Rachel Reese (she/her), Global Butterflies
Rachel Reese (she/her)
Director
Global Butterflies

Rachel originally trained as an Avionics Software Engineer working within the defence sector, later transferring to a senior position within HR.

An interest in employment law led her to study for the Solicitors’ Final Examinations. As a woman with trans history she was unable to obtain a position within a law firm in the 1990s, so instead joined the University of Law working for 15 years in various senior operational roles leading up to Production Director.

Rachel is founder and CEO of Global Butterflies, a company that is hugely successful in helping businesses to create trans & non-binary inclusive environments. Global Butterflies donates much of its time and profits to other LGBTQI causes and events.

She was Vice Chair of The Law Society LGBT Lawyers Division Committee representing trans & non-binary solicitors and is a trans & non-binary ambassador for Aspiring Solicitors. Rachel has worked with many law firms regarding their trans & non-binary inclusion journeys.

She is honoured to be a judge for the People in Law, InsideOut and OutVertising awards each year. In 2019, she wrote the acclaimed “Lloyds of London Trans & Non-binary Inclusion Guide” and also contributed to the popular “Guide to Gender Neutral Drafting” with the Government Legal Department. Rachel joined the IGLTAF trans & nonbinary board in 2021. Advising on tourism support for trans & non-binary travelers.

D&I Leaders listed Rachel as one of their Inspirational D&I Leaders in 2021. In 2022, Rachel was listed as a Pride Inclusion Advocate by Pride Life Global. Also in 2022, Rachel was awarded the Chambers Crystal Award (with her wife Emma), for their visible work in trans & non-binary inclusion.