Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate, we’d like you to meet the founder of our Women’s Network, Liz Jones. In this short interview, Liz tells us about her career path, why she set the Women’s Network up and why diversity is so important in Defence.
Tell us a bit about your background
After initially planning to study business, I unexpectedly found my path in the RAF, joining after a visit to the Careers Office, ironically, without the friend who suggested it. I went on to serve 23 fulfilling years across various UK postings, including six years with an Army regiment and several operational tours. During my service, I earned a degree in Intelligence and International Relations, met my husband, and later welcomed twins. I left the RAF in 2022 and, after a couple of roles, found my home at MASS. In my spare time, I enjoy time with family and friends, reading, and training for hybrid fitness events.
It’s International Women’s Day, what’s the significance of today?
International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the achievements and contributions of women—something we proudly see across MASS. It’s a chance to celebrate diverse talent, highlight inspiring role models for future generations, and continue striving toward greater gender equality and opportunity.
What is the MASS Women’s Network about and why did you set it up?
The MASS Women’s Network was created to help “raise each other up to achieve professional success.” Our goals include offering strong peer support, sharing guidance, and creating a safe and encouraging space for open discussion. We meet quarterly for themed sessions and guest speakers, and the network is open to all colleagues.
My motivation for launching the network came from my positive experiences in similar groups and from recognising that, with women representing around 23% of our workforce, it’s important to create dedicated opportunities for connection. Given the dispersed nature of our business, some teams have few women—so building a collaborative, supportive community felt essential. As MASS continues to grow, I hope the network helps elevate women across the organisation.
Why do you think it’s important to encourage more women into Defence?
Diverse teams drive innovation, improve decision‑making, and reduce bias—making organisations stronger and more effective. Women play a critical role in creating that diversity. Defence is a uniquely rewarding sector, offering varied, challenging work that genuinely makes a difference. Encouraging more women into the field helps ensure those benefits are fully realised.
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