Why I Am Running
As a mother of three, a real estate professional, the founder of a student coaching and mentorship program, and a church and community volunteer, I understand deeply and have witnessed the challenges parents are facing nowadays.
For more than 21 years, I’ve served families throughout York Region and surrounding communities. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of providing support and resources to parents and children in need. My own family has experienced painful seasons and mental health challenges. We found our way forward with the help we received from educators, counsellors, non-profit agencies, and our church community.
This journey has taught me that no child or family should struggle in silence. Families should be able to access support, resources, and services when needed. With appropriate support and strategies, families are able to move forward and grow stronger.
Every child should be heard, seen, and have the confidence to pursue their dreams. My goal is to collaborate with parents, students, educators and community partners to strengthen our support system for families and children, academically, physically, and mentally.
We’ll work together to build a stronger foundation for children and youth in our community, so they can thrive and understand their social responsibility when they become adults.
I’m an advocate for children’s well-being, inclusivity, and school safety. I believe every good decision begins with listening. I commit to being accessible, transparent, and accountable as we work together to support children and youth in our community. I prioritize the moral and ethical development of our students, ensuring they're prepared to lead with integrity and purpose in a global society.
Now I am asking for your vote so I can help build a school system where every child feels safe, heard, seen and supported, every family has a voice, and every student has the opportunity to rise.
Every child deserves to be heard, seen, supported, challenged, and prepared for the future. In the process, they gain the confidence to achieve what once seemed impossible.
Let Every Child Rise
Elect
FRANCES YAU
For YRDSB Trustee Markham Ward 1 & 8
About Frances
As a mother, I understand every child is different. Each child learns and communicates differently, and success cannot be measured by grades alone. We need to raise and support our children in a way they'll grow up to be confident and resilient human beings.
For more than 21 years, I’ve served families throughout York Region and surrounding communities as a real estate professional. These experiences have helped me become a good listener. Honesty, transparency, and accountability have always been the core of everything I do.
As the founder of a coaching and mentorship program for students in Grade 9 - 12, I've brought together educators, professionals, and community members to help students discover their strengths and talents, build their confidence, and explore different fields of study and career pathways.
I want students and their families to know they don't have to build their futures alone. With professional guidance and community support, they can make informed choices and move forward with purpose.
This work has strengthened my conviction that education should equip students with life skills - critical thinking, financial literacy, communication skills, resilience, and creativity.
Top: Frances established scholarships at a local university to help deserving students pursue their education and rise toward a brighter future.
Frances guides her client through the journey of building a custom home in Toronto—helping turn their vision into reality.
Frances recognizing the hard work of one of the students in her coaching and mentorship program.
Frances and the team promoting coaching and mentorship opportunities for high school students.
Frances believes every person deserves to feel valued, respected and included. She is committed to building a caring community where people of all abilities can belong and thrive.
Frances brings a genuine heart for service, a deep commitment to children and families, and a willingness to listen and learn. Her experience as a mother, business professional, student mentor, and community volunteer gives her a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our students and families today.
I am pleased to endorse Frances Yau for YRDSB Trustee for Markham Wards 1 & 8, and wish her every success as she steps forward to serve.
— Ron Lynn
Chair, YRDSB
As a long-time educator with three decades in the classroom, I have always believed that our top priority must be helping every student maximize their full potential. Every child deserves an educational experience shaped around their distinct strengths and goals. That is why I am proudly endorsing Frances Yau for School Board Trustee in Wards 1 & 8.
Frances truly believes in empowering students to reach their highest potential. Her platform, RISE, is what Frances believes in and has always been doing. With a strong foundation, Results in Learning are maximized, Inclusive Support and Safety are valued and ensured, Strong Families and Communities are encouraged and celebrated, and students are Equipped for Life.
Frances brings a fresh, practical passion for individualized learning and a deep understanding that students must always come first. She recognizes how much children thrive when schools support unique learning styles, provide strong special education resources, and partner closely with parents.
Frances is a dedicated listener who will stay focused on student growth, classroom excellence, and open, transparent communication with families rather than board politics. School boards need trustees who genuinely value the potential of every child and put learning ahead of bureaucracy.
Frances has my full confidence as an educator, and I strongly encourage local residents to vote for Frances Yau on election day.
— Helen H.
Veteran Special Education Educator and Student Advocacy Leader
As a longtime York Region resident and retired Educational Assistant with the York Region District School Board, I am proud to endorse Frances Yau for School Board Trustee.
I have known Frances for five years and have seen firsthand her incredible heart for children and youth. For the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving on the team she led at a children's camp she created and ran. I watched children grow in confidence, come out of their shells, find their voice, and begin to believe in themselves.
Frances is compassionate, trustworthy, hardworking, committed, and willing to take on challenges. She listens to parents, puts children first, and believes that education is about more than academics—it's about helping our children grow into confident, capable adults.
Our children are our future. We need leaders who believe in them, protect them, guide them, and help them reach their full potential.
