YAY CHAKA JONES-DOWDYE! Chaka Jones-Dowdye, a FACE family advocate at Ratcliffe Elementary, is today's "Yay of the Day" honoree! Superintendent Amy Cashwell honored her recently.
YAYWORTHY:
Nominator LaQuana Wigfall said,
"She embodies the heart of what it means to support and uplift others. When I first joined Henrico County Public Schools, I remember attending my first FACE division meeting during my third week of employment. I didn’t know anyone yet and felt a little out of place. As I sat quietly at the table, the room was cold. Chaka, who had never met me before, noticed and immediately offered me her extra coat. That simple act of kindness meant more than she probably realized. What started as a small gesture quickly grew into something much bigger.
"From that moment on, Chaka welcomed me with open arms. She became not only a colleague but also a mentor and a true friend. Chaka checks on me daily, offers guidance, and is always willing to help me navigate my role as a Family Advocate. She leads by example and constantly encourages others to grow and succeed. Her spirit, positivity and compassion truly light up every room she enters. Since joining FACE, Chaka has supported me in countless ways. We meet weekly just to check in, encourage one another, and continue building the strong support system she naturally creates for those around her. Her willingness to uplift others, share her knowledge, and lead with kindness makes a lasting impact on our team and the families we serve. Chaka is the definition of a team player and a leader with heart. I am forever grateful for her mentorship, encouragement, and friendship. She absolutely deserves a YAY for being such an outstanding Family Advocate and for making everyone around her better."
Thank you for all you do, Chaka Jones-Dowdye, to make a positive difference and move HCPS forward!
• No. 77 in a series. Read more at https://www.henricoschools.us/yay-of-the-day."