About MHI's patrons
We are privileged to have the support of Religious Patrons (who are formal faith community leaders) and Civic Patrons (who are recognized leaders within the community and/or field of endeavour) who:
- support the mission and goals of MHI
- promote MHI within their constituency
- network and provide advice to MHI’s staff and directors concerning their constituency
- represent and speak publicly in support of MHI
MHI religious patrons
Reverend Dr. Anthony Bailey | Christian (United), Parkdale United Church
Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey became a MHI Religious Patron in 2017. He has been ministering to the Parkdale United Church community in Ottawa since 1999. Rev. Dr. Bailey is a leader in interfaith collaboration and is a strong promoter of social justice issues, affordable housing, and providing food and shelter for all. He was a recipient of the 2020 Order of Ottawa.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blum | Jewish, Ottawa Torah Centre
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blum became a MHI Religious Patron in 2018. Rabbi Blum is the founder and spiritual leader of the Ottawa Torah Centre (OTC). Rabbi Blum actively seeks opportunities to help increase knowledge of the Jewish faith and commitment to diversity and inclusion including Jewish-Muslim relationships and acceptance.
Donna Boisvert | Christian (Baptist), Sequoia Community Church
Donna Boisvert became a MHI Religious Patron in 2018. She is the Connect, Community & Operations Director of Sequoia Community Church. In this role, she has led volunteers from the congregation in an active ministry of programs and service at The Haven.
Reverend Dianne Cardin | Christian (United), Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council
Rev. Dianne Cardin became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. She retired from full time ministry in the United Church of Canada in 2009 and now serves as a short term supply minister. She has been involved with MHI since 2002: volunteering at The Haven, initiating the United Church Region Quilts for Veterans’ House project as well as giving leadership to their United We Stand worship service and the Regional Fundraising for Veterans’ House Canada.
The Most Reverend Marcel Damphousse | Christian (Roman Catholic), Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese Of Ottawa-Cornwall
Archbishop Marcel Damphousse became a Religious Patron in 2022. He was ordained a priest in 1991 for the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface and became Rector of the Cathedral in 2008. He was ordained Bishop for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall on September 2nd, 2012 and in 2015 was appointed the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In May 2020, He was named the coadjutor archbishop of the newly created Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, and succeeded Archbishop Terrence Prendergast following the latter's retirement in December 2020. He has an interest in spiritual theology, evangelization, and the world of sports.
Imam Zijad Delić | Muslim, South Nepean Muslim Community
Imam Ziad Delić became a MHI Religious Patron in 2012. In April 2004, he helped organize a meeting between Muslim leaders and rabbis. This led to the creation of the annual Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk. In 2007, Imam Delić became the first Muslim ever to be a guest speaker at the Canadian Conference of Catholic bishops in Cornwall Ontario.
Reverend Fred Demaray | Christian (Baptist), First Baptist Church
Reverend Fred Demaray became a MHI Religious Patron in 2015. He is a retired Baptist Minister who served on the Board of MHI and then became the Baptist Patron. He serves on the Membership and Outreach Committee of MHI, and is involved in Ecumenical and Interfaith work in the city. In 2020, he was awarded MHI’s Gay Richardson Volunteer Award.
Reverend Dr. Karen Dimock | Christian (Presbyterian), St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Ottawa
Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock became a MHI Religious Patron in 2017. She is the minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Ottawa with a PhD. in neuroscience as well as a theological degree. She has a passion for discovering the world in which we live and our own place and calling in it.
Elder Albert Dumont | Algonquin Nation, Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa
Elder Albert Dumont, “South Wind”, became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. He is a Poet, Storyteller, Speaker, and an Algonquin Traditional Teacher. He was born in traditional Algonquin Territory (Kitigan Zibi). He has dedicated his life to promoting Indigenous spirituality and healing and to protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples. He is the 2021-2022 English Poet Laureate for the City of Ottawa.
Rabbi Steven Garten | Jewish, Emeritus, Temple Israel
Rabbi Steven Garten has been a MHI Religious Patron since 2006. He became Temple Israel’s Rabbi Emeritus in June 2014 after nineteen years as Senior Rabbi. Throughout, he has been an active participant in MHI events and interfaith dialogue more generally. He hosts Jewish Faith and Facts, a weekly radio show on CHRI radio in Ottawa.
