91��ɫ

Esther Martinez

Educator and Founder, Raíces 
BA ’21

As the founder of Raíces, Esther Martinez leads an initiative that supports youth in their educational and career journeys through interactive workshops, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities that connect participants with professionals from diverse fields. Since its launch, Raíces has received strong engagement from parents, youth leaders, and the Latino community who recognize the need for dedicated support and greater representation across all sectors. Esther also represents 91��ɫ as a young alumni ambassador, supporting events and initiatives. She is also the vice-chair for the 91��ɫ Faculty of Education Alumni Network (YUEAN), where she strengthens alumni relations and fosters connection across the faculty community. 

To celebrate this achievement, we reached out to Esther to explore how her studies in Children, Childhood & Youth have influenced her journey.

Fernanda Sierra Suárez

Community artist 
BA ’20

Fernanda Sierra Suárez is a community artist and arts worker, recently working as the community engagement and programs manager at Culture Days National, organizing the largest annual arts and culture festival in Canada. Over the past 15 years, Culture Days has hosted over 50,000 arts and culture community-based events reaching over 20 million people. Fernanda co-founded Creato Community, a grassroots organization dedicated to connecting, supporting and amplifying Latin American creatives in Canada. Through her community arts work, she engages newcomer and immigrant artists through free community-based arts programming, participatory art-making activities and career development events. She continues to give back to 91��ɫ as an annual guest speaker in HUMA 3207/4207 Doing Culture, and as a placement supervisor.