Illinois State Senate District 5

Patricia Van Pelt grew up in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Projects in a single-parent home, along with her six siblings. She dropped out of school by age 15, but later went on to earn her associate’s degree in natural science from Truman College and her bachelor’s degree in public administration at Roosevelt University. Van Pelt later earned her master’s degree in human services administration from Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies and a doctorate in management of nonprofit agencies from Capella University. Today Van Pelt also is a certified public accountant and an author. Her diverse employment background includes being a former drill operator and union steward at the Ingersoll Steel Mill from 1974 to 1982. While at the steel mill, Van Pelt co-founded Ambassadors of Christ Church and was chief business administrator of Ambassadors for Christ World Outreach Ministries.