Uplift's 2024 Commencement Speaker

Uplift is thrilled to announce that Erin Patrice will be the commencement speaker for the Class of 2024. Patrice is an outstanding storyteller and community advocate with a unique talent for connecting with individuals of all ages through her empathetic and strategic teaching style.

Patrice's extensive experience includes working with families in various roles, from visitation supervision to life coaching. As a trained Behavior Room Coach, she excels in addressing severe behavioral, social, cognitive, and unique needs, making her an invaluable resource for many communities. Her transformative teachings have been shared nationwide as a community engagement ambassador, where she facilitates workshops, keynote speeches, panels, and conversations.

Patrice's dedication to being a voice for the voiceless and ensuring the unseen are seen has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious MLK Drum Major award and the title of Midland Daily News' 2023 Citizen of the Year. Her work as the founder of The Breaking Bread Village—a space designed for transparent conversations and respectful idea sharing—highlights her commitment to fostering understanding and community engagement.

Residing in Midland, Michigan, and originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Patrice is a mother, wife, and passionate community advocate with 20 years of experience. She has also made a significant impact as a life coach for Midland Public Schools, supporting at-risk youth and alternative education programs.

We are honored to have Ms. Patrice share her wisdom and inspiration with our graduating class. Join us in welcoming her to our commencement ceremony on June 15!

For more about Erin's journey and achievements, you can read her Citizen of the Year article here.