40 Under 40: Patti DeBow ’02

Arcadia’s greatest asset is its dedicated faculty and staff—from caring residence life teams to dining hall staff to building security, to committed professors and academic advisers. The Mathematics faculty was instrumental to my experience as a student and my professional success. Dr. Ned Wolff, Dr. Louis Friedler, and Dr. Carlos Ortiz mentored me, encouraged me through difficult coursework and research, accompanied me on a study abroad trip to China, and helped me find my first job. I am eternally grateful for their guidance. 

More than professional achievements, my personal success is embodied by moments when someone has said to me, “Thanks for being there” or “I knew I could count on you.” These are cherished words from both loved ones and colleagues. Achievements on a résumé can’t compare to knowing I made a difference to someone.

Over the past couple of years, I left a decade-long career as a management consultant to manage a small business that works with nonprofits, and I recently became chair of the Board of Directors at a housing organization that serves survivors of domestic violence. My near-term goal is to be an intentional learner in these roles.