Growing up in regional Tasmania fostered Penney’s enduring love of wildlife and sparked a deep appreciation for the communities that share spaces with these species. Penney believes that sustainable coexistence between human and animal communities relies on strengthening relationships between these groups. To further pursue these beliefs Penney completed a Bachelor of biology with an honours in animal behaviour and a Masters of Wildlife Management at Macquarie University, before also pursuing a graduate certificate in community development from Deakin. Professionally, in the last decade Penney has worked in the areas of indigenous advocacy and species conservation for NGO organisations, the Australian Commonwealth and ACT State governments.