Regie Anne Gardoce

From legal tech to mental health and philanthropy, Regie Anne’s journey is one of innovation and striving to create community that gives back.

With her foundation in the discipline of Law, Regie Anne has helped support founders, creatives, and startups as they build and grow - challenging norms, solving real problems, and making an impact. It has empowered her to ask better questions, rethink what’s possible, and contribute meaningfully to the world around her

Please tell us about yourself and your work.

After graduating, I wore many hats at Sprintlaw across marketing, sales, legal and operations, eventually leading its Legal Transformation practice. I now lead operations at Kantoko, a healthcare startup focused on improving access to ADHD care. Mental health still carries a stigma in many communities, and people often don’t know where to turn for help. When they do, it’s often too expensive or too hard. Bridging these awareness and accessibility gaps is what drives me.

Having used my skills beyond just the legal industry, I’ve learnt that studying law taught me how the world works (and how to change it!).

I’ve also started volunteering at Five Bucks, a giving community that democratises philanthropy, and where small amounts collectively create big change. Members contribute $5 a week, and the final amount is donated to a charity selected by a vote.

How did your time at UNSW help shape who you are today?

UNSW taught me to constantly question the world around me. With an innovation hub right across the road (where pitch nights and hackathons were always happening), I was drawn to innovation early on, which made joining a legal tech startup feel natural. I also took social impact courses and interned at the Social Impact Hub, where I was first introduced to social enterprises. That experience planted the seed for my involvement in the Five Bucks story, inspiring people to chip in and create a meaningful, collective impact. It’s all shaped how I think, build, and lead today. My legal background has given me the tools to help others navigate complex systems with clarity and confidence, especially in a world where bold, creative ideas need structure to thrive.

UNSW always taught me to challenge the status quo - while I’ve moved beyond strictly legal work, my foundation in law continues to shape how I think, lead, and create meaningful, long-term impact across different industries.

If you told 1st-year me that I’d build a legal tech career, then work in mental health and philanthropy, it would’ve sounded like an absolute dream! Like many others, I didn’t know what opportunities were around me and assumed I’d end up in a traditional legal path. But over time, I discovered how the legal world could intersect with innovation and social impact. That’s what led me to work at startups and impact organisations, and eventually transition into roles where I could influence positive change in sectors like mental health and philanthropy. It’s been a rewarding, unexpected journey. 

What advice would you give current law students approaching the end of their degree, as they look ahead at their early careers? 

I’ve said the same thing to all law students before: stay curious! My curiosity has led me in many unexpected directions, shaping my career in ways I never imagined. Also, find the right people who will champion you. 

The most meaningful change happens when you find your people, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make meaningful connections with people whose values resonate with you.

More often than not, they’ll not only support you but lead the way to opportunities that align with your passions.