Mrs. Patricia Stewart-Adams

Community Advocate of the Year

A native of Cincinnati, Patricia Stewart Adams received a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree of Education from the University of Cincinnati. Patricia began her career as a teacher in the Mount Healthy School District. She soon became a Reading Specialist working with students and schools to close the achievement gap in reading. Patricia spent two years as an assistant principal and twelve years as a principal in Cincinnati Public Schools where she retired in 2012. She also worked at the University of Cincinnati as an adjunct professor in the Administrative Development Academy (ADM) training educators to become successful principals. She has 45 years of educational experiences working with diverse student populations.

Patricia’s passion to see low-income students become successful, led her to the Founding Executive Director position at GRAD Cincinnati in 2001. GRAD Cincinnati’s missions is to raise expectations and achievement for all students by building high impact partnerships within the community to provide a premiere college readiness, access and support program working within Cincinnati Public Schools serving over 3500 students with resources they need to achieve academically, graduate high school and enroll in a post-secondary education. Under her leadership GRAD Cincinnati has awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships to GRAD Scholars college bound.

Patricia has always used her background and experiences to improve her community. She has served on leadership boards for many organizations including President for Advocates for Youth Education, Good Samaritan School of Nursing Board of Directors, The Center for Closing the Health Gap, Letteria Dalton Foundation Alpha Kappa Alpha Foundation Inc. Patricia was awarded the Celebrate Excellence Award by Hamilton County Education Foundation as an outstanding Educator of the Year. She is member of House of Joy Ministry and serves on the education committee.

Patricia says her greatest joy is hearing from past students who share how GRAD Cincinnati has positively impacted their lives. She thoroughly enjoy working with GRAD Staff and team members, board members, volunteers, and other stakeholders, who are fervently and passionately committed to improving the lives of students we serve and truly understand that Graduation Really Achieves Dreams.