The Language Key: Meet The CEO

Meet the CEO - Patrise Holden

Raised in South Florida and growing up in a diverse neighborhood, Patrise Holden developed a love of languages from an early age. Bilingual as a child, Patrise formalized her Spanish language skills by pursuing a dual college major in International Business Management and Spanish studies. After college she went on to study Spanish translation, teaching, and interpretation in graduate school. Fascinated by languages, human interaction, and communication, and, due to her love of languages and an inherent love of people, Patrise founded The Language Key in January of 2000.

Aside from serving to redefine the way that foreign languages are conventionally taught, Patrise also serves as a source of motivation and encouragement to many worthy causes. She is actively involved with many hospitals, hospices, and other organizations which benefit or provide services for terminally ill adults and children. This is a cause which is very close to her heart as Patrise was herself born with a terminal illness. Two years ago she lost her 16 year old sister. Pamela, to severe complications of the same illness.

Due to the advanced stages of her illness, she is required to wear oxygen at all times. However, through her unbreakable spirit, unshakable faith, persistence, and determination she has succeeded in overcoming the most devastating of odds. Through volunteering, financial support, motivational speaking, and visits to hospitals, Patrise's goal is to ensure that all people with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities have the financial means and social support that they need in order to brave the dehabilitating effects of their illness. As a result of her commitment to the terminally ill, 30% of the profits earned by The Language Key are donated to charitable organizations benefitting the ill and disabled.

Through founding The Language Key, her dedication to the ill and disabled, and her philanthropy efforts, Patrise serves as a shining example that life often requires us to find creative answers to dealing with complex problems and that situations that seem impossible can sometimes be overcome with faith, determination, and persistence.

The Language Key looks to foster the spirit and to motivate individuals to understand that sometimes when opportunities do not present themselves, you may very well have to make your own. The Language Key also hopes to serve as proof that even individuals with severe life obstacles can succeed and prosper in the workplace.