BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brenda Abrams, Chair | LinkedIn
Prior to her retirement, Brenda Abrams was the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Vice-President, Regulatory Services. She was part of the WSIB’s Senior Management Team, responsible for strategic, legal, regulatory, and compliance advice to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Senior Management. Holding progressively more senior roles with the WSIB, she was ultimately responsible for legal services, privacy, investigations, prosecutions, employer audit services and collections services. Brenda has 20 years of experience in board roles in the not-for-profit and charitable sectors. She has served as Chair of Toronto North Support Services (now merged with LOFT), Chair of Children’s Wish Foundation (now merged with Make-A-Wish Foundation), and Vice-Chair of Girl Guides of Canada. She was also a committee chair or member on committees including Strategic Planning, Audit & Finance, Governance and Appeals.
She currently chairs The Children’s Book Bank and the ETFO Employee Life and Health Trust. Brenda holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor. She holds certifications in mediation, human resources, and strategic leadership. She has also participated in coaching and enterprise risk programs. She was appointed King’s Counsel in 2023.
When as to pick her favourite book, Brenda responded, “That wouldn’t be fair to the other books!” When she joined the Board of Directors of The Children’s Book Bank, it represented a singular opportunity to fan her passion for her first love—books. Books gave her a love of learning, time to think and stretch her brain in multiple directions, to be inquisitive because the worlds contained in books offered variety, complexity, the unexpected, and the chance to be part of vastly different communities. Who wouldn’t want to travel to another world through a wardrobe or a looking glass, meet the BFG or a Hungry Caterpillar, be a smart, independent, and self-reliant young detective solving mysteries, or learn about tesseracts or visit Arrakis. Bringing books and children together builds community. The Children’s Book Bank is a community.
Melissa Cassar | LinkedIn
Melissa Cassar is Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at QuadReal Property Group. Since 2023, Melissa has been responsible for fortifying QuadReal’s culture and leading the company’s external brand and reputation management.
A senior communications, marketing, and public affairs professional, Melissa has two decades of experience across multiple industries, including financial services, technology, and government. She has helped organizations communicate, navigate and lead in times of change, and has established programs to strengthen brands, mitigate risk and engage employees at the global, national, and local levels. Previously, Melissa was the Global Head of Corporate Affairs and Commercial Communications at Thomson Reuters, and prior to that, Melissa held senior global positions in the United States with HSBC Bank USA, BNY Mellon and Visa. She also previously served as policy advisor and legislative aide in two consecutive Canadian federal governments.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics and International Relations from the University of Toronto, a Master of Arts in International Communications from the University of Leeds and a Master of Business Administration from Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Children’s Book Bank in Toronto.
Yun Cheng
Born and raised in Toronto, Yun Cheng is an educator, social justice advocate, and dedicated parent with over 20 years of experience in the Toronto District School Board. She holds both a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Education degree, blending academic knowledge with a deep passion for teaching. As a parent and lifelong advocate for public education, she understands the transformative power of books and literacy.
Throughout her career, Yun has dedicated much of her work to addressing systemic issues affecting communities and striving to create inclusive environments where all children can thrive. Her focus on bringing a community perspective to the Board helps ensure the organization remains attuned to the diverse needs of the children and families it serves.
As a child, Yun’s favourite book was The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base, a story she spent hours poring over, exploring its intricate illustrations and solving its mysteries. Growing up without a home library, she understands the profound impact that having access to books can have on a child's imagination and learning. This is why she values the work of The Children’s Book Bank so deeply—seeing the joy on children’s faces when they find that one special book to take home is something that resonates with her on a personal level.
Yun’s connection to The Children's Book Bank is both personal and professional. For many years, she and her children have volunteered at the Book Bank, and she has brought her students for monthly visits each year to share the wonder of reading. She has seen firsthand how books can spark curiosity and a sense of belonging in children. Her love for the organization stems from its mission to provide books to children who may not otherwise have access, and she believes in the life-changing impact of giving every child the opportunity to take home their very own book.
As a member of the Board of Directors, Yun is proud to contribute to an organization that helps make books accessible to children who need them most, fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Madhu Rupasinghe | LinkedIn
Madhu Rupasinghe is a seasoned social impact leader with over a decade of experience designing and leading sustainability and social impact programs across both corporate and non-profit sectors. She currently leads Indigenous engagement and sustainability initiatives at Hydro One and has previously held key roles in social impact marketing, fundraising, and corporate partnerships.
As a Board Member of The Children’s Book Bank, Madhu draws on her fundraising expertise to help grow the organization’s reach and expand access to free books and literacy programs for children across Toronto.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Madhu enjoys exploring Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods, curling up with a good book, and working toward her Culinary Arts Certificate.