Sister Jean Goulet | Christian (Roman Catholic), Sisters of Holy Cross
Sister Jean Goulet, c.s.c., a Sister of Holy Cross, became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. She is a founding member of MHI and her community has always been a strong supporter of MHI. She was director of the office for ecumenical and interfaith relations for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and has been committed for years to interfaith dialogue and interfaith collaboration, especially for affordable housing.
Imam Sikander Hashmi | Muslim, Kanata Muslim Association
Imam Sikander Hashemi became a MHI Religious Patron in 2018. He is a passionate community builder focused on bringing people together. First in Kingston and now in Kanata, serving as an Imam for the Kanata Muslim Association, Imam Hashemi has worked to promote understanding, harmony, mutual respect and inclusiveness within the Muslim community and in the broader community.
Chaplain Barbara Helms | Muslim, Cordova Spiritual Education Center
Sister Barbara Helms became a MHI Religious Patron in 2019. Among her contributions to the Canadian Muslim community, she established an Islamic educational centre and school for Muslim girls in Cornwall, and has been providing professional psychotherapy to Muslim community members, through her private practice as a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO. She has been a chaplain with Cordova Spiritual Education Centre since 2013, and is the first female Muslim chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, enrolling in 2017 and currently serving with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment.
Imam Sheikh Haitham Hujaij | Muslim, Ahlul Bayt Center
His eminence Sheikh Haitham Hujaij became a MHI Religious Patron in 2019. He is a well-known spiritual leader in the Muslim community in the National Capital Region. He has been serving as the Imam, spiritual counsellor and resident scholar of Ahlul Bayt Center, Ottawa, for over 15 years. Ahlul-Bayt Centre is a voice for thousands of Muslim Canadian members in the National Capital Region.
Wendy James | Baha'i, Baha'i Community of Ottawa
Wendy James became a MHI Religious Patron in 2015. She is a long-standing and dedicated member of the Bahá’í Community of Ottawa, working tirelessly in support of her community. That community has been a deeply-involved supporter of MHI since 2015.
Rabbi Eytan Kenter | Jewish, Kehillat Beth Israel
Rabbi Eytan Kenter became a MHI Religious Patron in 2019. He joined the Kehillat Beth Israel Congregation (KBI) in Ottawa as Senior Rabbi in 2016. He has been active in developing ties with religious communities of Ottawa. He has been a strong supporter of MHI, including inviting MHI speakers to his synagogue and leading a Passover Seder at The Haven.
Reverend Martin Malina | Christian (Lutheran), Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
Pastor Martin Malina became an MHI Religious Patron in January 2013. He is the Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Ottawa and presently serves as the Dean of the Ottawa Ministry Area in the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. In addition, he is the National Coordinator of the Canadian Christian Meditation Community.
Reverend Eric Meter| Unitarian, First Unitarian Church
Rev. Eric Meter became an MHI Religious Patron in 2022. He has served Unitarian Universalist congregations since 1997, and has worked to turn members of those congregations to the need of safe affordable housing, and to alleviate, if of not end, homelessness. A new settler to Canada from the US, Rev Eric has worked with local homeless shelters, city planning agencies and Habitat for Humanity in Ohio, New York and California.
Imam Samy Metwally | Muslim, Islamic Society of Gloucester
Imam Samy Metwally became a MHI Religious Patron in 2012. He is a prominent community leader. He is a very dedicated voice against hate and a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue. For over five years, he served as the Imam for the Ottawa Main Mosque. He now serves as the Imam of the Islamic Society of Gloucester in Ottawa.
Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg | Jewish, Temple Israel Ottawa
Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020, soon after his appointment as Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel Ottawa in 2019. He is a strong progressive voice for tikkun olam and inclusivity. Rabbi Mikelberg is proud to be a part of congregation efforts working towards Indigenous reconciliation and standing up to racism. He has volunteered on service projects in El Salvador, Cuba, and Ghana.
Reverend Fr. Emeka Onyeogubalu | Christian (Roman Catholic), Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.
Reverend Fr. Emeka Onyeogubalu became a MHI Religious Patron in 2021. Fr. Emeka is the Priest at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, and the Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.
Rt. Reverend Shane Parker | Christian (Anglican), Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Bishop Shane Parker became an MHI Religious Patron in 2020. On May 31, 2020, he became the 10th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. Over the years, he has taken an active interest in MHI’s work and other social justice issues. In 2010, Bishop Shane was the recipient of the Interfaith Ottawa Award for devoted service to promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
The Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast | Christian (Roman Catholic), Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa
Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, SJ: Archbishop Prendergast, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ottawa, became a patron of MHI in 2009. In 2020 the Diocese was merged with the Diocese of Cornwall-Alexandria as the Diocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. In December, 2020 he resigned and was named Archbishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. He is currently the apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Hearst-Moosonee. He has been an active and strong supporter of MHI.
