Celebrating Women in Business: The Inspiring Leaders of REDA’s Board

5th March 2025

REDA’s Board of Directors is a team of Reading experts, each with a stake in the real estate, market and labour force of Reading. Together, our leaders bring a vision for Reading’s future growth and a desire to champion its ongoing success, ultimately helping us achieve our vision of shaping a better Reading for the future.  

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the inspiring women who are part of REDA's Board, each instrumental in shaping the future of business and leadership in Reading. We’ve caught up with some of our female leaders to find out more about their achievements, resilience, insights and advice, all of which serve as inspiration for aspiring women in business. 

Liz Terry – Leader of Reading Borough Council and Vice Chair of REDA

With a career dedicated to public service, Liz Terry’s impact on Reading is profound. Previously the chief executive of Berkshire Women's Aid, Liz was first elected to the Council in 2012 to represent the Labour Party. Her proudest achievements include taking over as Leader of Reading Borough Council in 2024, raising her children, and leading the development of a 12-bed refuge for women escaping domestic abuse and violence.  

Around 30% of undergraduate and 50% of postgraduate students are mature learners, highlighting that education is not limited to any one stage of life. Liz embraced this mindset, returning to education later in her career to further develop her skills. “I left school with only a few O levels and often felt others around me with degrees had an edge – so later in life, I did a Master's degree which I really enjoyed,” she shares.

Her advice for women in business? “Women just need to be themselves and trust their skills and experience!”

Jackie Evans – Director of Operations & HR, Reading Football Club

Jackie Evans’ journey at Reading Football Club is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. Starting as a receptionist at the old Elm Park ground in 1994, she steadily progressed through roles in administration and customer service before earning her place as Head of Operations and HR. Her dedication and determination not only shaped her career but also earned her the prestigious Sue Ryder Southern Region’s Women of Achievement Award in the Women in Sport category.

Although global attitudes toward inclusivity are evolving, high-level positions in the football industry continue to lag behind. While the UK ranks second internationally for women’s representation on FTSE 100 boards at 39.1%, the figure for Premier League football boards was just 11.1% as of 2022. Jackie’s rise through the ranks to her current position demonstrates that, with perseverance and determination, women continue to successfully challenge male-dominated industries.

Among her personal achievements, completing the New York Marathon stands out as a testament to her resilience. She believes adaptability is a crucial mindset for women in business, crediting her grandmother for instilling in her the values of hard work and independence, “She taught me what hard work can do for you. You get out of life what you put into it.”

Eleanor Wills – Regional Service Development Lead, Great Western Railway

Eleanor leads service development and station investment across the East region of the Great Western Railway, including the areas of Berkshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Paddington and West London.

Eleanor overcame one of her biggest obstacles early in her career. After graduating, she took a role at the Bank of England, believing it was the logical next step, before soon recognizing that her interests lay elsewhere—in transport. Trusting her instincts, she made the decision to change direction in her career path, stepping into a sector where she could create a different impact. “Sometimes you just have to back yourself and have the confidence to take the decision that might feel riskier but is also the right thing to do,” she reflects. Her journey is a strong reminder that discovering what you truly love often means trusting your instincts and embracing change.

Self-doubt can be a major obstacle to success, but Eleanor learned to not be hindered by it, instead viewing her feelings as proof of her commitment. “I recently attended a Women in Rail event where one inspiring leader said that imposter syndrome just shows how much you care about your job, and that really resonated with me,” she shares. She encourages women to be tenacious in their careers, emphasising the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks.

Eleanor draws inspiration from her mother, an MBE recipient, who exemplified excellence and dedication throughout her career. “She didn’t receive the award until her mid-60s but has had a phenomenal career in her sector. That quiet diligence and a focus on excellence in your career above all else is really inspiring to me.” 

At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. Significant barriers to gender equality remain, yet with the right action and support, positive progress can be made for women everywhere. 

This International Women’s Day, it’s important that we continue to recognise the collective role we all play in driving meaningful change now, and in the future. Nigel Horton-Baker, Chief Executive of REDA, says: "REDA’s Board members represent the profile of the Reading economy. Passionate about Reading, each member is pivotal in helping us achieve our mission of boosting business and enhancing the quality of life of all those in the Reading region.  

“As a business, we’re committed to building an environment where talent is valued equally. Encouraging diversity and equality benefits everyone, and ultimately creates stronger, more innovative workplaces – which is essential for economic growth. By ensuring that talent is recognised and nurtured, businesses can empower the next generation of leaders to thrive, whatever their gender.”