a lifelong commitment to social change

Born with a deep sense of justice and a desire to make a difference, Tracey has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between philanthropy and the communities it seeks to help. She has spent much of her adult life in Tanzania, where she worked closely with the Masai tribe to implement sustainable projects focused on education, permaculture, water access, and community development. Her long-term commitment to the Masai is a testament to the power of deep, enduring partnerships with indigenous communities.

Over the course of her career, Tracey has founded three charitable organisations, each one focused on supporting indigenous peoples and driving social change. Her work in Tanzania, as well as in Peru, Australia, and East Arnhem Land, Australia, has given her a unique, global perspective on the challenges facing marginalised communities and the transformative power of grassroots solutions.

from corporate law to philanthropy

Before launching her philanthropic career, Tracey enjoyed a successful corporate career. With a background in law and accounting, she worked for prestigious law and accounting firms, global banks, publishing companies, consultancies, and government agencies across Australia, the UK, Europe, and Asia. Her expertise in finance and governance enabled her to navigate complex international environments, giving her a solid foundation for launching and managing sustainable non-profit organisations.

However, it was during her time living and working in Tanzania that she discovered her true calling. The beauty of the Tanzanian landscape and the warmth of its people inspired her to transition from corporate law to social entrepreneurship. This pivot allowed her to combine her business acumen with her passion for making a meaningful difference.

expertise in social investment and philanthropy

In her pursuit of deeper knowledge and expertise in the social sector, Tracey earned a Masters of Commerce degree in Social Investment and Philanthropy, expanding her understanding of the philanthropic world, particularly in experiential giving, a model that allows donors to directly experience the impact of their contributions. She has worked closely with philanthropists on creating intentional, ethical giving programs, while also collaborating with local community organisations to facilitate transformation from within.

Her work spans many regions, and she has provided expertise to philanthropists, foundations, and local NGOs seeking to build sustainable, community-led initiatives. Her mission is to bridge the gap between donors and grassroots leaders, ensuring that giving is impactful, transparent, and mutually beneficial.

a global citizen and dedicated traveller

Tracey is an avid traveller, having journeyed to over 90 countries and lived in places as diverse as Australia, the UK, Hong Kong, Peru, and Tanzania. Her travels have allowed her to witness firsthand the challenges faced by indigenous communities around the world, fuelling her passion for positive social change partnered with cultural preservation.

Her experiences living in various cultures have also informed her philanthropic approach, enriching her ability to connect with communities and understand their unique needs. Whether living in remote villages or bustling cities, Tracey thrives on building relationships and understanding the intersection of culture, environment, and development.

a healing practice for individual and community wellness

In addition to her work in social entrepreneurship and philanthropy, Tracey has cultivated a healing practice based in Darwin, Australia, where she offers reiki, shamanic and energy healing, and sound journeys. She believes in the importance of holistic well-being for both individuals and communities and integrates this philosophy into her work, empowering others to heal, grow, and transform.

Her healing practice is another aspect of her commitment to making the world a better place, helping people reconnect with their inner selves, while also facilitating personal growth and emotional healing. The work she does in this area complements her broader mission of community empowerment, as she believes that healing begins from within and extends outward into the collective.

a passion for hiking and nature

When she’s not working on transformative projects or leading philanthropy initiatives, Tracey can often be found hiking in some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Her love of nature and adventure has taken her on epic treks, including to Machu Picchu in Peru, the Tour du Mont Blanc in Europe, Mt Kinabalu in Borneo, the Overland Track in Tasmania, the Milford Sound and Routeburn Tracks in New Zealand, and most recently the Larapinta and Jatbula Trails in the Northern Territory, Australia.

These hikes not only provide a sense of personal fulfillment, but they also keep her grounded and connected to the earth, an essential element in her work with indigenous communities, where nature plays a central role in cultural traditions and sustainability practices.

a vision for sustainable change

Today, Tracey continues to lead Testigo with the goal of creating a future where indigenous communities are not only surviving but thriving. Through Testigo, she works tirelessly to create a bridge between philanthropists and the changemakers in indigenous communities, fostering meaningful partnerships that prioritise local leadership, sustainability, and cultural integrity.

Tracey’s journey has been one of continual learning, personal transformation, and profound dedication to the communities she serves. She is committed to ensuring that the work of Testigo Pty Ltd and Testigo Africa leave a lasting legacy, a legacy that embodies the values of justice, social equity and self empowerment.

tracey’s professional experience