Patricia Tennant was born and raised in San Jose. She attended Willow Glen High School and matriculated to Stanford University. As a life-time educator, Patricia began her teaching career in Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon. After moving back home with her husband to raise their two kids, Patricia taught GED in the public schools. She spent the last 30 years in Catholic schools, finally retiring in 2018 as the principal of Saint Francis High School in Mountain View.

Patricia has served on numerous educational advisory groups, including the Western Region of the College Board and was contracted for projects by the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities and the WCEA. Patricia currently serves on the Cristo Rey San Jose High School and the Notre Dame Sherman Oaks School Boards as well as Loaves and Fishes of San Jose.

She shares her life with her husband of 50 years, their children and grandchildren as well as many college friends and colleagues. Patricia has always admired the great work of the League of Women Voters and currently serves as the Chair of the Candidate Forums Committee.