Patricia Ann Harris grew up in Yatesville, Georgia in Upson County. She earned a B.S. Degree in Biology from Georgia State, an M.B.A. from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Ph.D. in Organization and Management Leadership from Capella University in 2011. Patricia worked for Georgia Power Company and the Southern Company from 1989-1999. After working for over 12 years in the enviromental engineering, cable and electric utilities industries, she decided to become an entrepeneur and launched Marking 121 Consulting Group. Her company worked with college students at Clark Atlanta University on leadership and professional development. She was an adjunct college professor teaching business management, leadership and marketing courses at various Atlanta area colleges.

In 2001, Patricia Harris along with Cornelius Cooper, Michael Edwards, Charcella Green, Sarah Jean Harris, Irene McCuller and Carolyn Wilson filed individually and as Class representatives a racial discrimination lawsuit against Southern Company and Georgia Power Company. The case ultimately reached the United States Supreme Court.