I believe Frances Yau is that leader.
— Jo C.
Retired YRDSB Education Assistant
I have known Frances for many years, through school and community events, and she stands out to me as someone who is actively involved in promoting quality education.
I have seen her defend the rights of parents as a mother of three, and I admire her ability to present parental concerns with passion, clarity, and poise. She also has a remarkable gift of being able to unite people of diverse backgrounds around an important cause.
I believe that the city needs dedicated leaders like Frances who is able to bring together educators and parents, to work collectively in advocating for students’ well-being, so that students have what they need to thrive.
— Hilda L.
Elementary School Teacher
I have had the privilege of working with Frances Yau as her Executive Coach, and I have witnessed firsthand her commitment to personal growth, leadership development, and serving others with greater purpose and effectiveness.
Frances is a thoughtful and intentional leader. She demonstrates a genuine willingness to listen, learn, reflect, and then translate those insights into action. What particularly impresses me about Frances is her desire to develop people—not simply accomplish tasks. Her investment in initiatives such as Mission Omega reflects her interest in equipping others with leadership, communication, collaboration, and real-world skills that can serve them well beyond a single program.
It has been rewarding to watch Frances continue to grow and expand her capacity to lead and serve. I am pleased to recognize her commitment to leadership development and the positive contribution she seeks to make in the lives of others with my endorsement.
— Dr. Lou Figueroa
Executive Coach | Leadership Strategist | Speaker
I’m proud to endorse Frances Yau for School Board Trustee. As a retired law enforcer, I’ve spent my career protecting kids and families. Frances shares that same heart. She deeply cares for the well-being of our youth and families, and always puts kids first. We need her voice on the school board. Please vote for Frances.
— Carrie John
Retired Law Enforcer | Probation and Parole Manager
Frances and I bonded over a shared passion for education. Importantly, we’ve had many conversations about the strengths and gaps in current approaches. It’s clear to me that Frances’ mind and heart speak the same language, and it’s the reason I know she’ll make the responsibility of representing others her top priority.
Recently, Frances invited me to collaborate with her Mission Omega Training Program. There, I saw that she is skilled at organizing others who wish to uplift students.
Frances has the right tools to lead. But, above all else, she has the right tools to listen before taking action. For students, parents, educators, and the broader community, she is a great ally who will undoubtedly shape local education matters for the better.
— Christopher Grafos
Ph. D, Student Post-Secondary Advising and Public Speaker
Elementary Schools
Secondary Schools
Your Vote Helps Shape Our Future
You do not need to have a child attending public school to vote for a school board trustee. School board trustees make decisions that affect student achievement and well-being, school safety, educational priorities, public resources and accountability.
When you vote, you are choosing who will listen to your community, ask important questions and advocate for students and families.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Our children’s future matters.
You can vote if you are:
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At least 18 years old (or will be by final voting day);
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A Canadian citizen;
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A Markham resident, landowner or tenant (or the spouse of one); and,
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Registered to vote.
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Find your ward: https://www.markham.ca/elections/voting/voter-information-tool
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Register to vote: https://markham.voterservices.ca/index/1936
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Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.markham.ca/elections/voting/register-vote
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Ways to vote: https://www.markham.ca/elections/voting/ways-vote
Why & How To Vote?
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Get involved and be part of the movement
Our campaign is called “Mission Omega” because we believe in beginning with the end in mind.
Our mission is to help every child discover their strengths, develop their potential and create a meaningful future.
Every volunteer, donation and act of support helps us reach more families, listen to more voices and build a stronger future for our students.
Together, we can LET EVERY CHILD RISE !
DONATION
Thank you for supporting Frances Yau’s YRDSB Trustee campaign, "Mission Omega"!
Your contribution provides valuable resources to help us reach more families, engage our community, and continue working toward a better future for our children. Your support also gives our team encouragement and confidence as we keep moving forward.
Thank you for believing in our vision: Together, we can Let Every Child Rise!
CONTRIBUTION METHODS
DONATE BY E-TRANSFER:
1. Start the E-Transfer from your own online banking website or mobile banking app.
2. Enter FrancesForTrustee@gmail.com as the recipient's email address.
3. Enter the desired amount.
4. Enter the DONOR'S NAME, ADDRESS and PHONE NUMBER in the message box.
DONATE BY CHEQUE:
1. Please make the cheque payable to "Campaign for Frances Yau"
2. Put it in a sealed envelope addressed to "Frances Yau"
3. Drop it off at the front desk of 8854 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON, during the following office hours:
Monday to Friday: 9AM to 8PM | Saturday & Sunday: 10AM to 5PM, except for holidays.
CONTRIBUTION RECEIPTS
A campaign contribution receipt is NOT a tax receipt. Contributions to municipal council and school board campaigns are not deductible against provincial or federal income taxes.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
All contributions are accepted and recorded in accordance with Ontario's Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and applicable campaign finance requirements. Contributor information is maintained for accounting transparency, campaign financial reporting, and receipt purposes as required.