Faces of ACT
- Patrick
- Director
- International Service Relationships/International Programs
I grew up in Iowa City with a Panamanian mother and a French father, and as a result had lots of opportunities to travel internationally as a child. This exposure to different countries fostered in me a love of languages and learning about other cultures. I learned Spanish and French at a young age, and later became conversant in Portuguese. I very much consider myself a global citizen.
I knew fairly early that whatever career I eventually chose would need to have a significant international component to it. I received my BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies, and later earned a JD and an MBA (the latter with the help of ACT's tuition reimbursement program) all from the University of Iowa and all with an international emphasis. Shortly after receiving my MBA, I began working in ACT's International Programs Division. I have worked at ACT since December 2002.
What I like best about ACT is its mission to help individuals achieve education and workplace success. This isn't just a slogan, and I take it very seriously. ACT's programs are designed collectively as a process to help individuals identify their career interests, see what skills and education are required to work in those careers, see where they stand compared to those required skills, and learn how to fill any skills gaps so they can ultimately qualify for those careers. When used effectively, ACT's programs serve very much as an education and career advisor rather than as a gatekeeper. Because of the nature of my job, I'm able to help people around the world understand how to use this collective process in order to achieve their education and career goals.
In terms of hobbies, I played soccer through college, including playing for the varsity team at the Universidad de las Américas in Puebla, Mexico. While I no longer play, I continue to be a big fan of the game, particularly around World Cup and European Cup time!
I enjoy sampling wines from all over the world, and like spending quality time with my wife and children.