Irshad Manji

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocate, Founder and Director of the Moral Courage Project at New York University, Acclaimed PBS Filmmaker, Social Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author

Topics: DE&I – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Communication, Inspirational & Motivational, Best Selling Author, Emotional Intelligence, Empowerment, Human Rights, Leadership, Personal Development, Societal Issues, Thought Leadership, Women Leaders, Business, Education, World Affairs

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Biography

Irshad Manji, renowned Muslim reformer and Professor of Leadership at New York University, is a signature voice of the Obama generation — global in outlook, practical in approach, and dedicated to finding common ground in a fractured world. She has transformed her personal journey into a riveting story that guides all of us to confront the challenges we face, whether as students, professionals, parents, or citizens.

Oprah’s magazine has given her its first annual Chutzpah Award for “audacity, nerve, boldness and conviction.” The New York Times describes her as “Osama bin Laden’s worst nightmare.” Here’s why: Irshad Manji is the bestselling author of “The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith” (2004), published in more than 30 countries. Her PBS film, “Faith Without Fear”, has garnered an Emmy nomination for artfully following her personal campaign to reconcile Islam with women’s equality, respect for minorities and honest debate. She is also the author of “Allah, Liberty and Love” (2012).

Now, through her just-launched Moral Courage Project at NYU, Prof. Manji is teaching a new generation of global citizens to fight conformity, even at the price of backlash. Her inspiring message: Any of us can change the world by daring to ask questions — out loud.

Whether addressing corporations, congregations, or colleges, Irshad Manji gives game-changing guidance that individuals can take away and apply to their lives. She does it all with personality, passion and humor.

Videos

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Women as the Key to Reforming the Muslim World

Women's rights are human rights. But Muslim women today still suffer profound ill-treatment. Is there something inherent to Islam that opposes women's equality? Or is the issue more cultural than religious? Above all, how can liberating the entrepreneurial talents of women be the key to reforming the Muslim world? In this inspiring address, Irshad Manji illuminates the root problems and offers concrete solutions based on Islam itself. Starting with her personal journey and ending on recommendations for action, Prof. Manji urges all of us -- Muslim and non-Muslim -- to become leaders in the struggle for universal human rights. Better yet, she shows us how.

Courage in a Time of Corruption

With Americans reeling from corruption – in the money industry, in organized religion and in our political culture – it’s time to answer: How do we help our new President clean house? That’s the question being addressed by Irshad Manji, founder of the ground-breaking Moral Courage Project. Bobby Kennedy defined “moral courage” as the willingness to speak truth to power within your own circle for the sake of a greater good. Irshad Manji’s insights could not be more timely or necessary. Whether addressing corporate managers about workplace diversity, congregations about spiritual integrity, or students and teachers about a future of real opportunity, she gives game-changing guidance that individuals can take away and apply to their lives. Now more than ever, America needs our voices. Irshad Manji is using hers to issue your wake-up call.

Confessions of a Muslim Reformer

Why I Fight for Women, Jews, Gays…and God: In this energetic and profoundly personal speech, Irshad Manji addresses the ideas in her international best-seller, The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith. With candor and humor, she unearths the troubling cornerstones of mainstream Islam today: tribal insularity, the ill-treatment of women, deep-seated anti-Semitism and an uncritical reading of the Koran. But her message is ultimately a positive one. She expresses a new, humane and intellectually vibrant vision for the Islamic world -- based on Islam's own tradition of critical thinking. Above all, she has a refreshing challenge for non-Muslims: Don't silence yourselves. Ask questions out loud. Irshad Manji gives all of us the permission to think.

The Future of Islam

In this dynamic presentation, Irshad Manji charts the course for the reform of Islam. By "reform," she means reconciling faith and freedom. Professor Manji offers key insights into a new generation of Muslims, illuminating their challenges and opportunities. She also empowers non-Muslims to support Islamic reform in ways that bring out the better angels in all of us. Starting with her personal journey and ending on recommendations for action, Professor Manji urges every individual - Muslim and non-Muslim - to become a leader in the struggle for universal human rights. Better yet, she shows us how.

Creating Diversity for Prosperity

Diversity is a many-splendored thing. It can be the source of conviction or confusion. It can incite bigotry or inspire opportunity. By sharing examples from her own life and that of renowned historical figures, Irshad Manji shows us the key to embracing diversity. Hint: It’s not simply about race, gender, or culture. Don’t miss this chance to enhance the diversity of your environment by first appreciating yourselves as individuals. Each of us has an authentic voice. Using hers, Prof. Manji will help you to: * Understand that group identities do not define diversity; individuality does; * Explore how individuality benefits the wider organization; * Realize how we can become more authentic human beings at work and beyond; * Encourage the questions that will help conquer fears; and * Live every day with the greatest of all human resources: courage.

Testimonials

Irshad has a powerful message in a polarized time: that true diversity includes diversity of thought.

– Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown, Endowed Chair of Social Justice, Stetson University

Anyone can talk about leadership but Irshad does it. She has inspired us to launch a Moral Courage Task Force that is student-led and solutions-oriented.

– Rob Moore, Associate Head of School, Lawrence Academy

During a Chicago blizzard, Irshad Manji managed to pack the auditorium. The campus is still buzzing about her visit. This is the university experience at its best.

– Office of GLBT Concerns, University of Illinois at Chicago

Irshad was, in the words of one onlooker, a rock star.

– Simmons College

Irshad spoke on stage with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He, in turn, picked up on her message – that questioning is a basic human need – and he reinforced it with the audience. That is how dynamic a speaker Irshad is.

– Common Ground for Peace

It is a message that has deep meaning and inspires all of us to endeavor to always do the right thing.

– White House Fellows Foundation & Association

In our 22 years of planning lectures, rarely have we seen such a captivating speaker.

– 92nd Street Y, New York

Our audiences demand a lot – courage, passion, integrity, intelligence, curiosity, humor, empathy, candor and celebrity. Irshad over-delivered on all scores. She proves you can have a mind, a spine, and tons of fun.

– SMART TALK Women’s Lecture Series

Irshad Manji was absolutely outstanding at Carleton College! She is a gifted communicator.

– Carleton College

Irshad got us out of our comfort zone to understand how we can harness all that we are for a life of higher performance and deeper meaning. Her message of Moral Courage is revolutionary for anyone who desires both success and significance.

– Christina Lim, World Presidents Organization, Pan-Asia