

Doctor of the University
A pioneering director, producer, philanthropist, and co-founder of POW TV Studios (Power of Women).
Rosemary Reed has made significant contributions to media, social justice and philanthropy, with a strong focus on empowering women and underrepresented communities. Despite leaving school with few formal qualifications, Rosemary pursued a unique path as a stunt rider, which laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to advocacy and creative media.
With over 130 critically acclaimed television productions to her name, Rosemary has made a lasting impact on the media industry. Notable projects include Living the Life, a popular Sky series that captivated audiences over three seasons with its candid, thought-provoking interviews, and The Power of Women, a groundbreaking series that highlights the stories of iconic, influential women and their journeys to success.
Another remarkable achievement is the award-winning documentary series Driving Force, hosted by Judy Murray OBE, which chronicles the inspiring journeys of elite female athletes who have reached world number one status.
The success of the series led to the Driving Force UK Schools Tour, where Rosemary and Judy visited 30 schools, predominantly in disadvantaged areas, to inspire young women to pursue careers in sports – particularly in fields such as football, boxing, motorsports and horse racing, where girls and working-class communities have historically faced barriers to entry. By bringing prominent figures to share their insights with these students, Rosemary established a powerful platform for inspiration and change.
In addition to her media accomplishments, Rosemary has been a tireless advocate for women's rights. In the 1990s, she established Central London's first Domestic Violence One-Stop Centre, First Step, which provided vital support for women and children in partnership with the Metropolitan Police and Women's Aid. Her commitment to this cause continues through her role as an Ambassador for Refuge, where she advocates for survivors of domestic violence, raises awareness, and mobilises support through public speaking and fundraising efforts.
Beyond her advocacy for women, Rosemary is deeply committed to supporting young people experiencing homelessness. Her work with Centrepoint, a leading charity focused on homeless youth, has been especially notable. She played a pivotal role in organising events, including the charity's 50th-anniversary celebration, collaborating closely with the team of Centrepoint's patron, Prince William. Rosemary's efforts have raised substantial funds and awareness for Centrepoint, reflecting her passion for social change and her ability to inspire others to take action.
Her dedication also extends to environmental and animal welfare causes. As a trustee of The Jane Goodall Institute UK, Rosemary plays a vital role in the Roots & Shoots school programme, which empowers young people to take meaningful action in their communities to protect the planet and its wildlife. In 2025, she led an innovative initiative for Roots & Shoots, incorporating virtual reality into educational outreach by creating a VR experience featuring Dr Goodall in a jungle setting, delivering a powerful message on conservation.
This will be seen in over 150 schools across the UK by 2026, further extending Dr Goodall's legacy of environmental stewardship.
Rosemary's leadership extends to her role as President of the 10:10 Club at Soho House Group, where she fosters mentorship and intergenerational collaboration, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for future leaders. Her multifaceted contributions to society reflect her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact across sectors – from media production and advocacy for women's rights, to environmental activism and supporting vulnerable young people.
Her achievements have earned widespread recognition, including a feature in The Female Lead's book Women Who Shape Our World, where she is celebrated among other trailblazing women who are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. In August 2024, Rosemary was invited to deliver a TEDx talk, where she shared her insights on the power of awareness in driving social change, a lesson she has embodied throughout her remarkable career.
Rosemary Reed exemplifies the powerful intersection of creativity, advocacy, and philanthropy, with a clear vision for a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive world.