Tracy Gray

Tracy D. Gray is an American investor and a Forbes 50 over 50 recipient. She has served under Los Angeles, CA mayors Antonio Villaraigosa and Karen Bass. She has worked in aeronautics, politics, and venture capital.

Early life and education Gray was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Margie and Thomas Gray and spent her childhood traveling as an "Air Force brat" before her family settled in Vandenberg Village, California, just north of Lompoc, California. She attended Cabrillo High School. where she was the only women on her engineering team and one of few Black engineers. Gray was outspoken about her progressive political beliefs and was reported for "subversive behavior. Although the FBI dismissed the case, she decided to leave her position.

Gray founded The 22 Fund in 2018 at the age of 55 to address the inequalities she saw in her other professions. Gray describes the goals of The 22 Fund as to "invest in companies to increase their export capacity and to create quality, clean, sustainable jobs of the future in underserved, low- to moderate-income communities." Business Insider describes the primary goal of The 22 Fund as transforming the manufacturing industry with a secondary goal of giving underrepresented founders a voice. Most investments are made in technology companies located outside of Silicon Valley.

Gray also serves as a Board Director for Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. and the California State University, Dominguez Hills Philanthropic Foundation endowment. She is also a member of Melinda Gates' Pivotal Venture's Women of Color Advisory Council and the PGIM Real Estate's Impact Advisory Council.

Political work From 2009-2013, Gray served as Senior Advisor for International Business to Antonio Villaraigosa when he was Mayor of Los Angeles.

Personal life Gray currently lives in Los Angeles and is an avid traveler. She regularly practices yoga, Pilates, and meditation. Forbes 50 Over 50-Investment (2023)