Ingrid Mattson

Ingrid Mattson is a Canadian-American Islamic scholar, educator, and interfaith leader widely recognized for her work advancing religious literacy, Muslim civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding. A convert to Islam who embraced the faith in her youth, Mattson has become one of the most influential Muslim female voices in North America through her scholarship, public speaking, and leadership in academic and religious institutions.

Mattson served as president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), becoming the first woman and first convert to lead the organization. During her tenure, she emphasized interfaith cooperation, youth engagement, and stronger relationships between Muslim communities and broader American society. Her leadership helped position her as a trusted voice in national conversations surrounding faith, pluralism, social justice, and the role of Muslims in the West.

An accomplished academic, Mattson is the London and Windsor Community Chair in Islamic Studies at Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario and previously taught Islamic studies and Christian-Muslim relations at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. Her scholarship often focuses on Quranic interpretation, Islamic ethics, spirituality, and the historical development of Muslim intellectual traditions. She is also the author of several respected works, including "The Story of the Qur’an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life," which has become a widely used introduction to the Quran in both academic and public settings.

Beyond academia, Mattson is a sought-after keynote speaker who frequently addresses audiences at universities, conferences, houses of worship, and global forums. Her talks often explore themes such as women in Islam, faith and democracy, mental and spiritual well-being, interreligious dialogue, and building compassionate communities. Known for her thoughtful and measured approach, Mattson has earned respect across religious and ideological lines for her ability to bridge divides and foster meaningful conversation in an increasingly polarized world.