Eboo Patel is a civic leader who believes that religious diversity is an essential and inspiring dimension of American democracy. Named “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, Eboo is Founder and President of Interfaith America, the leading interfaith organization in the United States. Under his leadership, Interfaith America has worked with governments, universities, private companies, and civic organizations to make faith a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.
Eboo served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council, has given hundreds of keynote addresses, and has written five books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy. He is an Ashoka Fellow and holds a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University, where he studied on a Rhodes scholarship. Eboo lives in Chicago with his wife, Shehnaz, and their two sons.
Defeat the things you do not love by building the things you do.
I lost sight of many things, like how fortunate I was to be a middle-class college student spending my days reading and the role I had in building something better. I was in a conspiracy against my own agency.
Learn moreAmerica is at a molten moment and needs constructive social change agents to shape it for the better. Young people can find their purpose in serving their communities and may even find themselves launching institutions and movements that wind up renewing American democracy.
Learn moreWe live at a time when the problem is polarization; the solution is bridgebuilding and the people who might be most prepared to do this work are the ones with the knowledgebase and skill set of interfaith leadership.
Learn moreIn the spirit of Dr. King and in the footsteps of Rabbi Cytron-Walker, we commit to making our bridges of cooperation so strong that the bombs of hate cannot destroy them.
Learn moreEboo Patel’s publications, interviews, and appearances include the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, among many others. For media requests, contact Teri Simon at tsimon@interfaithamerica.org.
Eboo Patel consults with corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses. Contact Teri Simon at tsimon@interfaithamerica.org for more information.
Eboo Patel delivers keynotes for corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses. Contact Teri Simon at tsimon@interfaithamerica.org for more information.
Eboo Patel
American Civic Life
We Hold Different Views on Abortion. Here's Why That Mustn't Divide Us
June 14, 2022
American Civic Life
After 20 Years and 600 Campuses, an Interfaith Movement Broadens its Vision
May 10, 2022
Eboo Patel
20 Years of Love, Music and Memories: Why This Wilco Album Still Resonates
April 27, 2022
