As a young girl, Tracee Washington’s grandmother asked her what she wanted to do when she grew up. Washington vividly remembers responding: “I’m going to help people.”
“I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to help, I wanted to serve,” Washington said. “I always saw myself in a serving capacity.”
Her passion for service led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Chester University, then a master’s in human services from Lincoln University. After graduating, Washington began working with juveniles at Devereaux Advanced Behavioral Health, a national mental health services provider, which she says served as a training ground for her. She held multiple roles there, including residential counselor, substitute teacher and therapist at the Devon and Glenmore campuses.
From Devereaux, she went on to work at various mental health facilities, supporting individuals with severe mental illnesses, which led some to have criminal cases handled by the District Attorney’s Office. That changed her perspective on the complex makeup of those in the criminal legal system, she says.
“You really get an understanding that people do have a story behind their experience, whether they have mental health issues or some form of trauma that leads them to ending up in the criminal system,” said the Northeast High grad. “Everybody didn’t start off as a criminal.”
Washington also spent time as the director of social work for a nursing home, enabling her to work closely with seniors. Then, in 2018, she joined the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office as a victim witness coordinator, working directly with those affected by crime. In that role, Washington was responsible for helping survivors and co-survivors understand the criminal court process, connecting them to resources, and advocating in the courtroom, a position she says is essential.
“People don’t really understand what the criminal court process looks like. It’s important to have a liaison to speak to people in a language they can understand and explain to them what’s happening and to manage their expectations,” she said. “People will talk to us more than they talk to the Assistant District Attorneys (ADA) and they may disclose something that helps the case.”
In April 2025, Washington became assistant director of support services for the office’s Victim Services Unit, supervising about 15 victim witness coordinators across multiple units. She has helped curate a “Healing Justice” training series to connect victim witness coordinators with other survivors and hear first-hand how their work impacts healing.
Washington credits her success to her knowledge and passion for service and being a “people person.” She says she is most proud of her team.
“Being a victim witness coordinator can be very difficult at times because we often meet people on the worst day of their lives. I commend my staff because they do a great job of engaging with people when they’re very heightened, which is not easy,” she said.
Outside of work, Washington enjoys reading, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends. A self-described foodie, she also loves a good meal.
“I’m a friend, a mother, a wife, a book club sister, a good sister, and a Zeta Phi Beta member,” she said. “I think it’s important how you represent yourself in every aspect.”