Eboo Patel is a civic leader, speaker, and author advancing the notion that diversity is a treasure and cooperation across our difference is the key for everybody to thrive. Recognized as “one of America’s best leaders” by U.S. News and World Report, he is the Founder and President of Interfaith America, the nation’s leading interfaith organization.
Under his leadership, Interfaith America has grown into a $20 million-per-year organization that partners with governments, universities, businesses, and civic organizations to transform faith into a bridge of cooperation rather than a barrier of division.
Eboo’s impact extends to serving on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council, delivering hundreds of keynote addresses, and authoring five influential books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy. A Rhodes Scholar and Ashoka Fellow, he earned a doctorate in the sociology of religion from Oxford University.

Eboo Patel is a leading voice on diversity, religion in public life, and bridging divides, with thought leadership spanning philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, civic life, and higher education. Explore recent writing, interviews, media appearances, and mentions below.
Eboo has addressed hundreds of college campuses, corporations, and civic gatherings on the power of pluralism. To book a keynote, contact Rollie Olson.
Eboo Patel offers keynotes and consultations to corporations, civic organizations, and campuses. To connect with Eboo, reach out to Rollie Olson.
Eboo is the author of five influential books on diversity and democracy. His most recent book, We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy, is an inspirational guide for those who seek to promote positive social change and build a more diverse and just democracy
He is currently working on a new book, under contract with Yale University Press, that advances pluralism as a constructive paradigm for engaging diversity, traces its intellectual roots in both American and Islamic traditions, and explores how universities and related institutions can put it into practice today.
We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy
“Eboo Patel holds a singular place in American life and thought.” — Krista Tippett, author of Being Wise and host of On Being
Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation
“A beautifully written story of discovery and hope.” — President Bill Clinton
Out of Many Faiths: Religious Diversity and the American Promise
“One of America’s deepest thinkers on religion and the human condition.” — U.S. News & World Report
Interfaith Leadership: A Primer
“Eboo Patel is one of the most inspiring and successful interfaith leaders on the national, and even international, scene.” — Paul F. Knitter
Sacred Ground: Pluralism, Prejudice, and the Promise of America
“A refreshing, thought-provoking, myth-smashing, and deeply patriotic exploration of American identity and ideals.” — Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
Contact Us
Eboo Patel’s publications, interviews, and appearances include the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, among many others. To inquire about media engagements, reach out to Rollie Olson.
Rollie Olson
Assistant Director of Alignment & Strategic Communications, President’s Office
Interfaith America
Contact Us
Eboo Patel delivers keynotes to corporations, civic organizations, government, and campuses. To connect about speaking engagements, reach out to Rollie Olson.
Rollie Olson
Assistant Director of Alignment & Strategic Communications, President’s Office
Interfaith America
Eboo Patel is an author advancing the notion that diversity is a treasure and cooperation across our difference is the key for everybody to thrive. Eboo’s publications, interviews, and appearances include the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, among many others.