2019’s Judges:

Amira Elghawaby

 Amira Elghawaby is an award-winning journalist and human rights advocate. Along with frequent appearances on Canadian and international news networks, Amira has written and produced stories and commentary for CBC Radio, the Ottawa Citizen, the Toronto Star, the Literary Review of Canada, and the Globe and Mail.  Amira spent five years promoting the civil liberties of Canadian Muslims as human rights officer and later, as director of communications, at the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) between 2012 to the fall of 2017. She is currently involved with several initiatives to promote civic engagement in diverse communities, including as a founding board member of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, the Silk Road Institute and as an advisor to the Muslim Youth Fellowship in Toronto. Amira obtained an honours degree in Journalism and Law from Carleton University in 2001.
Ahmed Khalil

 Ahmed Khalil is a second generation Canadian Muslim, inspirational speaker, imam, and da’wah coordinator. He is the manager of the MAC Youth Centre in Ottawa, ON, where he also serves as the imam and khateeb. He has more than 15 years of experience in da’wah and Islamic activism. He has a B.Eng. in Computer Engineering, from Carleton University, where he served with the MSA. He also has a diploma in Film Production from Vancouver, where he worked on integrating da’wah through the media. He has a diploma in Shariah and Islamic Studies, from Samaha Academy, under the supervision of Sheikh Jasim Muhalhal Al-Yaseen. He is an avid reader and student of knowledge, and is currently studying under Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid, at Zad Academy. He’s a father of three chidren; one girl and two boys.
Faiza Hassan

 Faiza Ahmed-Hassan is a lawyer at the Department of Justice Canada. She also sits on the Ottawa Housing Corporation committee on Governance. Faiza believes that the structural constraints that limit the agency of those who have been historically disenfranchised should be challenged. Moreover, that through perseverance, hard work and community, all forms of proverbial ceilings can and will be shattered. Prior to entering the practice of law, Faiza worked with various community organizations including United Way Centraide Ottawa, Planned Parenthood and OCISO. It was her work with non-for-profit organizations that deepened her passions for social justice and propelled her continued involvement in her community.