Patricia McDaniels-Gomez serves as the Project Co-Director for Gear Up O+K=C at the K20 Center. As the Project Co-Director for Gear Up O+K=C, Patricia works with district leaders, administration, and staff in the Oklahoma City Public Schools to implement the grant, review the alignment and delivery of activities to program and project goals, review formative data to identify areas for improvement, and modify services as needed. Her career as an educator began at the Zuni Public School District, the only tribally controlled school district in New Mexico, and then moved to Norman North High School, where she taught ELA, Advanced Placement courses, AVID, and the Study of the 39 Tribes of Oklahoma for 19 years. Her passion for higher learning and authentic teaching led her to the K20 Center where she has served on the grant for the past four years, beginning as the Professional Development Coordinator. Patricia obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Arts with an emphasis on English at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and her Master’s degree in Arts with an emphasis on teaching with a minor in Native American Studies from Cameron University. Outside of her career, Patricia and her family are active in their culture as members of the Oklahoma City Powwow Club, the Changing Winds Cultural Society, dancing at various powwows and tribal ceremonials, and playing hand game in the winter.