Meet the People Behind the Initiative
Muslim Awareness Week is shaped by dedicated individuals whose leadership, commitment, and vision have guided its growth over the years. From founders to current and past members, each has contributed to building a platform rooted in dialogue, dignity, and community.
Built on Respect and Rooted in Québec
Muslim Awareness Week began with a simple belief: understanding comes through honest conversation and shared experience. Since our founding, we have worked to dismantle misconceptions and build genuine connections between various communities across Québec.
Leadership Driving Our Mission Forward
Our Board brings experience and heart to initiatives that strengthen community bonds and mutual respect.
Samira Laouni is an expert, educator, and public speaker who has been actively engaged for over 25 years in community action, intercultural dialogue, and human rights advocacy. She holds a doctorate in International Economics from Université Paris I – Sorbonne and is recognized for her inclusive leadership and sustained involvement in social issues related to equity, diversity, and anti-discrimination.She is the co-founder and President of Muslim Awareness Week (SSM-MAW), overseeing the development of its annual editions since 2019. She has held several governance roles within major organizations, including the Fédération des femmes du Québec. Within SSM-MAW, she brings a clear vision focused on dialogue, dignity, and building a more just and inclusive society.
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Salam El-Mousawi is an information technology specialist with over 25 years of experience in software development, web solutions, and technology project management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Concordia University and a Graduate Diploma in E-Commerce Management from McGill University. He currently works as a technical consultant within major organizations.
As a co-founder of SSM-MAW, he has been actively involved in building initiatives that foster dialogue and intercultural understanding. His career is also marked by strong engagement in community and civic organizations. As Treasurer, he brings strategic insight, rigor, and financial oversight to support the sustainable development of the organization.
Badreddine Filali Baba is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of international experience in the cement manufacturing industry. He has held senior leadership positions across Canada, the United States, Switzerland, and Morocco, including Senior Vice President roles in manufacturing, engineering, human resources, and corporate sustainability.
His career reflects a long-standing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and human leadership. As a Board Member of SSM-MAW, he contributes strategic governance experience and sustainability-driven insight to advance the organization’s mission and long-term growth.
Jawad Kanani is a professional in finance, commercial operations, and digital transformation with over ten years of experience in global pharmaceutical companies. He currently serves as Solution Design Manager – Revenue Management at Novartis Pharma Canada.
His background includes roles in financial analysis, business planning, corporate treasury, and budgeting across Novartis, Sandoz, and Deloitte. As a Board Member, he supports financial governance, strategic planning, and organizational optimization for SSM-MAW.
Where It All Began
In 2019, a group of community builders set out to replace fear with understanding. Their vision became Muslim Awareness Week.
Samira Laouni
President & Co-Founder
Samira Laouni is an expert, educator, and public speaker who has been actively engaged for over 25 years in community action, intercultural dialogue, and human rights advocacy. She holds a doctorate in International Economics from Université Paris I – Sorbonne. As co-founder and President of Muslim Awareness Week, she has overseen every edition since 2019.
Salam El Mousawi
Treasurer & Co-Founder
Salam El Mousawi is an information technology specialist with over 25 years of experience in software development, web solutions, and technology project management. A graduate of Concordia University and McGill University, he co-founded SSM-MAW and, as Treasurer, brings strategic insight, rigor, and financial oversight to support the sustainable development of the organization.
Dr Bachar El Solh
Co-Founder & First President · In Memoriam
Dr Bachar Elsolh was a respected physician, community leader, and dedicated advocate for human rights and inclusion. As co-founder and first President of Muslim Awareness Week, he helped lay the foundation for its mission of dialogue and understanding. His commitment to youth, social justice, and the fight against Islamophobia, racism, and discrimination left a lasting legacy.
Ehab Lotayef
Co-Founder & Former Chair
Ehab Lotayef is an engineer, IT professional, poet, writer, and community activist. Based in Montreal since 1989, he has been actively involved in human rights, social justice, and community initiatives. As a co-founder and former Chair of Muslim Awareness Week, he played a key role in advancing the organization’s mission of dialogue, understanding, and inclusion.
Past Members
Those Who Paved the Way
We honour the board members whose time, expertise, and dedication helped shape Muslim Awareness Week into what it is today.
Abbas Hammoud
Administrator
Abbas Hammoud holds a Ph.D. in Microelectronics from Polytechnique Montréal and has a background in electrical and computer engineering. His professional experience spans research, academia, and the semiconductor industry, with expertise in microelectronics and biomedical technologies. As a former SSM-MAW Board Member, Abbas contributed his expertise and community engagement to supporting the organization’s mission of fostering dialogue, understanding, and inclusion.
