Patricia Lipoma Biography

Patricia was born on October 28, 1965. She graduated from 'Weiss College' in 1987 and then majored in economics and managerial studies from 'Rice University.' She worked at a consulting firm for a while and then pursued law from 'Harvard Law School.'

In April 2015, Patricia, along with two other 'Rice University' alumni, was elected to the 'Rice Board of Trustees.' All the three alumni had prominent roles in broadcast journalism, city planning, retail, and community engagement, while studying in the university.

In 2018, 'Rice University' proposed a new infrastructure plan. Named the 'Patricia Lipoma Kraft ’87 and Jonathan A Kraft Hall for Social Sciences,' the project is the new department of social sciences and economics ('School of Social Sciences’). Patricia and her husband are collaborating with the 'Kinder Institute for Urban Research,' the 'Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance,' and the 'Houston Education Research Consortium' (part of both the 'School of Social Sciences’ and the ‘Kinder Institute') on the project. The Kraft couple will lead the fundraising committee for the project.

Patricia and her husband attended the groundbreaking ceremony on September 13, 2018, at the university campus. The worth of the project is estimated to be around $38 million. The four-story, 73,000-square-foot building is expected to be completed by November 2019. The first session in the new building will commence by spring 2020. In addition to basic academic infrastructure, the structure will include a multipurpose space with a capacity to accommodate nearly 300 people for various educational events. It will also have a sociology lab space and the 'Texas Policy Lab.' The project will be named after its lead donors, Patricia and her husband. At the ceremony, Patricia spoke about her admiration for President David Leebron, the seventh president of 'Rice University,' and the dean of the ‘School of Social Sciences,’ Antonio Merlo. Bobby Tudor, chairman of the 'Rice University Board of Trustees,' who opened the groundbreaking event, acknowledged the contribution made by Patricia, Jonathan, and the other donors and volunteers of the project.

In addition to 'Rice University,' Patricia is active on several boards and committees in Boston/Brookline, Massachusetts. She has had a long-term association with the 'Boston Children’s Hospital' and serves in its various committees, including those related to ethics and patient care assessment. She also works for the 'Stem Cell Research Oversight.' Patricia is the co-chairperson of the hospital’s 'Stem Cell Task Force' and the 'Cancer Center' of the 'Massachusetts General Hospital’s ‘100 Committee.' She is a board member of the 'United Way of Massachusetts Bay' and the 'Brookline Library Foundation,' which manages the 'Museum of Fine Arts,' Boston. Patricia is also honored as a member of the 'Gateway Arts Advisory Committee' in Brookline. The former trustee of the 'Park School’ in Brookline and 'The Rashi School' in Dedham, Massachusetts, Patricia is on the board of the 'Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.' Patricia is the owner and creative director of 'Bellezza Home & Garden,' a Newton, Massachusetts-based specialty retailer, specializing in hand-painted Italian ceramics.

Patricia has served the 68th governor of Massachusetts, William Weld, as his deputy legal counsel. She previously worked as a consultant at 'Bain & Company' and was a litigation associate at 'Goodwin Procter.'

Patricia is married to Jonathan Kraft, the president of the ‘Kraft Group.' Their Jewish wedding ceremony was held on June 17, 1995, at Jonathan’s parent’s home in Chestnut Hill. Patricia embraced Judaism to marry Jonathan. The two have three children, two sons and a daughter, and live in Massachusetts. Their daughter, Alison, is pursuing media and communications from the 'University of Michigan.' One of Patricia’s sons, Harry Kraft, born on November 23, 1996, is a quarterback at 'Dartmouth College.'

Jonathan met Patricia while working at the Boston-based consulting firm 'Bain & Company.' He was later transferred to a ‘Chrysler’ factory in Michigan to update operations. Being raised in Texas, Patricia is an ardent football fan.