Dionne Reid
Chief Executive Officer
From Casino to Changemaker
Dionne’s professional journey began far from the charity sector - working as a croupier, eventually rising to the role of casino inspector. In 1992, determined to make a meaningful difference in the world, she returned to education to study Business and Accountancy. Balancing study with multiple part-time jobs and the demands of raising a young family, Dionne demonstrated the resilience and determination that would later define her leadership. In 2003, she deepened her expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma in Addictive Behaviour from St George’s Medical School in London.
The Birth of Women’s Work
The roots of Women’s Work were planted when Dionne walked the streets of Derby late at night, speaking directly with women to better understand their realities.
These raw and honest conversations inspired her to launch the charity in April 2003.
What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a national organisation with a dedicated team of 33 staff and 40 volunteers, now supporting more than 1,000 women and children each year.
Under Dionne’s leadership, Women’s Work has created specialist programmes that address the unique needs of women affected by trauma, exploitation, and abuse. These programmes are not only changing lives in the UK - their impact is being felt as far afield as Australia and the United States.
A Voice for National Policy and Media
Dionne’s lived experience and deep understanding of marginalised women’s challenges have made her an influential voice in national policy and media. She played a key role in developing the framework for the National Ugly Mugs scheme, a UK-wide initiative to end violence against sex workers. Her work has also been featured in major media outlets including ITV News - where she travelled to Amsterdam to report on the sex trade - as well as Sky News, the BBC Politics Show, Heart FM, and Radio Derby.
Leadership in the Community
Beyond her work with the charity, Dionne has taken on numerous civic and voluntary leadership roles over the past 25 years. She has served as Vice Chair of Derby’s Gender, Diversity and Sexuality Forum, where she worked to champion inclusive policies across the city. Dionne also served as Chair of Derby City’s International Women’s Day Planning Committee, leading efforts to elevate the voices and contributions of local women. On a national level, she was appointed Director of the Women’s Breakout National Forum, supporting organisations working with women in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system. Her civic contributions also include her role as an independent member of Derby City Council’s Standards Committee, helping to uphold integrity and accountability in public life.
These roles reflect Dionne’s long-standing dedication to creating fairer, more inclusive communities - both in Derby and across the UK.
Dionne's Acclaimed Impact
Recognition and Honours
In 2017, she was voted Derbyshire’s Most Inspirational Woman.
-
In 2019, she had the honour of hosting Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the Women’s Work offices.
-
In 2022, Derby Museum named her a Woman of Historical Significance for her extraordinary social impact.
-
In 2023, Dionne received one of her most prestigious honours to date - Honorary Master of the University of Derby, celebrating her lifelong commitment to social justice and women's empowerment.
-
Most recently, in 2024, Dionne was celebrated at the Black Achievers Awards, where she won in the Health & Social Care category, a testament to her enduring impact on the lives of vulnerable women and families.
A legacy that inspires
Dionne’s story is one of courage, compassion, and deep conviction.
From the casino floor to the corridors of policy and activism, she has dedicated her life to building a better future for vulnerable women. Her journey continues to inspire everyone at Women’s Work and serves as a testament to the power of determination, empathy, and vision.
To mark two decades of transformation, Women’s Work published its official biography in 2023, documenting Dionne’s journey and the extraordinary legacy she continues to build.
