If you are interested in finding out more about how you can get involved with YUEAN or want to hear more about their upcoming initiatives, please contact Yasmine Mensah, Alumni Engagement Officer at mensahy@yorku.ca.
Meet the 2024-2026 Executive Team
Jason A. Singh
Chair
BEd ’11
Jason A. Singh, a proud York University BEd graduate, co-founded the York University Faculty of Education Alumni Network (YUEAN) in 2023 and now serves as its Chair. Drawing from his roles as a high school principal at Elpis College in Toronto and an elementary school principal at Michikan Lake School in Bearskin Lake, he is the Director of Education at Medix College. In this role, he focuses on faculty development and student success through the creation of equitable learning environments. Jason's passion for education and community building is reflected in his published works and his leadership roles in alumni engagement and mentorship.
Robert Deonarine
Network Leader
BEd ’07
Robert Deonarine studied criminology, political science and philosophy at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Since graduating from UTM in May 2006, Robert continued to pursue his education with a Bachelor of Education through the Faculty of Education in 2007 from York University followed by a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies 2008 at TMU (formally Ryerson University). Following his years of formal education Robert continued to work for the Canadian Forces as a Reservists for over 13 years and recently attained the Canadian Decoration (CD) Medal designation from the Governor General of Canada. In 2007, Robert got his first full-time position as an Art and Computer teacher for the Peel District School Board (PDSB). Following a one-year stint in the elementary panel Robert moved on to the secondary panel as an ASD, Special Education teacher, and History teacher. Currently, Robert is a full time Health and Physical Education teacher and former Curriculum Head of the PDSB and an Assistant Administrator for Continuing Education.
Esther Martinez
Network Leader
BEd ’21, BA ’21, MEd ’24
Esther is a three-time graduate of York University, earning a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education. During her graduate studies, she served as a Graduate Conference Coordinator and MEd Co-Chair for the York Graduate Students in Education (YGSE), and was actively involved as a President’s Ambassador and Student Alumni Ambassador. Esther was the recipient of the Cornerstone Leadership in Action Graduating Student Award for two consecutive years, highlighting her dedication to fostering supportive and engaging communities. She remains actively involved with York as part of the YUEAN and as a Young Alumni Ambassador. Esther is also the founder of Raíces, an initiative created to support Latino students in their educational and career journeys.
Blessing Owusu
Network Leader
BA ’17, BEd ’19, MEd ’24
Blessing is an educator, children’s book author, and dedicated advocate for equity and inclusivity in education. A leader in inclusive teaching, her master’s research on Black students’ experiences in schools led to the creation of Abena’s Adventures: A Taste of Home, a children’s book inspired by her Ghanaian‑Canadian heritage that is now used in classrooms to celebrate cultural identity and belonging. She also launched Lessons With Blessing, an online platform offering resources to help educators create equitable, affirming learning environments. These innovative contributions, reflecting her commitment to “bringing inclusivity and equity to the forefront” of teaching, research and advocacy earned her a place on York’s 2025 Top 30 Alumni Under 30 list.
Mizgin Semsur
Network Leader
MEd, BEd, Hons. B.A.
Mizgin is a secondary school teacher who works in a public school board with students from all walks of life. Mizgin’s current practice focuses on the multilingual language learner community at the school. She works closely with educators, administrators, and families to ensure student success in language proficiency in English. Drawing on research findings from the Faculty of Education at York University, Mizgin uses a research-based approach in fostering a learning environment that is culturally relevant and responsive to all learners. Her goal is to continue her learning through professional development opportunities to utilize different methods and techniques to support her students in achieving their potential.