Dr. Alice Mpofu-Coles

Snr. Research Fellow, University of Reading / Mayor of Reading

Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles is a Community Researcher at the University of Reading, Mayor and a Local Councillor for Reading, UK. She has a PhD in Human Geography, a BA in Social Work, and an MA in International Relations. She also did a Forced Migration Summer School course at Oxford University. She trained as a diplomat.

She is a trustee and Ambassador for the City of Sanctuary – a refugee organisation, and the Vice-Chair for the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE). Some of her voluntary work includes the Universities of Sanctuary and the Councils of Sanctuary. She also volunteers as a Circle of Wisdom with the Global Female Wave of Change. She is a member of different societies and groups and, for over 20 years, has volunteered for Reading Refugee Support Group as vice-chair and chair, including being involved in the Gruntivig Women’s Project – Women Refugees Learning Together in Europe. Alice previously worked as a Diplomat in Belgrade, Serbia and Maputo, Mozambique, before settling in the UK.

Alice has received numerous awards for her work and contributions to different societies, including high-profile keynote presentations. Through her volunteer work with the City of Sanctuary, she was invited to Buckingham Palace in 2023 for a reception hosted by His Majesty the King to recognise and reflect on the United Kingdom’s contribution to humanitarian efforts worldwide. In 2025, she was among 84 women globally chosen for the 2025 Leading Women to Watchᵀᴹ list! A tribute to the visionaries, disruptors, and changemakers shaping our future.

Alice received an excellence award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Race Equality, the University of Sanctuary, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the University of Reading from community groups in Reading. She was nominated and given an award as the most inspirational refugee woman for the ‘Alice Driver Women’s Awards’. She also nominated the Reading Refugee Support Group for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which was awarded in 2019, receiving it from the Queen’s representative, the Sheriff of Berkshire. She was given an Honorary Master of Universities by the Open University in 2014 for her services to refugees, communities, education, and civil services. She was presented with an award by the then President Chissano of Mozambique for writing on working with culturally diverse communities.

Alice had cancer ( the subject of her book Dear God from Your Poached Egg Breast ). A mum to two adult daughters, Meme and Tadi, she lives with her husband and dog. She likes to meditate, yoga, navigate her Christianity journey, walk, listen to music, read books, write, travelling and cook – her family says, ‘never eat the same type of meal’.