Rabbi Idan Scher | Jewish Orthodox, Congregation Machzikei Hadas
Rabbi Ilan Scher became a MHI Religious Patron in 2022. He worked closely with former Religious Patron Rabbi Bulka (z”l) as the junior Rabbi over a 4 year period and subsequently became the Head Rabbi of Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Alta Vsta. Rabbi Scher is a dynamic and sought-after speaker, and a warm and engaging relationship-builder. He participated as a panelist in the “Remembering Rabbi Bulka of Blessed Memory -Sukkot, Multifaith Housing Initiative and the Blessing of Secure Housing" event organized by Congregations Kehillat Beth Israel ,Temple Israel and Jewish Family Services in 2021.
Reverend David Sherwin | Christian (United), Christian Council of the Capital Area
Rev. David Sherwin has been the minister at Zion Memorial United Church in Carleton Place since January 2019. Previously he served as Executive Minister for Ottawa Presbytery of the United Church of Canada for four years and was Director of Faith and Arts Ottawa for three years. He chairs the Christian Council of the Capital Region.
Dr. Imam Muhammad Suliman | Muslim, Ottawa Muslim Association
Dr. Muhammad Suliman became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. He was an assistant professor at Alazhar University, Cairo, Egypt. He became Imam at the Ottawa Mosque and for the Ottawa Muslim Association in February 2020. Dr. Suliman is supportive of the work MHI is doing and recognizes the need for affordable housing.
Nityanand Varma | Hindu
Nityanand Varma has been a MHI Religious Patron since 2007. A member of the Hindu community, he has a long history of community involvement in Ottawa, including as MHI’s President between 2009 and 2011.
Rev. Dr. Anthony Bailey became a MHI Religious Patron in 2017. He has been ministering to the Parkdale United Church community in Ottawa since 1999. Rev. Dr. Bailey is a leader in interfaith collaboration and is a strong promoter of social justice issues, affordable housing, and providing food and shelter for all. He was a recipient of the 2020 Order of Ottawa.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blum | Jewish, Ottawa Torah Centre
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Blum became a MHI Religious Patron in 2018. Rabbi Blum is the founder and spiritual leader of the Ottawa Torah Centre (OTC). Rabbi Blum actively seeks opportunities to help increase knowledge of the Jewish faith and commitment to diversity and inclusion including Jewish-Muslim relationships and acceptance.
Donna Boisvert | Christian (Baptist), Sequoia Community Church
Donna Boisvert became a MHI Religious Patron in 2018. She is the Connect, Community & Operations Director of Sequoia Community Church. In this role, she has led volunteers from the congregation in an active ministry of programs and service at The Haven.
Reverend Dianne Cardin | Christian (United), Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council
Rev. Dianne Cardin became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. She retired from full time ministry in the United Church of Canada in 2009 and now serves as a short term supply minister. She has been involved with MHI since 2002: volunteering at The Haven, initiating the United Church Region Quilts for Veterans’ House project as well as giving leadership to their United We Stand worship service and the Regional Fundraising for Veterans’ House Canada.
The Most Reverend Marcel Damphousse | Christian (Roman Catholic), Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese Of Ottawa-Cornwall
Archbishop Marcel Damphousse became a Religious Patron in 2022. He was ordained a priest in 1991 for the Archdiocese of Saint Boniface and became Rector of the Cathedral in 2008. He was ordained Bishop for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall on September 2nd, 2012 and in 2015 was appointed the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In May 2020, He was named the coadjutor archbishop of the newly created Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall, and succeeded Archbishop Terrence Prendergast following the latter's retirement in December 2020. He has an interest in spiritual theology, evangelization, and the world of sports.
Imam Zijad Delić | Muslim, South Nepean Muslim Community
Imam Ziad Delić became a MHI Religious Patron in 2012. In April 2004, he helped organize a meeting between Muslim leaders and rabbis. This led to the creation of the annual Muslim-Jewish Peace Walk. In 2007, Imam Delić became the first Muslim ever to be a guest speaker at the Canadian Conference of Catholic bishops in Cornwall Ontario.
