Eboo Patel

Founder and President

Author, Speaker, Educator, and Interfaith Leader

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.

Eboo Patel standing facing camera

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Latest Articles

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Keynotes & Videos

Work with Eboo

Speaking

Eboo Patel delivers keynotes for corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses.

Consulting

Eboo Patel consults with corporations, civic organizations, government, higher education organizations, and campuses.

Media Inquiries

Eboo Patel’s publications, interviews, and appearances include the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN, among many others.

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Books

Contact Us

To connect about working with Eboo, reach out to Teri Simon.

Teri Simon

Director of Executive Office

Interfaith America

Defeat the things you do not love by building the things you do.

— Eboo Patel