Earlier this year, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund () announced it would recognize Patricia with its Excellence in Community Service Award for providing outstanding leadership and service to the Latino community. Specifically, she was recognized for her dedication and her work on behalf of low-income, first-generation and undocumented students – and for creating programs and experiences that focused on their success. The award was given to her posthumously at the MALDEF Chicago awards ceremony June 7. This video tribute was shown at the ceremony.