People with Purpose: Schae Zarew

At first glance, Schae is every bit the athlete you might expect. She’s been powerlifting for over a decade, pulling weights many of us couldn’t dream of budging. She’s strong-willed, determined, and laser-focused in competition. But beyond the barbell, there’s a woman who wears many hats – business owner, community connector, friend, daughter, dog mum to her beloved 10-year-old chocolate Labrador, Kaia.

When asked how she describes herself, she laughs. “Gym owner, athlete, wearer of all hats… that about sums it up.”

But labels alone can’t capture Schae’s impact. Because what drives her is not the desire to be the strongest person in the room, it’s the desire to make strength training accessible for everyone else.

For over a decade, Schae has dedicated herself to powerlifting, becoming not just an athlete but an advocate, mentor, and community builder. She’s loves Canberra and The Strength Syndicate is her way of giving back to the city she loves so deeply.

The Power of Lifting. A Personal Journey

For Schae, lifting weights and powerlifting aren’t just hobbies, they’ve been life-changing. That shift, from exercising out of guilt to moving with purpose, was life changing. And it lit a fire in her to help others experience the same.

“Lifting weights and powerlifting has been so important to me as a person, especially one who has had a complicated relationship with food and exercise.”

Those who’ve walked that journey know what she means. Powerlifting offered Schae something so many traditional gym environments don’t: a space where strength is celebrated for what it is, not just how it looks. Where you’re measured by your courage, discipline, and resilience, not your clothing size.

Making Strength Accessible for All

Schae’s purpose is clear. “I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to access the sport and hobby, which starts from making it accessible from a financial and environmental perspective.”

This belief is woven into everything The Strength Syndicate does. Her vision is for strength training to be truly inclusive, no matter your background, age, ability, or past relationship with exercise.

In Schae’s gym, there’s no intimidation, no “fitting in” to a mould. Just people coming together to become stronger in ways that matter to them. It’s a place that sets you up to feel safe, physically, emotionally, and socially.

One visitor summed it up perfectly:

“It’s surprising to walk into a gym where you’re not immediately pressured to sign up. Instead, you’re welcomed into a warm and inviting space that makes you feel safe to just be yourself and work out at your own pace. It’s such a refreshing change.”

More Than Muscles. A Place to Belong

Schae understands that gyms can often be alienating, especially for people starting out or returning after injury, illness, or life changes. Her mission is to change that.

“Strength training and powerlifting is so, SO important for your bones as you age! A good coach and gym will meet you where you're at; it's never too late to start!”

Our society is constantly telling people to look different, Schae tells them to be strong, stay strong, and define strength on their own terms. And when you walk through the doors of The Strength Syndicate, you feel that truth in the air, from the quiet confidence of long-time members to the first tentative steps of beginners.

The Annual Charity Event. Lifting for Others

Each year, The Strength Syndicate runs a charity event that has become a highlight of Schae’s calendar. It also showcases the community that has been built when a lonely gym goer steps up to the plate for a team lift and it’s not long before someone stands beside them with a “I’ll lift with you.” gaze!

“It is my favourite time as it allows me to connect and support the greater community in an impactful way.”

For Schae, this annual event is about gathering people with a shared purpose, using their collective strength to lift something bigger than weights, lifting hope, dignity, and community spirit. The people, the members of this gym, these events have supported indirectly sit in quiet contemplation next to the reception desk. The care for them is deeply moving.

Strong-Willed Leadership with a Soft Heart

Those who know Schae describe her as strong-willed, and she owns that description proudly. It’s that strength of will that has built The Strength Syndicate into the safe, empowering space it is today.

But beneath that drive is an equally strong commitment to vulnerability and honesty in leadership.

“From a business perspective, one of the best things you can do in tough times is vocalise your hardships and spend time with people who love and adore you beyond your job.”

She knows first-hand how easy it is, especially in client-serving roles, to feel like you always need to be okay. To keep the brave face on, no matter what. But Schae is redefining leadership to include truth-telling, admitting mistakes, and acknowledging failures, because they’re inevitable.

“There is so much power in a support network and being honest about hard times, mistakes, and failures.”

A Life Rich Beyond the Gym

When Schae isn’t coaching, lifting, or mentoring others, you’ll likely find her enjoying the simple pleasures of life that keep her grounded and joyful.

“Walking my 10-year-old chocolate Labrador, Kaia! A good book that I can't put down. Being by the ocean and having a good head dunk.”

And when it comes to food, Schae laughs, “If there is an option to add capers or olives to a meal… count me in.”

These glimpses into her daily life reveal the full picture of who she is, strong, yes, but also deeply human, playful, and connected to what truly matters.

Why Schae is Someone with Purpose

Schae’s impact on our community runs deep.

She’s building a gym where people don’t just get stronger, they become more confident, more self-compassionate, and more resilient. Her focus on accessibility is breaking down barriers that have kept so many away from strength sports. And her leadership, rooted in authenticity and vulnerability, is shaping a new generation of coaches, athletes, and community members who value strength in all its forms.

Most importantly, she shows Canberra that strength training is for everyone, no matter your body, age, or starting point.

As she says, “It’s never too late to start.”

In a culture obsessed with appearance, Schae is building a legacy grounded in purpose, not perfection. One where the heaviest thing you lift isn’t the barbell, but the limitations you once placed on yourself.

Through every lift coached, conversation shared, and event hosted, Schae is creating a stronger, kinder Canberra. A city where people feel safe to move, safe to fail, and safe to grow into who they are meant to be.

If you’re looking for Schae at The Strength Syndicate, don’t just look for the woman lifting heavy weights. Look for the smile that greets every person who walks in the door, the quiet words of encouragement at the end of a tough set, and the unwavering belief in each member’s potential.

That is her true strength and that is her purpose.