Meet Potomac Trustee Patricia Potts

Committed to giving back to her communities to effect positive change, Patricia Potts personifies generosity of spirit. When she was a Potomac parent, she co-founded the Parents of Black Students family network and helped to launch this newsletter. Now as an alum parent, she serves as a trustee and member of the board's DEI committee. When she is not working at the National Association of Home Builders, Patricia is helping to lead CONNECTdmv, a nonprofit that she co-founded, which helps to close opportunity gaps for students and families of color at independent schools by empowering students, creating opportunity, building community, and activating change. Patricia is also the proud publisher of The House That She Built, a children's book that inspires and empowers young readers. Potomac has benefited in immeasurable ways from Patricia's participation, and we look forward to seeing what's next!

MEET PATRICIA POTTS, IN HER OWN WORDS

"When I first walked on campus six years ago, it immediately felt like “home.” I fell in love with the beautiful campus with all the green spaces. I was drawn to Potomac because the school’s core values aligned with my family’s values of courage, humility, integrity, respect, and perseverance. The availability of transportation was also crucial because many DMV independent schools do not offer transportation, which causes access gaps for those who do not live in the neighboring communities. I was impressed by the diversity of the faculty in the Upper School. It was important for my son to be able to see himself, but more importantly, that non-students of color could benefit from the brilliance and experiences of faculty of color. I was excited that my son could excel in academics, the arts, and athletics. The leadership opportunities and service to the community were equally important. Speaking with administrators and parents sealed the deal.

My son and I created beautiful memories and lifelong friendships at Potomac, and he even gained another mom. He will forever cherish the mentoring from caring and amazing faculty members who believed in and supported him. It was easy to get involved, and I met parents and administrators while attending the many meetings and functions. I am proud to have co-founded Potomac’s Parents of Black Students affinity group. Serving as the football team mom was rewarding because I could use my event planning skills while supporting my son and his teammates. My son laughs at me when I tell him now that I’m attending a Potomac football or basketball game. He says, 'Mom, you know I’m no longer at Potomac.'

It is an honor to serve on Potomac's Board of Trustees. My transition to the board has been seamless. It was easy to connect with other board members, who were inviting and supportive. Everyone has a voice and brings unique skills and experiences to the table. It’s a collaborative environment. I now have a greater appreciation for how the school operates. As a parent, you don’t think about all the work that goes into making day-to-day and difficult decisions.

My passion for advocacy and love of children led me to co-found CONNECTdmv. For the past six years, I’ve been working to help close the opportunity gap for students and families of color at local independent schools by bringing the DMV community together to empower students, create opportunity, build understanding, and activate change. CONNECTdmv partners with families, schools, service providers, and other organizations to offer needed resources. We have developed programs that address personal and career development, college prep, and the lack of transportation to many independent schools by providing a shuttle bus from Prince George’s County to three independent schools in DC. Our free signature events include our Empowerment Summit, College Conference, Projects for Change, Career Networking Event, and Professional Insights Career Tour. CONNECTdmv operates from donations from individuals and companies. It is fulfilling to see that our resources are making a difference in the lives of students and their parents. Families can get involved by visiting www.connectdmv.org. Register to be added to the community list, which will give you access to a monthly newsletter highlighting resources such as scholarships, special programs, and invitations to CONNECTdmv events.

I will end with a piece of advice. As parents, we are always involved with our children’s school when they are younger but step back when they are in high school. I’ve learned that it is just as important to stay involved during the high school years, and it makes a world of difference. Children may act like they don’t want to see you there, but deep down, they love it because they know they are supported and can count on you."