Tracy left school at 16 without any GCSEs; 32 years later, after building a career through hard work and determination, she was named the Most Influential Businesswoman in Retirement Living.
As the Head of Commissioning and Service Integration at Housing 21, Tracy is a key member of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team. But unlike many of her peers, Tracy did not obtain a university degree until long after she had embarked on a successful career in management roles.
Tracy's story:
Following the birth of her first child at 16, Tracy began working in a nursing home where she was required to complete her mandatory Level 2 and Level 3 care qualifications. Having left school prior to sitting her GCSEs, she enrolled in college at 17 studying for a Level 2 in Business Admin and an RSA qualification in computer technology during the day, working as a Care Worker at night and juggling childcare with her partner.
After completing college, Tracy put her Business Admin qualification to use as a Personal Assistant for an arcade machine company but resigned after just six months.
“I gave up care because I thought I wanted to work in a 9am – 5pm office environment in a suit,” she said.
“I was in a really well- paid job but I had gone from looking after people to looking after ‘stuff’ and I missed it – I missed that feeling of job satisfaction and having a real purpose. So I resigned.”
On her way home from resigning Tracy signed up to a domiciliary care role, where she remained for several years before taking on her first manager role at just 22, working as a branch manager in adult social care for Coventry City Council. From here, she held management roles for a leading home care provider and older person’s housing association before joining Housing 21 in 2017 as the Head of Extra Care South East.
Following a change in regions, Tracy was successful in applying for the larger Head of Extra Care South role, supporting with Housing 21’s increasing programme of acquisitions. Whilst in post, Housing 21 offered her the opportunity to complete her Level 7 in Leadership from DeMontford University and she fulfilled a lifelong ambition to graduate.
“I always wanted to graduate but I wondered if I would ever get to do it,” she said.
“My dad watched me graduate in 2023 and he died the following year. He was so proud and it was such a special moment with my parents, husband and two children. We went home and had a bigger celebration with the grandchildren afterwards.”
Months after graduating, Tracy was into a new role as Head of Operational Development for Extra Care, before the role was refreshed to become the Head of Commissioning and Service Integration in 2026.
In the same year, she was named the Most Influential Retirement Housing Businesswoman 2026 at the Acquisition International Awards for her contributions to the sector – and celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary with her husband, their two children and seven grandchildren.
Reflecting on her career and successes ahead of her 10-year anniversary with Housing 21 in 2027, Tracy said: “I didn’t get here with a degree – that came later. I got here through determination, motivation and focus.
“I’ve loved every role I’ve done; I’ve always had huge job satisfaction and a real desire to help people. Working in care requires you to be a caring person and to have the right attitude and personality to want to help people.”