About Us

The path forward Experience

Path Forward has a simple but powerful mission: to close the opportunity gap for students seeking post-secondary education. Through comprehensive college preparatory services—including personalized class selection advising, college application coaching, college admission essay workshopping, interview preparation, financial aid education, scholarship search assistance, financial literacy education, and workshops on time management, study skills, and resilience—we aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in the college admissions process and beyond.

At Path Forward we believe that every student has the potential to thrive in higher education. Our approach is rooted in personalized support, a deep commitment to building relationships, and a belief in the transformative power of education. We’re here to provide students not only with the practical tools to navigate the complex landscape of college admissions, but with the encouragement and mentorship to help them become resilient, self-confident learners and leaders.

FOUNDER 

Hello! I’m Patricia, and I’m the founder of Path Forward. 

I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where I experienced firsthand the challenges that many students face in navigating their educational journeys. Growing up, I was fortunate to have strong mentors who encouraged me to dream big and pursue my academic goals. My own educational journey led me to Yale College, where I received my undergraduate degree, and later to Columbia Law School, where I earned my Juris Doctorate.

Both during and after my time in school, I served as an advisor to students seeking post-secondary, graduate, and post-graduate educational and career opportunities. 

After law school, I spent many years practicing civil rights law, advocating for justice and equity. My work was grounded in a belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for social change. Through my years as an attorney, I saw the profound impact that systemic barriers can have on students—especially those from underrepresented communities—when it comes to accessing higher education. This realization fueled my passion for creating a space where all students, regardless of background or socioeconomic status, have an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams of attending college.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at Path Forward, but I’m even more excited for the students we serve—the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers who will shape our world for the better. Thank you for supporting our mission and being a part of the journey!