Speaker Profiles (43rd WRC)

Following is a line up of distinguished speakers and scholars chosen to represent different faiths & philosophies at the 43rd World Religions Conference on Sunday, November 23, 2025

The theme for this year's event is "Combatting Hate". 

	Moderator Mary Lou Roe – Waterloo Councillor for the City of Waterloo, Mary is a community leader and entrepreneur dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive city. Waterloo graduate, she founded The Wonderful Women's Club and chairs grassroots committees supporting newcomers, including the Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns. Recipient of Volunteer Waterloo Region's Outstanding Leadership Award, she works to foster vibrant neighbourhoods where all residents thrive.
	Representing Judaism Jay Judkowitz – Waterloo President of Temple Shalom, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Waterloo. Jay has been active in antihate activities in the Waterloo Region in partnership with government, police, and members of other faith communities. Immigrated here nine years ago and feels compelled to actively promote Canada's values of peace and tolerance which were a major motivator for him and his family to choose Canada as their home.
	Representing Hinduism Dr. Shiv D. Talwar – Waterloo A scholar and author, Dr Talwar was profoundly shaped by the interfaith violence of India's Partition, inspiring a lifelong mission to heal humanity. Retiring early from civil engineering, he authored three books on the shared metaphysical roots of religions, blending ancient wisdom with modern science, and redefining education through personal transformation. Now teaches graduate courses in Neurobiology of Transformation, promoting inner growth and societal harmony.
	Representing Islam Imam Farhan Iqbal - Mississauga A prolific speaker, author, and research scholar. Imam Farhan is a missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community with degrees in Islamic Theology and Religious Studies. Served in Ghana, the U.S., and Canada, and is pursuing his Doctorate in Religious Studies. Routinely appears at interfaith events, media, and on his YouTube channel Understanding Islam. Authored several books and articles, including a recently published one "Rise, Transform, Succeed: Habits for Muslim Youth."
	Representing Judaism Dr. Karen Mock - Toronto Engaging speaker, Human Rights Consultant and educational psychologist, Karen was the Executive Director, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and League for Human Rights of B'nai Brith. Widely published on multiculturalism, anti-racism, equity, and hate crime. Active with Canadian Assoc. of Jews and Muslims, Arab Jewish Dialogue, and Enhancing Social Justice Education Group. Chair of the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy, and Member of the Order of Canada.
	Representing Buddhism Dr. Mitra Barua - Waterloo Research scholar and educator, Mitra is the Assistant Professor in Asian Studies and Buddhist Scholar in Residence at Martin Luther University College, (Wilfrid). He teaches Buddhism and Asian Wisdom Traditions contributing to Luther's MA program in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy. Previously, taught and conducted research at Cornell University, Rice University and the University of Saskatchewan. Author of Seeding Buddhism with Multiculturalism (2019).
	Representing Sikh Religion Upkar Singh - Brampton Community worker and leader. Upkar studied traditional Sikh philosophy in India and is engaged with contemporary Sikh scholarship. B.Sc. in Psychology with a major in History and a minor in the History of Religions from the University of Toronto, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to his work. His focus on dialogue, reflection, and interfaith understanding emphasizes community building and the cultivation of mutual respect across cultural and religious boundaries.
	Representing Christianity Father Toby Collins - Kitchener Pastor of St. Mary's Church in Kitchener, Fr Toby was inspired by the Resurrectionist community to dedicate his life to service and hope. For over 20 years, he has been transformed by the message of Jesus' resurrection and the support of his community. Passionate about social justice, he leads initiatives such as building Tiny Homes for the homeless and fostering friendships with society's most vulnerable.
	Representing Humanism (Atheist & Agnostics) Sassan Sanei - Waterloo Respected philosopher and electrical engineer, earning both degrees at the University of Waterloo. Sussan's academic path reflects his passion for bridging the humanities with science. His technology career deepened his understanding of how innovation, ethics, and responsibility shape society. As a Humanist Officiant, he performs ceremonies for people of all cultures. Sassan serves on the Board of Humanist Canada to advance reason, compassion, and fair public policies.