ordained.  Dr. Rowe is a minister.  Donna is a mentor and counselor for couples.  She has implemented a comprehensive and successful Christian Bible study for married couples that focuses on making marriage all that God intended it to be.  She also works with youth, encouraging and providing counsel on how to be successful in spiritual, educational, personal, and professional pursuits.

Donna is an entrepreneur and an advocate.  She is president of Ebony Angels and Home Accents and the Young Women’s Christian Counsel.  She advocates for the well being of children in the United States and in Africa. 

Her hobbies include brain teasing word puzzles and Sudoku. She is an accomplished visual and clay artist specializing in pastels and black angels.

Her advice for success:  “Make a plan and work it.”  

Her motto:  “It ain’t all about me – celebrate others.”

The Rowes have two sons, Tsaka and Tsean, and two daughter-in-laws, Jamisha and Catherine, and they are the proud grandparents of Alan J. and Alisha J. Rowe.