Petra Alsoofy

Petra Alsoofy is the Senior Outreach and Partnerships Manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). ISPU, a nonprofit applied research organization, provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. Petra’s work at ISPU involves strengthening valued partnerships and creating new ones, ensuring that ISPU’s research reaches the public and critical stakeholders, including policymakers, community and interfaith leaders, media professionals, and educators. She has developed and conducted various training programs and initiatives, including government briefings, researchers’ convening, significant conferences, media appearances, and expert meetings on American Muslim communities. Outside of work, she spends her time supporting and advocating for children with disabilities and the elderly, especially as a caregiver. 

Born in Yemen and raised in Michigan, Petra has led public education and advocacy on American Muslims for over 15 years. Petra has served as Commissioner on the Michigan Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs and the Michigan Board of Social Work.