An ordinary silk shirt became the centrepiece of an extraordinary story when I was named the overall winner of Fitted for Work’s 2026 Love Letter to My Closet writing competition.

After being shortlisted and selected as one of the top three finalists, I was announced as the sole winner and invited, along with my guests, to a special event at Fitted for Work’s Richmond headquarters. I had the privilege of reading my letter aloud to an audience of more than 100 people.

The response was unforgettable. There was laughter, tears, heartfelt congratulations and a standing ovation. Members of the Board, including the Chair Launa Inman, and the CEO  Donna de Zwart, personally congratulated me, making the evening an exceptionally moving celebration.

My letter, A Love Letter to My Closet — and the Silk Shirt That Came with Me, tells the story of a colourful Sportscraft silk shirt I purchased when I was appointed a permanent teacher with the Victorian Education Department and prepared for my first staff photograph at Richmond Girls Secondary College.

For me, the shirt symbolised much more than fashion. It represented achievement, professional confidence and the journey of a migrant child who arrived in Australia from Greece without speaking English and went on to become a university graduate and educator.

During the event, I shared how proud I was of the determination that had carried me from those beginnings into a teaching career spanning 3 plus decades. I also reflected on the stroke I experienced last year. My recovery became another opportunity to demonstrate to myself that a health challenge need not define a person’s future. Through hard work and perseverance, I have continued to rebuild and rediscover my strengths. Winning this competition was a particularly meaningful reminder of that resilience.

The occasion also prompted a realisation about the connection between my life’s work and the mission of Fitted for Work.

For more than 30 years, I taught at two local Richmond schools: Richmond Girls Secondary College in Gleadell Street and Melbourne Girls’ College on the Yarra Boulevard. As a teacher, I sought to empower young people through education, encouragement and the belief that their circumstances need not limit their potential.

For more than 21 years, Fitted for Work has supported women to build confidence, recognise their strengths and move towards meaningful employment and independence through its professional services.

Although our work has taken different forms, our values align beautifully. Both are founded on the belief that when women are supported and empowered, they can create brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

As I reflected on this connection, one message came to mind:

“Educate a girl and educate a village.” 

One of the Board members captured the essence of Fitted for Work’s mission when they observed that it is not about fashion, but about building women’s confidence to gain employment and independence.

That message resonated deeply with me. Clothing may help us present ourselves to the world, but confidence, opportunity, education and encouragement help us move forward in it.

I am deeply grateful to Fitted for Work, the three judges who selected my entry, and everyone who made the celebration so memorable. I was proud that my personal story could also help communicate the organisation’s vision and mission.

As a retired teacher and Rotarian, I have always believed in the power of service to transform lives. This experience reminded me that our contributions can continue to make a difference in unexpected ways, long after we leave the classroom.

Sometimes, a favourite silk shirt holds more than memories. It holds the story of where we began, what we overcame and the confidence we carry into the next chapter of our lives. 

Maria Makris.