On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women in leadership who are driving change and shaping communities. Renee Chakaodza, Literacy Specialist at the Y WA, is a powerful role model in the education space. Her work through the Y WA School Ready Program, is empowering educators and creating better educational outcomes for children across the state.
From a young age, Renee knew teaching was her calling. Her first students? Her four younger siblings. What began as childhood fun grew into a lifelong passion for helping others succeed. "Teaching offered a way to make a difference in the lives of my students," she said, a belief that has driven Renee throughout her career.
After years of teaching in primary schools, Renee shifted her focus to professional learning, supporting educators both locally and globally. Through her experiences, she found mentorship from inspiring women who guided her to see leadership as a collaborative effort, one that fosters strength through support and inspiration. This insight has shaped the way Renee leads today at the Y WA, focusing on lifting others and building strong, empowered teams.
Now as Literacy Specialist for the Y WA School ReadY Program, Renee is dedicated to preparing children for school and lifelong success. She oversees the Literacy and Language domain of the program which uses proven methods in early literacy and oral language to give children the best possible start in education.
As part of her role Renee also provides professional development, creates resources, and engages families to support children’s growth. Renee is deeply committed to coaching educators, helping them feel equipped to nurture the children in their care and improve language and literacy outcomes.
Her work has already achieved notable milestones: she’s provided professional learning for over 50 staff members, conducted more than 30 coaching sessions across the state, collaborated with other institutions, and welcomed media to share the program’s success. “I love that despite challenging circumstances at times, the staff always found a way to make it happen,” she shares, emphasising the resilience and dedication of the educators she supports.
Despite the successes, Renee acknowledges the challenges she faces as a woman in leadership, particularly moments of self-doubt. The fear of making mistakes or how she’s perceived can be daunting, but she has learnt to view these moments as opportunities for growth. “Learning to re-frame failure as a stepping stone to success has helped me build self-compassion,” she explains. This mindset has allowed her to continue leading with confidence, even in difficult moments.
For Renee, leadership is about lifting others up. Her advice for the next generation of female leaders is clear: “Believe in yourself and each other. Let’s build an inclusive, supportive environment where women can feel confident to take risks and encourage colleagues.” She’s passionate about mentorship, emphasizing that no woman is an island and that together, we are stronger.
Moving forward, Renee is continuing to shape the future of the Y WA School ReadY Program (Literacy and Language domain). As her journey unfolds, she will continue to empower, inspire, and create a brighter future for all children and educators across the state.