Saima Naqvi-CIFP,PMP,MBA,ITIL Professor of Professional Services & Innovation SLC Cornwall Campus
I am still buzzing from March 12, 2026 and I had to share what happened at our St. Lawrence College in Cornwall because it’s exactly the kind of story we need right now.
On March 12th, we held our second annual All-Religions Inclusive Iftar at the St. Lawrence College Innovation Hub, and honestly, my heart is still so full I can barely contain it. When I started this project last year, I hoped it would bring people together. I never expected it would become something that literally changes how I see our college community.
Picture this: students rushing between classes suddenly stopping to help hang decorations. Staff members from every department showing up with curious smiles. Alumni driving from across the region just to be part of something bigger than themselves. And then there’s the moment that gets me every time, watching the non-Muslim students and colleagues choose to sit down and break fast with us, not because they had to, but because they wanted to understand what this meant to their fellow Muslims.
Mikaila from social service, who’s never fasted a day in her life, sat quietly as we waited for sunset. Jaskirat from the computer system technician program asked thoughtful questions about Ramadan traditions. My fellow colleagues and staff from St. Lawrence College were in attendance too. These aren’t just mere colleagues anymore, they’re family.
The students who helped me transform that space into what we jokingly called our “Ramadan abyss” worked their hearts out. We strung lights until our fingers hurt, arranged tables until they were perfect, and somehow turned a river view innovation hub into something magical. Their energy was infectious and watching them take ownership of this vision reminded me why I keep pushing for these moments of connection.
Here’s what really hit me, though. With everything happening in the world right now, the tariffs affecting our economy, conflicts raging overseas, the constant noise about division-it would be so easy to retreat into our own little bubbles. Instead, these incredible people chose to step into someone else’s world for an evening.
Dr. Rowan Williams once wrote that “inclusivity is not a matter of ‘tolerating’ the other; it is a matter of being changed by the encounter with the other.” That quote has stuck with me since I first read it, and Tuesday night proved it completely. Nobody left that room unchanged. We shared more than food; we shared pieces of ourselves.
As Canadians, we’ve always prided ourselves on this kind of openness, but lately, it feels more important than ever. When the world seems determined to pull us apart, we’re choosing to pull together. When fear tells us to build walls, we’re building tables big enough for everyone.
The meal was enjoyed by all, but the conversations lasted long after the last crumb was gone. People exchanged phone numbers, made plans to grab coffee, started talking about next year’s event before this one was even over.
Working with SLC’s Diversity and Inclusion department to bring this vision to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time here. They trusted me with this project again this year, and seeing it grow not just in numbers but in genuine spirit makes me incredibly proud to call this place home.
In a world full of headlines about what divides us, Tuesday night reminded me of something powerful: we’re stronger when we choose curiosity over fear, connection over isolation, and love over indifference. That’s not just the Canadian way. It’s the human way.
And honestly? We all need more of it.
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