Carol Gratzke-Patterson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Los Angeles with a major in Italian and a minor in German. After five years working with the Internal Revenue Service, Carol returned to the University and received a second degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Accounting. She earned her Certificate of Public Accounting, passing the CPA exam and working three years for Peat Marwick Mitchell. Subsequently, Carol worked for Cherokee, Inc., for 20 years and spent the last ten as Chief Financial Officer. Carol is currently retired and spends her time as a volunteer for the San Diego Italian Film Festival, treasurer for the House of Italy San Diego, President and Chairman of the board for the Italian American Academy of San Diego, serves on several boards in the San Diego and Riverside Counties and teaches Italian. When she has time she likes to travel. Carol reconnected with her Italian roots after retiring and has taken Italian classes in San Diego and in Italy. She has spent time in Italy, traveling twice annually to fully immerse herself in the Italian Culture and has made many new friends, reunited with Italian relatives and through her Italian grandparents has received her Italian Citizenship. Carol enjoys teaching Italian and sharing her love of all things Italian.