2007 Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta Building Bridges Awards Dinner

Dr. Ingrid Mattson is Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of Islamic Chaplaincy at the Macdonald Center for Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford Seminary in Hartford, CT. In 2006, the Islamic Society of North America (www.isna.net), the largest religious organization representing Muslims in North America, elected Dr. Ingrid Mattson as its President. She is the first woman to head the organization. Previously Dr. Mattson was the first woman vice president of the organization.

Dr. Mattson was born in Canada, where she studied Philosophy at the University of Waterloo, Ontario (B.A. '87). From 1987-1988 she lived in Pakistan where she worked with Afghan refugee women. In 1995 she served as advisor to the Afghan delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

During her graduate studies in Chicago, Dr. Mattson was involved with the local Muslim community, serving on the board of directors of Universal School in Bridgeview and as a member of the Interfaith Committee of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago.

Dr. Mattson earned her Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the University of Chicago in 1999. Her research is focused on Islamic law and society.

Dr. Mattson has numerous publications exploring the relationship between Islamic law and society, as well as gender and leadership issues in Muslim communities. Her forthcoming book, The Qur'an: Its History and Place in Muslim Societies, is being published by Blackwell Press.

Dr. Mattson lives in Connecticut with her husband and two children.

Photos from the Awards Dinner