Parent • Community advocate • Candidate
Listening carefully. Working practically. Serving with purpose.
Yan Zhou is a father of three, a Catholic school parent in Markham Area 2, and a registered candidate for YCDSB trustee representing Markham Wards 4, 5, 7 and 8.
His approach is grounded in school participation, community service, responsible financial stewardship and helping families understand how education systems work.
Experience that connects to the role
A perspective shaped by family, schools and service
Titles matter less than what they teach: how to listen, read the details, work across viewpoints and follow through.
01
Parent and school community
As a father of three and Catholic school parent, Yan has participated in school councils, education advocacy and school-resource fundraising. He has also helped families locate information about student supports.
02
Student and family advocacy
Through education and community roles, Yan has worked with families navigating gifted learning, special education, parent participation and public information—while keeping the broader goal of strong classrooms for every student.
03
Stewardship and judgement
As a volunteer Treasurer of ABC Ontario, Yan brings experience with nonprofit budgeting and financial stewardship. His real estate career separately contributes experience in negotiation, listening and helping families make informed decisions.
Community recognition
Service recognized in Markham and beyond
In July 2026, Yan received the Canada Strong Medal in recognition of outstanding contributions to helping build a stronger Canada. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award in 2022 and the Markham–Unionville Achievement Award in 2025.
Community service in practice
Showing up, contributing and following through
ACE Ontario
As founding president of Active Community Engagement, Yan helped establish community-service, youth civic-engagement and public-information initiatives.
ABC Ontario
As Treasurer of ABC Ontario, Yan serves in a volunteer capacity, supporting responsible financial stewardship, sustainable organizational growth and practical advocacy for gifted learners and their families.
Children’s Liturgy
At Blessed Frédéric Ozanam Parish, Yan supports age-appropriate faith formation, patient listening and creative activities that help young children engage with the Gospel.
Toronto Cathay Lions Club
Across approximately ten years of service, Yan has been Membership Chair, Vice-President, and now Webmaster and Director—supporting membership, communications and charitable projects.
Markham Stouffville Hospital
Yan has supported the hospital foundation through donations, fundraising outreach and community connections, including helping coordinate in-kind PPE support during COVID-19.
Professional experience
Outside education and community work, Yan is a real estate professional. This experience has strengthened his skills in listening, negotiation, budgeting and helping families make informed decisions—skills he brings to public service and community advocacy.
Learn more, then decide for yourself
Explore Yan’s three priorities, his detailed reason for running, or send a question through the secure contact form.
About this website: Yan Zhou Education provides practical information about YCDSB programs, school policies, special education, school councils and parent participation. Explore the YCDSB Parent Resource Library, the education blog, or the 中文家長指南.
Last reviewed July 19, 2026.