Bishop Leah Daughtry’s life and work at the intersection of faith, politics, and social justice have made her a formidable leader. As a pastor, political strategist, and activist, she’s dedicated herself to empowering women and advocating for civic engagement. United WE board member Kathy Donovan recently spoke with Bishop Daughtry about her journey and how we can all be leaders in our communities.
Disclosure: This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Your family has a rich history of faith leadership. How did your upbringing influence your path to becoming both a Reverend and a political leader?
A: Growing up in a family of pastors, service was the foundation of everything. It was clear from an early age that faith and action went hand-in-hand. I watched my parents and grandparents serve their communities, not just through preaching but by being present and involved in people’s lives. This shaped my own view of leadership as something you do with your hands, feet, and heart—not just your words.
I also had the privilege of being mentored by strong women, both within and outside of the church. Their example showed me that leadership could be bold and unapologetic. Women like Shirley Chisholm and my own mother inspired me to think of service in a broader sense—whether I was in the pulpit or at a political convention. The role of a leader, at its core, is to help lift people up and give them the tools to succeed.
Q: You've served as CEO of a national political convention not once, but twice—an unprecedented achievement. What motivates you to stay engaged at such a high level in politics?
A: I’ve always believed that politics is one of the most direct ways to bring about change. At the national convention level, you’re in a position to shape the narrative and ensure that issues like equity, justice, and inclusion aren’t just footnotes, but central to the conversation. Being a woman—especially a Black woman—in these spaces is powerful because it sends the message that we belong at every table where decisions are being made.
When I served as CEO, I knew it was important to make sure women’s voices weren’t just heard, but centered. We make up a significant part of the electorate, yet we’re still often on the sidelines of decision-making. That has to change, and it starts with us demanding our seat at the table, whether it's through voting or taking on leadership roles ourselves.
Q: United WE’s Appointments Project helps women get involved in civic boards and commissions. Why is this type of work so critical for women’s leadership?
A: Civic boards are where many key decisions that affect our day-to-day lives are made—everything from education policy to zoning laws. If women aren’t in those spaces, then our perspectives aren’t being considered, and the issues that matter to us—affordable childcare, healthcare access, pay equity—aren’t prioritized. United WE’s Appointments Project is so powerful because it not only encourages women to serve but provides them with the tools and support to do so confidently.
It’s true that many women feel they need to be asked before they step up to these roles. My message to them is this: don’t wait. You already have the skills, the insight, and the experience necessary to make a difference. The only thing missing is your voice, and it’s time to use it.
Q: Women face a unique set of challenges when it comes to balancing leadership, career, and family. How have you navigated these challenges, and what advice do you have for other women?
A: Like many women, I’ve had to wear multiple hats, and it hasn’t always been easy. There were times when I felt the pressure to do it all—be a perfect daughter, sister, friend, leader and professional—but I realized that “balance” is more about finding harmony than trying to juggle everything equally. It’s about knowing when to prioritize different parts of your life and giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.
One creative solution I’ve found is building a strong support system. We can’t do it all alone, and we shouldn’t try to. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and aren’t afraid to step in when you need help. And don’t be afraid to delegate or say no when you need to. It’s okay to focus on what truly matters to you, rather than trying to meet everyone’s expectations.
Q: Your book, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics, has inspired many. Can you tell us what drove you to write it and what you hope readers take away from it?
A: My friends and I wrote For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics because we felt it was time for women of color, especially Black women, to see our stories in the political narrative. For so long, we’ve been the backbone of political movements, but our contributions have often been overlooked or erased. The book is about reclaiming our place in history and showing the world that we’ve always been here, doing the work.
I hope readers—especially young women—see themselves in the stories we tell. I want them to know that their voices matter, that they belong in every room where decisions are being made, and that they have the power to change the world, one step at a time.
Watch the full conversation with Bishop Daughtry and follow her:
Facebook: @WhatLeahSaid
IG: @LeahDaughtry
Threads: @LeahDaughtry
Twitter: @LeahDaughtry