Patrice Blakemore (LC 2024)
SVP – Equity & Inclusion, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Patrice Blakemore is the Senior Vice President of Equity and Inclusion of the Greater Cleveland Partnership where she leads the equity and inclusion strategies. These priorities include scaling minority businesses and expanding diversity in leadership.
Before joining GCP, Patrice served as the Executive Director for a Goldman Sachs small business accelerator at Cuyahoga Community College. Entrepreneurs received practical business education, access to capital resources, and business support services. During her tenure, Patrice increased diversity in the program by 15 percent and personally assisted more than 500 business owners.
Patrice received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College in 3 ½ years and her law degree in 2 ½ years from the University of Dayton School of Law. Patrice worked for the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s office before moving to Cleveland, Ohio.
In 2009, Patrice used her experience as an attorney to create a consulting practice where she managed diversity programs for organizations. She provided minority companies with the knowledge and sustainable practices necessary to grow and expand their businesses. Additionally, she provided executive coaching, customized training, and support for employees.
She maintains that a region’s ability to thrive depends on its ability to harness innovation by leveraging the experiences of all people.