Ahmed Elpannann
Administrator
Ahmed Elpannann is an IT and artificial intelligence professional, community leader, and human rights advocate. With extensive experience in technology and community engagement, he has contributed to numerous organizations and initiatives promoting inclusion, civic participation, and the fight against racism and discrimination. His commitment to community empowerment has been at the heart of his involvement with Muslim Awareness Week.
Samaa Elibyari
Former Secretary General
Samaa Elibyari is a community organizer, writer, and longtime advocate for human rights and inclusion. Her work has focused on Muslim women, media representation, intercultural dialogue, and combating Islamophobia and discrimination. As former Secretary General of Muslim Awareness Week, she contributed to strengthening the organization’s public voice and its mission of fostering dialogue, understanding, and inclusion.
Dr Bachar El Solh
Co-Founder & First President · In Memoriam
Dr Bachar Elsolh was a respected physician, community leader, and dedicated advocate for human rights and inclusion. As co-founder and first President of Muslim Awareness Week, he helped lay the foundation for its mission of dialogue and understanding. His commitment to youth, social justice, and the fight against Islamophobia, racism, and discrimination left a lasting legacy.
Ehab Lotayef
Administrator · Co-Founder
Ehab Lotayef is an engineer, IT professional, poet, writer, and community activist. Based in Montreal since 1989, he has been actively involved in human rights, social justice, and community initiatives. As a co-founder and former Chair of Muslim Awareness Week, he played a key role in advancing the organization’s mission of dialogue, understanding, and inclusion.
Our Community of Partners
Small Actions, Lasting Change
Each edition of Muslim Awareness Week brings people together through learning, volunteering, and shared dialogue. From classrooms to cultural centres, our reach continues to grow—empowering individuals to act against Islamophobia and for inclusion.
Volunteers mobilized
Events organized
People engaged directly
Become a Bridge Builder!
By offering your time and skills you help build bridges and foster understanding, while making meaningful connections and contribute to a more inclusive Quebec.
Learn and Discover
Find answers to common questions about our events, how to support us, and the broader context of Muslims in Quebec.
Raising awareness about Islamophobia helps recognize and combat prejudice and discrimination against people of Muslim faith. By encouraging dialogue and understanding, MAW contributes to a more just and inclusive society where everyone can live and practice their faith safely.
MAW activities are open to everyone—youth and adults, people of any faith or none at all, newcomers and long‑time residents. The spirit of the week is inclusive, and anyone curious about Muslim diversity in Quebec is welcome.
Muslim Awareness Week (MAW) is an annual week of solidarity and exchange where people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs are invited to learn more about the achievements, contributions, aspirations and concerns of Quebecers of Muslim faith. It’s an opportunity to build bridges and celebrate the richness of Quebec’s diversity.
No, MAW is not a religious event. It is a cultural and civic week that promotes mutual understanding and connection among Quebecers of all backgrounds. Activities focus on culture, volunteering, education and civic engagement rather than worship.
The main goal of MAW is to bring Quebecers of all backgrounds closer together. The week encourages mutual understanding and combats prejudice through dialogue, cultural activities and awareness initiatives.
A living library is an activity where people become ‘books’ to share their stories with visitors. During MAW, Quebecers of Muslim faith discuss their experiences and answer questions to foster understanding and dismantle stereotypes.
MAW includes vigils and commemorative talks in memory of the victims of the Quebec City mosque attack. These moments of reflection and dialogue highlight the importance of fighting hatred and promoting inclusion.
The blood drive is a solidarity initiative that shows the commitment of Muslim communities to the wellbeing of all. Organized in partnership with Héma Québec, this activity saves lives and raises awareness about the importance of donating blood.
The program includes fairs and exhibitions, interfaith round tables, living libraries, conferences, film screenings, art exhibitions, blood drives and commemorative events. These events aim to stimulate dialogue and showcase the talent and initiatives of Muslim communities.
In addition to attending activities, you can support MAW by volunteering, sharing information with others, establishing partnerships or making a donation if fundraising campaigns are active. The team welcomes ideas and collaborations; feel free to reach out through the site.
You can offer your help by contacting the organizing team through the contact form on the site. Share your availability and areas of interest, and the team will let you know about specific needs. Volunteers are essential for greeting guests, supporting events and promoting the week.