Petra Alsoofy

ISPU Outreach & Partnerships Manager

Tags: Demographics and Diversity, Gender and Identity, Islamophobia, Youth

Disclaimer: the work linked below reflects the view of the author and does not necessarily reflect the view of ISPU.

Petra Alsoofy is the Outreach & Partnerships Manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), where she strengthens valued partnerships and forges new ones with organizations who share ISPU’s goal of strengthening Muslim communities and building understanding. Petra’s work includes working with ISPU’s large network of scholars and sharing research with policymakers, community leaders, faith leaders, educators, and the general public to equip them to make informed decisions about American Muslims. Petra is a Detroit Equity Action Lab (DEAL) Racial Equity Fellow and an alum of New Detroit’s Multicultural Leadership Series. She also serves as the vice president of the Michigan Center for Civic Engagement’s Board of Directors and as a member of the American Association for State and Local History’s Religious History Committee. Petra has been a leader in interfaith work and public education for more than 15 years and is a graduate of Grand Valley State University where she earned a BA in political science.

Education

BA, Political Science, Grand Valley State University

Areas of Expertise

Muslim Women
Islamophobia
American Muslim Youth
Interfaith Collaboration
American Muslim Demographics
Leadership

Publications

Community in the Time of Corona: Documenting the American Muslim Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
May 26, 2020,
By Katie Grimes
ISPU set out to document stories of service from American Muslims in the fight against COVID-19. This report includes a quantitative measurement of service in each state, everything from providing healthcare workers with mental health support to donating much-needed funds to meet the basic needs...

Interviews & Presentations

Petra Alsoofy speaks with Halal Metropolis about the impact the Muslim community is having during COVID-19.

Petra Alsoofy speaks with the Rumi Forum about Muslim women.

Petra Alsoofy moderates a panel and presents ISPU research on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for Muslim converts.

Petra Alsoofy moderates a panel and presents ISPU research on creating a more inclusive mosque for Muslim young adults.

Petra Alsoofy is interviewed on ISPU Scholar Dr. Sahar Khamis’ show The Bridge on US Arab Radio to discuss American Muslim contributions and challenges.

“The Muslim Vote: Why Our Vote Matters,” Emgage USA, July 30, 2020

“Interview with Dr. Debbie Almontaser,” University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, November 7, 2019