During a career spanning 25 years of research and biotechnology, Tracey gained valuable experience in international cancer institutes before returning to Australia and developing a tumour-targeting anti-cancer therapy that makes current cancer drugs more effective and less toxic.
“My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the young age of 53. By supporting her through her devastating disease and chemotherapy, I realised that there was a need for better anti-cancer therapies,” says Tracey.
She launched her own biotechnology company Meditech Research which was acquired by Alchemia in 2006. The move provided her with the financial support to realise her vision of developing drugs from conception through to clinical evaluation and allowed for the late-stage development of her cancer-targeting drug delivery platform HyACT.
An author of 100 scientific articles and book chapters, Dr Tracey Brown’s research team at Alchemia has pre-clinically developed eight anti-cancer drugs with the lead drug currently being evaluated in a global phase-three clinical trial. Tracey also won the Telstra Private & Corporate Sector Award.
Other 2014 winners include Kate Weiss, founder of food production company Table of Plenty; Maria Deveson Crabbe, CEO of Marie Stopes International Australia; Kate Morris, owner of online beauty retailer Adorebeauty.com.au; and Mia Klitsas, founder of female hygiene products start-up Millie & More.
Kate McKenzie, Telstra chief operations officer and Telstra Business Women’s Awards ambassador said: “As I reflect on the achievements of the amazing women that have won these awards over the past 20 years, they embody what it means to be a Telstra Business Women’s Award winner − courageous, confident and innovative.”
“The Telstra Awards judges described Tracey as an outstanding business woman who reflects the values of the Awards − successful, humble about her achievements and committed to her cause.”
As I reflect on the achievements of the amazing women that have won these awards over the past 20 years, they embody what it means to be a Telstra Business Women’s Award winner − courageous, confident and innovative
The Victorian Minister for Women’s Affairs, The Honourable Heidi Victoria said: “The Victorian Government warmly congratulates the winners on their outstanding achievements tonight. They set a great example to all Victorians of what women achieve in business and beyond.”
Previous Telstra Awards winners in Victoria include Sadhana Smiles, CEO of Harcourts Victoria, Janine Allis, founder of Boost Juice, and Carolyn Creswell, owner of Carmen Fine Foods.
The Victorian winners proceed to the national finals in Melbourne on 26 November. For finalists and winners across Australia the awards offer a share in $650,000 in cash and prizes.
Congratulations to the 2014 Telstra Business Women's VIC award winners:
2014 Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year
Dr Tracey Brown, Alchemia, Clayton
Business Owner Award
Kate Weiss, Table of Plenty, Cheltenham
Private & Corporate Sector Award
Dr Tracey Brown, Alchemia, Clayton
Community & Government Award
Maria Deveson Crabbe, Marie Stopes International Australia, Melbourne
Business Innovation Award
Kate Morris, Adorebeauty.com.au, Brunswick West
Young Business Women’s Award
Mia Klitsas, Millie & More, North Melbourne
National Awards Announcement
The Victorian winners proceed to the national finals in Melbourne on 26 November. For finalists and winners across Australia the awards offer a share in $650,000 in cash and prizes.
Be inspired by incredible Australian business women.
For more information on the Telstra Business Women’s Awards click here.
Find Out MoreBe inspired by incredible Australian business women.
