University of Reading graduate and researcher, Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, has vowed to continue tackling inequalities in the local community after being made Mayor of Reading.
Dr Mpofu-Coles, a Senior Research Fellow at the University, was officially inaugurated at Reading Town Hall on Wednesday 21 May 2025, becoming the town’s first female black Mayor.
A Labour councillor for Whitley on Reading Borough Council since 2021, Dr Mpofu-Coles has shown a passion for helping others in the town since she arrived in Reading in the early 2000s. She has focused particularly on issues such as inequalities, youth opportunities, refugees, healthcare and poverty.
One of Dr Mpofu-Coles’ chosen charities for her mayoral year is ReadiFood, a local foodbank service which delivers emergency food to about 170 households each week who are in need across Reading, as well as offering subsidised food through their network of eight food pantries. Her second charity is Utulivu Women’s group, which supports equal opportunities for Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee women, girls and their families in Reading and the surrounding areas.
Personal journey
Human geography graduate Dr Mpofu-Coles brings a remarkable personal journey to her mayoral role. She arrived in Reading in 2002 as a refugee from Zimbabwe, having served as a diplomat in former Yugoslavia and Mozambique.
Dr Mpofu-Coles shared: “I had to rebuild my life in the UK, working hard in a sandwich factory, as a cleaner, and a carer for the elderly and disabled. I then qualified as a social worker, before studying for a doctorate in human geography and building a career in academia.”
Dr Mpofu-Coles also shared an insight into the impact of having breast cancer and thanked NHS staff. She continued: “Having been supported by Reading Refugee Support Group myself, I have spent over 20 years advocating for and supporting refugees locally, nationally, and internationally.
“I have volunteered at Reading Refugee Support Group as Vice-Chair and Chair and helped set up Reading City of Sanctuary. I am now a trustee of the national charity City of Sanctuary, which also coordinates and supports Universities of Sanctuary.”
Find out more about Reading Refugee Support Group.
Stronger together
In her acceptance speech, Dr Mpofu-Coles said: “I plan to dedicate my time to serving the people diligently at all times.
“Let us serve together to make our nearly a city, Reading, a beacon in Berkshire, nationally and internationally. Let us be proud of the different languages spoken as it enriches our town and we thrive together. Let us continue to work together to strengthen our communities for we are stronger together but weaker apart.”
As a Reading councillor, Dr Mpofu-Coles has chaired the Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Education Committee, and sits on the Parenting Panel, Health and Wellbeing Board, and Safer Reading Neighbourhood Forum, among other committees.
Her work through the University’s Participatory Action Research enables the University to build stronger relationships and partnerships with diverse community groups, those seldom heard in academia and those who are marginalised, and gives people a voice in policy and decision-making.
Dr Mpofu-Coles is also working on a community-led research project with the British Science Association and works with the Race Equality Implementation Team and the University of Sanctuary.
Read more about Dr Mpofu-Coles’ achievements and community research projects.
