Patricia Gras is an ardent storyteller, whether it is using the medium of television or music. She has a background of life experiences as diverse as the city she covers. Patricia speaks five languages and holds three - count 'em - three master’s degrees including a master’s in journalism from Columbia University in New York. She came to HoustonPBS (KUHT-TV) in 1990 to host the respected public affairs program “Almanac”. Today she hosts the award winning local series "Living Smart with Patricia Gras" to get the most out of life, Latina Voices: Smart Talk, a news magazine show with a Latina perspective and Houston Have Your Say Town Hall Forums on Current Affairs.
She has covered a full spectrum of topics for HoustonPBS including producing features for the weekly public affairs newsmagazine “the connection” and hosting many local specials including: “Living With the Lion” - a look into the world of childhood cancer - and the Houston-area specials “Hope and Help for Alzheimer’s” and “Mental Healthcare for Kids”. Her national producing credits include “Weight Loss Surgery: The Last Resort”, an in-depth primer for anyone considering bariatric surgery; “Taiwan: An Emerging Democracy”, an exclusive interview with Taiwanese Vice President Anette Lu; and “Supersized America”, a national documentary series on the American obesity epidemic.
As a seasoned international journalist, Patricia’s global concerns have taken her abroad on several occasions. She has traveled twice to Romania to cover the lives of children orphaned by the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu’s; to Taiwan to cover the economic and social impact of Taiwanese Americans in the United States; and to Vietnam to feature several American doctors returning 20 years after the war.
Patricia Gras is the recipient of over 160 international, national and local journalism awards including six regional Emmy Awards and 16 national Telly’s. Her work has also been recognized with honors from many organizations including: American Women in Journalism, American Women in Radio and Television, Houston and Dallas Press Clubs, National Communicator and Videographer awards, Houston Area Women’s Center, Texas Mental Health Association, Texas Medical Association, Texas Public Health, Houston International Film Festival and the list goes on.
Patricia has also been inducted to “Who’s Who of American Women” and “Who’s Who in the Media.”
Patricia has also been inducted to “Who’s Who of American Women” and “Who’s Who in the Media.”
Her new series "Living Smart with Patricia Gras" has delivered breakthrough information for viewers interested in all aspects of personal growth and well being. It enters its sixth season April 2010.
When Patricia isn’t in the editing suite, attempting to climb Machu Picchu, or skydiving in Turkey, she can be found singing, playing her drums, and writing songs. On her band’s third album, you'll find her show's signature music "Living Smart.”
