Leah Daughtry, CEO of the National Democratic Convention Committee, briskly strides into her office at Democratic National Committee headquarters wearing an elegant black and white outfit, looking every bit like the “great administrator and manager” she proclaimed herself to be during the course of our interview.

This is no vain braggadocio from the Ivy League Dartmouth College grad, who as Chief of Staff of the Democratic National Committee is second only to Governor Howard Dean. Leah Daughtry knows who she is. “I bring to the table God-given gifts. In church we call it gifts and talents. In business, skills and abilities. I’ve been gifted by God.” Growing up in Brooklyn, Leah says she was in church all the time. Her father is the Rev. Herbert Daughtry. She, too, is a Pentecostal minister, fifth generation.

One interviewer had trouble understanding how being Pentecostal fits with the Democratic Party or Dartmouth College. How do you answer that?

I’m an anomaly for some. Pentecostalism for them is a caricature. I’m used to being a “person of interest” from that sector. But really, I am a sane person; and I am smart; and I don’t walk around speaking in tongues all day.

Why politics? Why the Democratic Party?

We were taught to do more than go to church on Sunday. I chose politics. There’s a huge opportunity in government to do good things in people’s lives. I call politics ‘the business of deciding who gets what – when, where, why and how.’ I want to be one of the people who helps make those decisions.

I sized up the two parties and felt my religious tradition, the values I learned, were more closely aligned with the Democrats—because of its tradition of assisting those who are less fortunate, being more community minded, as opposed to the other side—which is more about the individual.

You’ve said that in the pulpit, it really isn’t you. How does that compare to the office?

At work it moves in a different way. The Bible says pray without ceasing, and that’s not always on your knees all day, it’s a continual connection to God. I think I have that connection and so I’m always guided. But in the pulpit, there’s a ‘de-selfing’ process that happens. You want to be invisible. You want people to see God in you.

What is your purpose in life?

If God ever really truly revealed his entire purpose for your life, most of us would go running into the hills. I love details and to make other people’s visions come to life. Another part of my calling is to help other people realize their own potential.

When did you first experience true commitment to God?

There comes a time, particularly for people like me, I’m a preacher’s kid, when you have to make a personal commitment. It came probably when I left college and had to really stand on my own feet and decide. Either I believe it or I don’t. I decided that I did and that I would commit my life wholly to God.

The pivot to the ordained ministry, much later in 2002, was a journey in and of itself. I’d already practically moved into the church. There wasn’t a whole lot more left of my life! What else do you want of me Lord! But He was calling me to a different place of leadership in the kingdom.

What fuels your commitment?

Scripture says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” So I’m able to do all the plane trips back and forth. But as a Democratic official, I believe a change is needed in this country and our party is positioned to bring that when we have the White House. To provide health care to children, make housing more affordable, lower crime rates, better our educational system, I know what that means to small businesses and the moms, the dads who live in Ft. Green Brooklyn. So, I get up every morning and work how many ever hours it takes.

What is the Faith in Action initiative?

Democrats are people of faith and those principles drive us to the Democratic Party. We spent the last two and a half years creating and building relationships in various faith communities. We created Faith in Action to outreach to all of the constituencies that make up the Democratic Party. We’ve been able to talk to people about issues that concern them as Christians, Jews, Muslims – as Americans, signifying a kind of respect for them so we don’t show up in church the Sunday before election day.

What is your advice to young people who want to make a difference?

With the Internet, people can be in their homes and never leave! I believe the more that you talk and look people in they eye and connect, the greater the opportunity to become more involved in each others lives and to realize our concerns are not simply about ourselves. I encourage young people to befriend people, get to know the human side of folks and the issues that are out there. Find a cause that you want to be involved in.

What about Africa?

That is our home. It’s important for African-Americans to become involved, connected, aware of what’s happening on the continent. We have so much knowledge, technology, resources that could be of assistance.

My sister just climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. She was telling me how beautiful the land is. She could see the Masai from the mountain. Congressman Cleaver whose relatives are Masai was telling me how today you can go almost to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro wearing shorts because the snowcaps are melting. For the Masai, God lives in the snowcaps. So where’s God? You don’t think about global warming having an affect on Africa.

As people of faith, we’re stewards of the earth and must care for God’s creation. Part of why I like what I’m doing is because I’m able to bring principles from my faith to my work. That’s so important today.