Raheel Raza

Keynote Speaker | Toronto, Ontario

Author, Interfaith Leader & Human Rights Activist
Antisemitism, Extremism & Radicalization Expert

Raheel Raza's Expertise: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Racial Justice, Conflict Resolution, Difficult Conversations, Communication, Cultural Diversity, Influence & Negotiation, Public Relations & Media Training, Social Justice & Human Rights, Bestselling Writers & Authors and Journalists.

Raheel Raza

About Speaker Raheel Raza

Raheel Raza is an award winning Canadian journalist, author and human rights advocate known for addressing difficult conversations about extremism, radicalization, women’s rights, antisemitism, democracy and pluralism. A Muslim reform advocate and founding member of the Muslim Reform Movement, she has spent decades challenging intolerance while promoting freedom, equality and dialogue across communities. Raza is the author of Their Jihad...Not My Jihad and a participant in the award winning documentary Honor Diaries. She has presented at the United Nations, Canadian Parliament and Senate, US Congress, UK and Swedish Parliaments, universities and faith communities internationally. Her honours include the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Senate of Canada 150 Medal, City of Toronto Constance Hamilton Award, Urban Hero Award and Medal of Courage from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre.

"Islamism in Canada" with Raheel Raza

"Islamism in Canada" with Raheel Raza

The Silent Revolution | Raheel Raza | Tedxamsterdamwomen

The Silent Revolution | Raheel Raza | Tedxamsterdamwomen

Raheel Raza Biography

Raheel Raza is an award winning Canadian journalist, author, international public speaker and human rights advocate whose work has focused on some of the most difficult social and political questions of our time. Her areas of expertise include extremism and radicalization, women’s rights, antisemitism, human rights, democracy, pluralism and interfaith dialogue. Known for challenging conventional thinking, Raza brings the perspective of a Muslim reform advocate who has spent decades speaking openly about issues affecting Muslim communities while defending the democratic values that allow those conversations to take place.

Born in Pakistan, Raza immigrated to Canada in 1988 and found in her new country the freedom to develop her voice as a writer and advocate. Her experiences moving between cultures shaped her commitment to building understanding between East and West. She began writing extensively about Islam, Muslim identity and women’s rights and became a contributor to major Canadian publications. Over the years, her writing and commentary have addressed political Islam, radicalization, terrorism, freedom of expression and the challenges facing women and young people.

Raza is the author of Their Jihad…Not My Jihad, a collection of her writing that examines Islam, extremism and the experience of a Muslim Canadian woman speaking from within her own community. She is a founding member of the Muslim Reform Movement and has held leadership and advisory positions with organizations working in human rights, women’s empowerment, counter radicalization and intercultural dialogue. She has also taught about Islam and modernity and has developed educational initiatives designed to encourage critical thinking and greater understanding.

As an international speaker, Raza has addressed audiences at the United Nations, US Congress, Canadian Parliament and Senate, UK and Swedish Parliaments, universities and faith communities. Her international speaking experience includes Harvard, Columbia, Oxford and Cambridge, the Israeli Presidential Conference and TEDx Amsterdam. She has also appeared extensively in international media, including CNN, BBC, CBC and other television, radio and print outlets.

Raza was featured in the award-winning documentary Honor Diaries, which examines issues affecting women in Muslim majority societies, and she has spoken widely about women’s equality, honour based violence and the importance of empowering women to challenge restrictive traditions. Her work on radicalization has also focused on the need to engage young people before extremist ideologies can take hold.

In recent years, Raza has placed increasing emphasis on combating antisemitism and strengthening Muslim Jewish and interfaith relationships. She believes that difficult subjects cannot be resolved through silence and that meaningful dialogue requires the courage to listen, question and speak honestly. Her approach combines lived experience, journalism, research, humour and direct conversation.

Raza’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Senate of Canada 150 Medal, the City of Toronto Constance Hamilton Award, the Urban Hero Award and the Medal of Courage from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre. She continues to write, speak and educate audiences across Canada and internationally on the importance of human rights, equality, democratic freedom and dignity in diversity.

Raheel Raza Topic Presentations

Raheel Raza From Toronto, Ontario, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

The Power of Small Conversations: How Everyday Dialogue Can Change Communities

Courageous Conversations: Speaking About Difficult Issues without Losing Our Humanity

The New Antisemitism: Understanding How Old Prejudice Takes New Forms

Fighting Extremism: Building Resilience Against Hatred and Radicalization

Women, Power and the Middle East: Why Women’s Rights Matter to the Future of Society

Islam and Islamism: Understanding the Difference Between Faith and Political Ideology

Books
Raheel Raza
  • Their Jihad...not My Jihad!
  • How Can You Possibly Be a Muslim Feminist
  • How Can You Possibly Be an Anti-terrorist Muslim
  • Journeys of a Spiritual Activist
Podcasts
Raheel Raza
  • Raheel Raza on Muslims and Jews in an Age of Tension
Articles
Raheel Raza
  • International Women’s Day: the Human Rights Disaster in Our Backyard
  • Scholar and Peacemaker (toronto Star Article) by Raheel Raza

Raheel Raza Speaking Testimonials

"Raheel Raza has spoken for our program some 6 years ago and also this past summer. She has routinely been one of our most cherished speakers as she was again this past summer. Her speaking voice is excellent, easily heard and understood by all in attendance. Her breadth of knowledge is superb and she is well respected across the ideological spectrum.  "

Alan Altman, MD

Director of the Summer Speakers Program at the Aspen JCC
Past President, ISSWSH

"Raheel’s contribution to our proceedings was nothing short of extraordinary and game changing.  She is the only one who addressed the Islamist source of Jew hatred and did it with such eloquence, nuance, respect, charisma and, dare I say it, an appropriate degree of wit (not to say humor).  She is brilliant, compassionate, articulate and incredibly courageous.  "

Peter Biro

Founder and President
Section 1

"Raheel challenges audiences to think, question assumptions and engage in meaningful dialogue. She is thoughtful, principled and compelling, and I would enthusiastically recommend her to any organization seeking a speaker who can inform, inspire and generate important conversation."

Avi Abraham Benlolo

Founder, Chairman and CEO
The Abraham Global Peace Initiatie

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Raheel Raza known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Raheel Raza is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Raheel Raza speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Raheel Raza delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Raheel Raza is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Raheel Raza is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Raheel Raza from and where do they speak across Canada?

Raheel Raza is from Toronto, Ontario and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Raheel Raza available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Raheel Raza is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Raheel Raza deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Raheel Raza may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Raheel Raza to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Raheel Raza is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Raheel Raza for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Raheel Raza is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Raheel Raza as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Raheel Raza keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Raheel Raza for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Raheel Raza may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Raheel Raza for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Raheel Raza should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Raheel Raza represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Raheel Raza is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More