Office of the Chancellor

Bridging Identities, Strengthening Pluralism: A Discussion with Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America

Eboo Patel smiling with arm resting on bookshelf.

On Wednesday, March 12, the University of Wisconsin–Madison welcomed Eboo Patel, an internationally recognized author, speaker, and founder and president of Interfaith America to campus for a engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Patel, a leading voice on interfaith cooperation and pluralism, shared insights drawn from his extensive experience in fostering dialogue and building bridges across lines of difference. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, who co-hosted Patel’s visit to campus along with the University Committee, facilitated this fireside chat with Patel.

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About Eboo Patel

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, Patel 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.

Patel 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. Patel lives in Chicago with his wife, Shehnaz, and their two sons.