Reverend Fred Demaray | Christian (Baptist), First Baptist Church
Reverend Fred Demaray became a MHI Religious Patron in 2015. He is a retired Baptist Minister who served on the Board of MHI and then became the Baptist Patron. He serves on the Membership and Outreach Committee of MHI, and is involved in Ecumenical and Interfaith work in the city. In 2020, he was awarded MHI’s Gay Richardson Volunteer Award.
Reverend Dr. Karen Dimock | Christian (Presbyterian), St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Ottawa
Rev. Dr. Karen Dimock became a MHI Religious Patron in 2017. She is the minister of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Ottawa with a PhD. in neuroscience as well as a theological degree. She has a passion for discovering the world in which we live and our own place and calling in it.
Elder Albert Dumont | Algonquin Nation, Christ Church Cathedral, Ottawa
Elder Albert Dumont, “South Wind”, became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. He is a Poet, Storyteller, Speaker, and an Algonquin Traditional Teacher. He was born in traditional Algonquin Territory (Kitigan Zibi). He has dedicated his life to promoting Indigenous spirituality and healing and to protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples. He is the 2021-2022 English Poet Laureate for the City of Ottawa.
Rabbi Steven Garten | Jewish, Emeritus, Temple Israel
Rabbi Steven Garten has been a MHI Religious Patron since 2006. He became Temple Israel’s Rabbi Emeritus in June 2014 after nineteen years as Senior Rabbi. Throughout, he has been an active participant in MHI events and interfaith dialogue more generally. He hosts Jewish Faith and Facts, a weekly radio show on CHRI radio in Ottawa.
Sister Jean Goulet | Christian (Roman Catholic), Sisters of Holy Cross
Sister Jean Goulet, c.s.c., a Sister of Holy Cross, became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. She is a founding member of MHI and her community has always been a strong supporter of MHI. She was director of the office for ecumenical and interfaith relations for the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and has been committed for years to interfaith dialogue and interfaith collaboration, especially for affordable housing.
Imam Sikander Hashmi | Muslim, Kanata Muslim Association
Imam Sikander Hashemi became a MHI Religious Patron in 2018. He is a passionate community builder focused on bringing people together. First in Kingston and now in Kanata, serving as an Imam for the Kanata Muslim Association, Imam Hashemi has worked to promote understanding, harmony, mutual respect and inclusiveness within the Muslim community and in the broader community.
Chaplain Barbara Helms | Muslim, Cordova Spiritual Education Center
Sister Barbara Helms became a MHI Religious Patron in 2019. Among her contributions to the Canadian Muslim community, she established an Islamic educational centre and school for Muslim girls in Cornwall, and has been providing professional psychotherapy to Muslim community members, through her private practice as a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO. She has been a chaplain with Cordova Spiritual Education Centre since 2013, and is the first female Muslim chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, enrolling in 2017 and currently serving with the 30th Field Artillery Regiment.
Imam Sheikh Haitham Hujaij | Muslim, Ahlul Bayt Center
His eminence Sheikh Haitham Hujaij became a MHI Religious Patron in 2019. He is a well-known spiritual leader in the Muslim community in the National Capital Region. He has been serving as the Imam, spiritual counsellor and resident scholar of Ahlul Bayt Center, Ottawa, for over 15 years. Ahlul-Bayt Centre is a voice for thousands of Muslim Canadian members in the National Capital Region.
Wendy James | Baha'i, Baha'i Community of Ottawa
Wendy James became a MHI Religious Patron in 2015. She is a long-standing and dedicated member of the Bahá’í Community of Ottawa, working tirelessly in support of her community. That community has been a deeply-involved supporter of MHI since 2015.
Rabbi Eytan Kenter | Jewish, Kehillat Beth Israel
Rabbi Eytan Kenter became a MHI Religious Patron in 2019. He joined the Kehillat Beth Israel Congregation (KBI) in Ottawa as Senior Rabbi in 2016. He has been active in developing ties with religious communities of Ottawa. He has been a strong supporter of MHI, including inviting MHI speakers to his synagogue and leading a Passover Seder at The Haven.
Reverend Martin Malina | Christian (Lutheran), Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
Pastor Martin Malina became an MHI Religious Patron in January 2013. He is the Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Ottawa and presently serves as the Dean of the Ottawa Ministry Area in the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. In addition, he is the National Coordinator of the Canadian Christian Meditation Community.
Reverend Eric Meter| Unitarian, First Unitarian Church
Rev. Eric Meter became an MHI Religious Patron in 2022. He has served Unitarian Universalist congregations since 1997, and has worked to turn members of those congregations to the need of safe affordable housing, and to alleviate, if of not end, homelessness. A new settler to Canada from the US, Rev Eric has worked with local homeless shelters, city planning agencies and Habitat for Humanity in Ohio, New York and California.
