01/19/2026
Meet our 2026 Woman of Distinction Honoree: Pitsami Norm
Born during the terror of the Khmer Rouge regime, Pitsami Norm endured profound loss, including the deaths of two sisters to starvation. In 1983, through a church-sponsored refugee program, her family resettled in Lynn, Massachusetts, beginning a new life marked by courage, adaptation, and determination. Despite the many challenges of starting over in a new country, she excelled academically, ultimately earning a finance degree from Northeastern University and beginning her career in investment banking, and then transitioning into the energy sector. Over time, she felt called to pursue a path that aligned more closely with her entrepreneurial spirit and desire for deeper purpose.
While still working full-time, Pitsami founded PS Affairs, a luxury event planning and production firm that allowed her creativity, discipline, and love of design to flourish. Her entrepreneurial journey soon expanded into the industrial sector with her investment in Houston Pallets & Crates (HP&C), a major manufacturer and distributor serving Fortune 500 companies nationwide. In 2018, she stepped away from corporate America to lead HP&C full time, positioning the company for continued growth and expansion across key U.S. shipping ports. Her leadership has earned distinguished recognition, including service on the Houston International Trade Development Council, being named a Role Model for Women in S.T.E.A.M., and being honored as one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2024.
With her business success firmly established, Pitsami has devoted increasing time and resources to philanthropy—an expression of gratitude rooted in her family’s history of survival, resilience, and hope. Through PS Affairs, she supports numerous nonprofits with event services, floral artistry, and hands-on leadership. Over the past decade, she has contributed more than $1 million to causes advancing education, health, multicultural communities, and disaster relief. Her work includes delivering Hurricane Harvey relief to Little Cambodia in Rosharon; chairing the G7 Award & Scholarship Gala; leading L’Affaire du Monde Couture for a Cause for the Houston International Trade Development Council; and supporting organizations such as the Chinese Community Center, H4OPE, Interfaith Ministries, The Asian American Chamber of Commerce, AAGYC, Miss Chinatown Houston, Grant A Star, and LCA Mother’s Day Soirée.
She also serves as a Gala Advisory Board Member for The Cure Starts Now, the Cambodian Health Professionals Association of America (CHPAA), and The Cambodian Academy, and is an active board member of Loving Houston, where she helps strengthen education and community partnerships across the Greater Houston area.
A passionate advocate for service and leadership, Pitsami dedicates her life to uplifting others and inspiring future generations. Guided by her faith in Jesus Christ, she leads with grace and conviction—encouraging young leaders, especially women, to pursue their dreams, elevate their communities, and create lasting change. From surviving genocide to becoming a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist, Pitsami Norm embodies resilience, vision, faith, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Donate here in honor of Pitsami: https://bit.ly/44TmzxQ
Join us Saturday, January 24, 2025 at Post Oak Hotel for the 2026 Winter Ball. Please register here: https://bit.ly/4jnZUPV
