Stacey believes in lifelong learning recognising that it is only through education that individuals and by extension communities can be made aware, become empowered, enlightened and be the intentional change we need to see in the world. She holds a few academic qualifications and is currently pursuing a PhD in International Economic and Financial Policy at the University of Szeged in Hungary. Several research areas interest her; however, she is most passionate about investigating the role and potential of regional economic development in Southern Africa through integration. Her experience in the private and public sector is multidisciplinary in nature, most notably delivering national and provincial government projects in South Africa over the last 12 years.