Pa’Trice Frazier: Determination and Love

“America needs 400,000 welders,” said Pa’Trice Frazier, recalling what she read in a New York Times article more than a decade ago. That passing news story had a lasting impact on Pa’Trice, driving her to learn welding so she could one day be a welding teacher. “It made me feel like I can help people,” she said.

Today, Pa’Trice is an experienced welder who has been featured in the same newspaper that sparked her interest in welding. Pa’Trice’s work stretches from Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium — but the work of teaching young people to weld is closest to her heart. “I’m like the liaison from the streets to the shop,” she said. “I’ve got the skill. I need to teach.”

“I’ve got the skill. I need to teach.”

Sam Singleton is one of many students impacted by Pa’Trice’s determination. “She really changed how I looked at welding,” he said. “That changed my confidence; that changed how proud I am of myself … I’d love to do what Pa’Trice does.”

What Pa’Trice does isn’t always easy. As a Black female welder, she sometimes encounters people who don’t accept her. “It’s hard,” she said. “It’s a little different looking like me.”

But being different — and being strong — is what drives Pa’Trice forward. “She always marched to her own drum!” recalled Chantel Frazier, Pa’Trice’s mom. “She always stood strong where she was; she was never a quitter … and that’s what I’m very proud of.”

“My imprint is bringing these young kids in.”

Pa’Trice won’t quit being a welding teacher anytime soon. “I’ve got a lot of work to do!” she said. And to Pa’Trice, it’s the most important work in the world. “My imprint is bringing these young kids in … this is my life.”