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.
Diversity work is too essential to forfeit to those on the far left or far right. We need to find a way for 'the exhausted majority' to re-engage."
TEDxChicago
Greater Good Science Center
PBS NewsHour
Informed Discussions Podcast
The Brian Lehrer Show
The New DEAL
Media inquiries
Eboo Patel’s publications, interviews, and appearances include the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, among many others.
Consulting
Eboo Patel consults with corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses.
SPEAKING
Eboo Patel delivers keynotes for corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses.
Contact Teri Simon at [email protected] for more information.
“A blueprint and a guidebook for an inclusive twenty-first-century democracy.” — Van Jones
“A beautifully written story of discovery and hope.” — President Bill Clinton
“A field guide to the critical territory we have traversed in this eventful, young century.” — Krista Tippett
“Eboo Patel is one of the most inspiring and successful interfaith leaders on the national, and even international, scene.” — Paul F. Knitter
“A refreshing, thought-provoking, myth-smashing, and deeply patriotic exploration of American identity and ideals.” — Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
Defeat the things you do not love by building the things you do.
