“Right from the beginning of my career, I approached finances as a feminist,” says Tracy Theemes, a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, educator, financial advisor, founder of the Sophia Wealth Academy, and long-time Dress for Success Vancouver supporter. “There have always been issues of economic inequality and I have always felt financial literacy is very important in the fight for equality. We can’t take on power or influence of any kind or even take responsibility for the people that we care about without an understanding of our finances.”
For over 15 years, Tracy has championed women’s financial empowerment through volunteering with Dress for Success Vancouver, coaching clients, hosting workshops, and raising critical funds.
Her journey with Dress for Success Vancouver began in 2010, shortly after moving back to Vancouver. While attending a networking event, she struck up a conversation with then-Executive Director Deb Twocock. “I asked if she knew any organisations that might need money and immediately, I had her attention,” Tracy recalls. “She invited me back the next day to chat and I learned that Dress for Success, globally, is a foundationally strong supporter of women’s economic equality and career transitions. All of the things got me up in the morning were the same things Deb was getting up each morning to do. We were so aligned, and we partnered from there.”
The Sophia Wealth Academy: Financial Tools For Your Future
After a six-year break the Sophia Wealth Academy is back Saturday March 1, 2025. This one-day event will educate, empower and embolden participants to take the next step on their financial journey. Women will be educated and inspired to invest in their money mindset transformation. Sophia Wealth Academy offers the tools to take control of your future and be the wealthiest, most confident version of yourself. In alignment with Tracy’s deep commitment to women’s economic empowerment, ticket proceeds will directly benefit Dress for Success Vancouver, supporting underemployed women on their path to financial independence.
“There are differences in how women are raised around money, and the economic expectations and the decisions that we make. Whether you’ve got $10 or $10 million, how you determine your values, what you look at in your cash flow, and the five step financial planning process, it’s identical. The underlying root of what makes money work in all of our lives is the same,” shares Tracy. “In the past we’ve had attendees from Dress for Success Vancouver’s Working Women’s Group (WWG), formerly the Professional Women’s Group, who are wanting to increase their knowledge. No matter your age or stage of life there is a lot to be gained from financial empowerment and sharing your energy with others. It has always been a community of sisters who are looking after each other and connecting for common good.”
The 2025 Sophia Wealth Academy features Tracy’s ability to communicate the truth, social context, and the psychology of money in an informative, uplifting and relatable way that makes her a phenomenal speaker and host. She will be joined by an inspiring lineup of experts, including, Dr. Alexina Mehta, award-winning and globally recognized expert in women’s health and holistic wellness, Amanda Kao, founder and CEO of The Bad Academy and astrophysicist and mindfulness expert, Dr Rachel Lewis. The event will offer panel discussions, group collaboration, meditation, and a guided neuro-system reset, all designed to help women overcome financial anxiety, shift their mindset, and step into their power.
“Money is an energy, so we want to open up the channel in our brains and understand things we didn’t understand before,” Tracy explains. “We’ll also look at what might be getting in the way of our capacity, because most of us have some anxiety and fear around money.”
From Wherever You Are, This Is Your Next Step Forward
For Tracy, financial empowerment is personal. “I come from a long line of working-class women, and feminists who did their best to take control of their lives despite being economically disempowered. Now I want to help all women to take a step forward from wherever they have come from, so that we can advance ourselves and the people that we love, as well as the generation coming behind us.”
With a firm belief in the power of women supporting women, Tracy remains deeply committed to Dress for Success Vancouver’s mission. “I’m also motivated, because, frankly, I’m getting pissed off. I can’t believe we’re dealing with some stuff that my mother dealt with, 60 years ago. Add that element of being pissed off to a deep and abiding belief that together, we’re stronger and we can and must do this. We need each other, we need information, we need education, and we need tools. And when women get those things, we’ll support one another and we can move forward.”
Financial Independence is About Empowering Women Towards Lasting Change
Tracy’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment is rooted in both passion and a sense of urgency. She knows that financial independence isn’t just about money—it’s about choice, confidence, and the ability to create lasting change. For over 15 years, she has stood with Dress for Success Vancouver, mentoring, educating, and advocating for women on their path to economic equality. Her work with Sophia Wealth Academy continues that mission, equipping women with the tools to take control of their financial futures. As we approach International Women’s Day, her words remind us why this work matters: we need each other, we need knowledge, and we need to take action. Because when women rise—together—we move the world forward.
Donate to Dress for Success Vancouver today, and join Tracy in creating a future where all women have the financial confidence to thrive.
Gain valuable financial insight and support a great cause. Join us at Sophia Wealth Academy March 1 from 9-5 for high calibre financial education, honest economic advice, and a fresh perspective on the power of wealth. Proceeds go to support Dress for Success Vancouver. Register today. Tickets are $199. There are options to sponsor a woman to attend and a pay what you can option. This is an accessible event, available to every woman. See you there!