She was born and raised in Tanzania, and lived in various countries during her youth, moving to the United States to attend college at age 17. After receiving her bachelor’s in political science from Columbia State University, she worked as a clerk for a probate court judge. There she oversaw guardianship and conservatorships of minors and incapacitated adults. She also served as a mentor with the Truancy Intervention Project and a speaker for DARE to Dream, where she spoke to high school students about the challenges teens face concerning diversity, race relations, leadership development and personal responsibility. She also volunteered in a legitimation clinic that helped reunite fathers and their children by reinstating their parental rights.

During law school, Patricia worked with many nonprofit organizations such as the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, CT Legal Services and CT Fair Housing, focusing on immigration issues and helping children and families from low income populations.

Patricia earned her JD from UConn Law School and a master’s in public policy from Northeastern University.