OTTAWA – Seeking to engage, empower, and support the Muslim community to work together and actively participate in building a vibrant community, a Canadian group will be hosting its annual event this March 17, bringing a galaxy of Muslim scholars to Ottawa.

“The theme of this year’s conference is “In Pursuit of Excellence.” This theme was chosen through an extensive process of brainstorming and planning,” organizers of the iLead event told Muslim Link.

ILead, which stands for Islam, Learn, Engage, Achieve, and Develop, aims at engaging Canadian Muslims in building a greater Canada while maintaining a Muslim Identity.

Speakers at the event, hosted for the sixth year, include Yasmin Mogahed, Dr. Reda Bedeir, Sheikh Daood Butt, Sheikh Mosleh Khan, Razia Hamidi and others.

The conference will include, “a variety of lectures as well as interactive workshops and/or panel sessions,” organizers said.

“This year we will also be including more panel discussions, and an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and interact with the multiple speakers and local imams.”

Children will have their special program during the conference.

“The children’s program is a chance for younger kids to experience a day full of activities and learning opportunities all in relation to this year’s theme,” they said.

“Children between the ages of 7-12 will learn how they can “Be the Best Me I Can Be” through workshops, games, presentations and even speeches from the esteemed I.LEAD lineup.”

The event’s organizing committee is based on volunteers.

“Every I.LEAD conference has been organized by the United Muslim Organizations of Ottawa-Gatineau (UMO-OG) and this year is no different. The UMO-OG is made up of over 10 Muslim organizations all across Ottawa and Gatineau,” organizers said.