A fashion graduate, Patricia used her TAFE qualifications for not-for-profit work. Patricia completed her Diploma of Fashion at Ultimo College, and instead of joining the mainstream fashion industry, in 2004 went on to co-found the non-government organisation Aid For Africa Down Under (AFADU). In her post of co-director, Patricia founded a sewing project in Zimbabwe in 2005 based on the development of the school uniform for the local primary and secondary school and other saleable goods. Patricia procured donated goods from the Australian fashion industry to set up sewing businesses and led other fundraising strategies to expand and grow her project.

Patricia used the skills acquired at TAFE, combined with her professional experience in the field of marketing, to further the skills and livelihoods of individuals, families and whole communities. Years down the track Patricia continues her work and the project continues to thrive.