Patrice worked in the energy and utility industry for 30 years as a mechanical engineer, serving across many divisions — from nuclear power generation to natural gas to industrial energy conservation and key account management.

Throughout her career, she used her project management and communication skills to proactively work within multi-faceted teams, driving successful outcomes ranging from plant maintenance and operations to industrial energy conservation projects with Fortune 500 companies.

Volunteer and charity work has been a lifelong commitment for Patrice, rooted in her belief that each of us is born with equal dignity in the eyes of Christ, and that those who are fortunate bear a responsibility to give back and help improve the lives of others. Over the years, she has supported numerous charities and served in various volunteer capacities within her community, her children's schools, and her faith community. She is most passionate about nonprofit work that helps women and children transcend challenging and difficult circumstances.

Patrice holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. She has been married for 32 years and has four children. She is eager to fight against child exploitation and human trafficking, and to help free those silently enslaved within seemingly hopeless situations.