Before Tracey Stevens, BCom’91, enrolled at Queen’s University, she wasn’t sure exactly what path her education would take. “I was young and—like many students—didn’t really know what I wanted to pursue,” she recalls.
With many of her friends heading to Queen’s, the Montreal native decided to follow suit, as an academically strong student with a growing interest in business. It was the first step on a path Tracey says might seem “a bit jagged,” but one that would lead to a successful career in roles blending business and technology—and in her latest venture, education as well.
At Queen’s, Tracey worked in the engineering pub—an experience that led her to pursue a computer engineering degree at Concordia University after graduating from Commerce. She started her career in the telecom and fintech sectors. As her career progressed, Tracey found herself drawn back to school, this time a degree in educational/institutional technology at the University of British Columbia.
Following a few more years in Montreal’s business and technology sector – most recently as a product manager at E2IP Technologies – Tracey felt compelled to combine her skills and passions for business, technology and education by developing her own company.
“Most of my career was in business and technology and what was missing was the education portion, so that’s why I’m starting my own business,” she says.
Tracey’ passion for education is also what drives her dedication to giving back. She directs annual gifts to all three universities she graduated from, as well as the boarding school she attended in Quebec.
Tracey began donating to Queen’s shortly before graduating, after a conversation with an alumni donor. Tracey recalls the donor emphasizing the importance of securing the long-term future of educational establishments to ensure they continue to have a positive impact on society and expand opportunities for individuals. It was a message that strongly resonated with her.
“I am really passionate about education. I’m passionate about opening up opportunities for women and underserved groups,” she says. “I truly believe education can change our society for the better.”
Tracey has been a loyal donor for nearly 35 years, making yearly contributions primarily to the Queen’s Fund. Last year, Tracey directed her contribution to the Smith School of Business Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenization (EDII) Fund. The fund supports scholarships for equity-deserving students, the creation of welcoming and inclusive learning environments, and removing financial barriers to participation in student experiences.
“It’s not a lot compared to the million-dollar donors, but I do it every year,” she says. “I donate on Christmas Day as a little gift to myself, society and the future of education. I truly believe that the biggest way to impact our society is through education.”
In addition to her regular gifts, Tracey has included all her alma maters in her estate plan. “I feel that it’s a way to continue giving back to society even after I’m gone,” she says.
Tracey encourages students and recent graduates to start thinking about supporting their alma mater early. “It’s important to continue the viability of your alma mater for its future impact on society and the individual,” she says. “At the same time, don’t think the expectation is that you need to donate your life savings in a year. If you can just get in the habit of making a small donation right when you graduate, then over time, when you can afford more, you can give more.”
Tracey’s approach to philanthropy is anchored in building a long-lasting relationship with her alma mater and being an active contributor in generating lasting impact. Tracey recalls one of her alma maters telling her they’ve never had a donor who has given consistently for more than 30 years. “They were curious, asking, ‘Why wouldn’t you just wait and donate in a lump sum?’” Tracey explains. “For me, it’s a more consistent way to have that connection with the university and help it achieve its broader social impact.”