Imam Samy Metwally | Muslim, Islamic Society of Gloucester
Imam Samy Metwally became a MHI Religious Patron in 2012. He is a prominent community leader. He is a very dedicated voice against hate and a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue. For over five years, he served as the Imam for the Ottawa Main Mosque. He now serves as the Imam of the Islamic Society of Gloucester in Ottawa.
Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg | Jewish, Temple Israel Ottawa
Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020, soon after his appointment as Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel Ottawa in 2019. He is a strong progressive voice for tikkun olam and inclusivity. Rabbi Mikelberg is proud to be a part of congregation efforts working towards Indigenous reconciliation and standing up to racism. He has volunteered on service projects in El Salvador, Cuba, and Ghana.
Reverend Fr. Emeka Onyeogubalu | Christian (Roman Catholic), Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.
Reverend Fr. Emeka Onyeogubalu became a MHI Religious Patron in 2021. Fr. Emeka is the Priest at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, and the Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.
Rt. Reverend Shane Parker | Christian (Anglican), Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Bishop Shane Parker became an MHI Religious Patron in 2020. On May 31, 2020, he became the 10th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. Over the years, he has taken an active interest in MHI’s work and other social justice issues. In 2010, Bishop Shane was the recipient of the Interfaith Ottawa Award for devoted service to promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
The Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast | Christian (Roman Catholic), Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa
Most Reverend Terrence Prendergast, SJ: Archbishop Prendergast, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ottawa, became a patron of MHI in 2009. In 2020 the Diocese was merged with the Diocese of Cornwall-Alexandria as the Diocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. In December, 2020 he resigned and was named Archbishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. He is currently the apostolic administrator for the Diocese of Hearst-Moosonee. He has been an active and strong supporter of MHI.
Rabbi Idan Scher | Jewish Orthodox, Congregation Machzikei Hadas
Rabbi Ilan Scher became a MHI Religious Patron in 2022. He worked closely with former Religious Patron Rabbi Bulka (z”l) as the junior Rabbi over a 4 year period and subsequently became the Head Rabbi of Congregation Machzikei Hadas in Alta Vsta. Rabbi Scher is a dynamic and sought-after speaker, and a warm and engaging relationship-builder. He participated as a panelist in the “Remembering Rabbi Bulka of Blessed Memory -Sukkot, Multifaith Housing Initiative and the Blessing of Secure Housing" event organized by Congregations Kehillat Beth Israel ,Temple Israel and Jewish Family Services in 2021.
Reverend David Sherwin | Christian (United), Christian Council of the Capital Area
Rev. David Sherwin has been the minister at Zion Memorial United Church in Carleton Place since January 2019. Previously he served as Executive Minister for Ottawa Presbytery of the United Church of Canada for four years and was Director of Faith and Arts Ottawa for three years. He chairs the Christian Council of the Capital Region.
Dr. Imam Muhammad Suliman | Muslim, Ottawa Muslim Association
Dr. Muhammad Suliman became a MHI Religious Patron in 2020. He was an assistant professor at Alazhar University, Cairo, Egypt. He became Imam at the Ottawa Mosque and for the Ottawa Muslim Association in February 2020. Dr. Suliman is supportive of the work MHI is doing and recognizes the need for affordable housing.
Nityanand Varma | Hindu
Nityanand Varma has been a MHI Religious Patron since 2007. A member of the Hindu community, he has a long history of community involvement in Ottawa, including as MHI’s President between 2009 and 2011.
MHI civic patrons
David Spring | David Spring has been involved in the work of MHI for several years, both as an interested supporter and as a member of the MOC. For most of his career he worked for CIDA designing, planning and managing programs in Africa and Asia around microfinancing and small enterprise development. David is currently a member of the board of the Centre for Social Enterprise Development.
Amy Awad | Amy Awad is a long-time volunteer in the Ottawa community. She has assumed various responsibilities with the Muslim Association of Canada including in their Ottawa education and community engagement portfolio and has been a champion for human rights and civic activism.
Dr. Sheema Khan | Sheema Khan holds a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard University, and is currently a patent agent at Kinaxis. She has been a monthly columnist with the Globe and Mail since 2002, and currently serves on the Board of the Harvard Club of Ottawa. She has served on the board of the United Nations Association in Canada and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. She is also active with a number of local community organizations.
