Peacebuilders’ Executive Director Marlon Merraro has been appointed as the first Black-identifying Board Chair of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, North America’s largest child welfare organization.
Peacebuilders Canada is pleased to share that The Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAS of Toronto) has appointed Marlon Merraro as Chair of its Board of Directors. Growing up as an immigrant child, Marlon understood early on that physical and social environments are instrumental in either fostering or hindering the health of a community, families and individuals. As a result, he focussed his academic and professional career on the continuous improvement of interrelated systems, and the impact they have on those who rely on them the most. Marlon has committed his life’s work to level the playing field within diverse geographies for those living in the margins and experiencing complex barriers.
Marlon’s interest in community-building led him to study Social Service Design and Community Development. Throughout his career, Marlon has held progressive leadership positions across the non-profit sector and within government institutions. Marlon is a respected mentor and his expertise is often sought out to consult on issues of diversity, equity and system transformation.
Upon his appointment, Marlon said,
“CAS of Toronto is a leader in the Child Welfare sector. We have a great responsibility to engage in new and uncomfortable conversations, in order to continually improve and address existing concern and make bold decisions to respond to emerging issues, as expected by the community. My priorities, as Chair, will be to drive the important work we’re doing to address the disproportionality of Black and racialized children and youth in care, further our diversity and equity strategy, and advance and encourage conversations within the broader sector.”
Our entire Peacebuilders team is incredibly proud of Marlon for continuing to be a leading voice in community building and child welfare. Please join us in congratulating Marlon on this significant achievement.
Full article: http://pridenews.ca/2021/12/06/black-canadian-appointed-children-aid-society-torontos-board-chair/
To learn more about the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, please visit: https://www.torontocas.ca/