She was a schoolteacher for 28 years and served as director of the center for the education and equity of African American students at the University of South Carolina.

Until her retirement in 2021, Reed was director of the center for the education and equity of African American students at the University of South Carolina.

[9] She helped to design the Apple Core Initiative scholarship program for freshmen students at the University of South Carolina.

[10] Reed served on the selection committee for the Emily Clyburn Honors College Scholarship at the South Carolina State University.

[11][1] She is chief executive officer of the advisory group, Palmetto Issues Conference, aimed at advocating for equitable socioeconomic policies.