Our sister publication, Grandeur Magazine, asked five local women at the top of their fields about their inspirations, distinctive qualities, the paths they took to their current positions and what they hope to see in the next generation of female leaders. Here, we share Lee County school board member Chris Patricca’s responses. You can see all five interviews at grandeurmagazine.com.
Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network
Chris Patricca, Lee County School Board
Chris Patricca
Lee County School Board District 3, adjunct professor in the Justice Studies Department of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University
Hometown and where you currently reside: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, is my hometown. I currently live in paradise, aka Estero.
Other titles you have: Wife; mother of four; sister; HUGE New England Patriots fan; aunt; niece; friend; Florida High School Athletic Association board member; vice president of the Florida School Boards Association; Secretary of the Swim Florida board of directors; the person in our house that our dog, Goofy, loves the MOST; and Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Duke men’s basketball fan!
Who or what inspires you? Setting and accomplishing goals inspires me. Currently, my goals are focused on student achievement. I find that harder goals make me work harder.Professionally, there really is nothing more satisfying than knowing I played some small part in helping a child become a happy, productive adult; ideally, one who leaves a positive mark on the world.
What is one quality that sets you apart from others in your field? I have the ability to separate my emotions from my intellect in the decision-making process. Generally speaking, I can control my emotions. Law school taught me to think in terms of what is legal and illegal, not what is right and wrong. As you know, what is legal is not always what is right and what is illegal is not always what is wrong. But,a deep respect for the rule of law wins out in the end and allows me to shut down the emotion to focus on the correct decision.
Was there ever a time in your career that you thought, “I can’t do this?” If so, what helped you push past that point? I have those moments frequently.On the days that politics, instead of students, win the day, Iam tempted to allow the system to defeat me. In politics and in government, we often hear complaints about the influence of lobbying groups ... In my mind, the only “lobby group”that should matter is the constituents. So, when decisions are made for the betterment of those groups instead of the betterment of the community ... it can feel overwhelming ...I push past this by staying in it. If I don’t stay in it, someone who is beholden to lobbying interests might take my place.That is far more defeating than trying to do the right thing and change the system for the better. If I am not part of the solution, I become part of the problem and the problem is far too serious to walk away without giving my effort.
How do you feel you can help the next generation achieve what you have achieved — or more? Education is the key to achieving anything. Setting policy at the local level that allows teachers to really reach students will allow the next generation to be even better than the generations before them. Shaping state education law,through advocacy and by being part of the leadership of the Florida School Boards Association, allows me to help an even larger group of students to identify and realize their potential. Education is the key to so much in our society —economic development, personal achievement, flourishing communities, etc. As the rigor in our schools increases, the next generation’s potential becomes unlimited.
What do you see, or hope to see, as the future for women in your field or in other positions of power?I hope to see a greater appreciation for strong, outspoken women. Often, I hear women in positions of power criticized for being too direct, too forceful, or too opinionated. I believe that males in positions of power who conduct themselves the same way are considered to be great leaders. They are rarely criticized for their directness, forcefulness or strong opinions.In fact, for men, these qualities are frequently celebrated.
I would also like to see less judgment by women of each other. If a woman chooses to devote her time to her family,that is a great choice. She is not weak, nor is she incapable of professional success. Likewise, if a woman chooses to devote her time to her career, that is a great choice. She is not a bad mother who cares more about herself and her ambition than her family. We should build each other up and celebrate each other’s achievements, rather than judge each other’s choices.