Dr. Aisha Sherazi | Aisha Sherazi was born and raised in the UK, where she completed her PhD at Brunel University in Environmental Ecotoxicology. She is an active community volunteer and writes freelance editorials in various newspapers. She runs a small school program, Al-Furqan School for the Muslim Association of Canada and was the Principal at their Abraar School for three years in 2003.
Dr. Monia Mazigh | Monia Mazigh is an award-winning Canadian author and academic born in Tunisia. She is an Adjunct and Research Professor at Carleton University at the Department of English and Literature and is an active member of several community organizations, both Ottawa-based and national, including the Ottawa Muslim Women's Organization.
Sarah Caspi | Jewish Family Services (JFS of Ottawa), where she brings a commitment to social services, equity, advocacy, and mental health supports for the Jewish and larger Ottawa community.
Nazira Naz Tareen | Ottawa Muslim Women's Organization, (Founder & First President. Established in 2001), Christian Muslim Dialogue (Member since 1990), recipient of numerous awards for outstanding volunteering and contributions.
Carl Nicholson | Catholic Centre For Immigrants Executive Director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants and Executive Director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants Foundation. Carl has been recognized widely for his myriad contributions to the community, including the Order of Ottawa and the Ontario 150 award among others.
Professor Rao Nanduri | has served the Montreal and Ottawa communities for many years, including as President of Indian Fine Arts Society (Bharatiya Sangeeta Sangham), and Chairman, The Great India Festival, Ottawa (continuing). His greatest passion is the study of cultures and performing arts of various cultures and their global connections.
Inspector David Zackrias | Ottawa Police Service, believes that inclusion is fundamental to public safety, and that celebrating, encouraging and respecting diversity makes Ottawa safer and stronger. A former member of the Capital Region Interfaith Council and Interfaith Ottawa, and a proud recipient of the Peace Award from the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution, Zackrias continues his passion for building relations with Ottawa’s marginalized communities.
Amy Awad | Amy Awad is a long-time volunteer in the Ottawa community. She has assumed various responsibilities with the Muslim Association of Canada including in their Ottawa education and community engagement portfolio and has been a champion for human rights and civic activism.
Dr. Sheema Khan | Sheema Khan holds a PhD in Chemical Physics from Harvard University, and is currently a patent agent at Kinaxis. She has been a monthly columnist with the Globe and Mail since 2002, and currently serves on the Board of the Harvard Club of Ottawa. She has served on the board of the United Nations Association in Canada and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. She is also active with a number of local community organizations.
Dr. Aisha Sherazi | Aisha Sherazi was born and raised in the UK, where she completed her PhD at Brunel University in Environmental Ecotoxicology. She is an active community volunteer and writes freelance editorials in various newspapers. She runs a small school program, Al-Furqan School for the Muslim Association of Canada and was the Principal at their Abraar School for three years in 2003.
Dr. Monia Mazigh | Monia Mazigh is an award-winning Canadian author and academic born in Tunisia. She is an Adjunct and Research Professor at Carleton University at the Department of English and Literature and is an active member of several community organizations, both Ottawa-based and national, including the Ottawa Muslim Women's Organization.
Sarah Caspi | Jewish Family Services (JFS of Ottawa), where she brings a commitment to social services, equity, advocacy, and mental health supports for the Jewish and larger Ottawa community.
Nazira Naz Tareen | Ottawa Muslim Women's Organization, (Founder & First President. Established in 2001), Christian Muslim Dialogue (Member since 1990), recipient of numerous awards for outstanding volunteering and contributions.
Carl Nicholson | Catholic Centre For Immigrants Executive Director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants and Executive Director of the Catholic Centre for Immigrants Foundation. Carl has been recognized widely for his myriad contributions to the community, including the Order of Ottawa and the Ontario 150 award among others.
Professor Rao Nanduri | has served the Montreal and Ottawa communities for many years, including as President of Indian Fine Arts Society (Bharatiya Sangeeta Sangham), and Chairman, The Great India Festival, Ottawa (continuing). His greatest passion is the study of cultures and performing arts of various cultures and their global connections.
Inspector David Zackrias | Ottawa Police Service, believes that inclusion is fundamental to public safety, and that celebrating, encouraging and respecting diversity makes Ottawa safer and stronger. A former member of the Capital Region Interfaith Council and Interfaith Ottawa, and a proud recipient of the Peace Award from the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution, Zackrias continues his passion for building relations with Ottawa’s marginalized communities.
