For our fifth installment, we are pleased to feature Shefali Razdan Duggal, a dynamic Democratic activist and fundraiser.  She is honestly one of the kindest souls you’ll ever meet.  We’re so fortunate to have her be a part of this series!

What was your first job in politics?

After I completed my Masters in Political Rhetoric from New York University, shortly thereafter I began my career in politics when I joined the Massachusetts Democratic Party during Vice President Gore’s 2000 Presidential campaign.  Although ultimately disappointed with the result of that Presidential campaign, I did find the entire moment to be an incredibly educational and exhilarating experience.  It was then when I established that I genuinely had a passion to work within, in some small way, our great political dynamic.

Everyday you must….

Do a prayer of gratitude for all the undeserved blessings placed within my life – -  from the past, the present and with God’s gracious hand…the future, as He sees fit.

I never waste my time on…

Disingenuous, shallow people or those project negative energy.  Life is such a blessing, and a gift which we are given is the free will to choose which energy we surround ourselves with, and this decision can and does diametrically change one’s life and perspective on all things.  I attempt, to the best of my ability, to emanate positive energy, and express myself in an authentic, productive way towards others.  And, I find that an important part of that process is both emanating affectionate light from within, and also keeping positive folks/energy within your external surrounding.

Something that I do that is Risky:

I very often (almost always!) speak/behave from my heart. My feeling is that what is important is the intent of one’s words/actions/emotions – - and, if the intent is positive and abundant with hopeful, empathetic energy, then one cannot control another’s response or reception to an individual’s words/actions.  Each person’s perception is somewhat coloured by their own experiences, and all I can control is my own good intent in my actions.  In my heart, I believe that my intentions are truly coming from a good place, and hopefully that is perceived in what I do and say, both in my life and within actions which concern others.

I’ve always wanted to:

Play the piano.  It has been a childhood dream of mine.  Due to various understandable reasons, we weren’t able to follow through on that hope when I was a child.  Although now, as so many parents do, I have presented that opportunity to my children, and thank goodness, they both enjoy piano!

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Shefali is so committed to causes close to her heart and it’s reflected through her (constant!) positive energy.  She will always help a friend in need and is always doing what’s good for the community.

How else does Shefali Rock it Out?

She’s a member of President Barack Obama’s Presidential Partners, a member of the National Finance Committee (NFC) for President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, a Co-Chair for Obama Victory Trustees (OVT) and a member of the Northern California Finance Committee for President Barack Obama. Shefali is a member of the Credentials Standing Committee for the 2012 Democratic National Convention and is an At-Large Delegate to the Convention from the State of California. She is also a member of the Democratic National Committee Asian American Leadership Council and the DNC National Steering Committee. Shefali is a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chairman’s Council and a member of the Majority Council of Emily’s List, an organization dedicated to electing Democratic women to all levels of government. Shefali is a member of Human Rights Watch, California Committee North.

Previously, Shefali was active in Senator Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign where she was a Trustee for the DNC South Asian American Leadership Council. There she focused on South Asian and Young Professional outreach, co-hosting a number of fundraising events for both the Senator and his surrogates. She previously worked with Senator Hillary Clinton’s Presidential campaign where she was a member of the campaign’s Northern California Steering Committee and the Women for Hillary Committee. Shefali was also on the Finance Committee for the Kamala Harris for California Attorney General Campaign and was a member of her Transition Team. In addition, she was Executive Director of Indus Women Leaders, a national South Asian women’s organization, and is a graduate of Emerge, a political leadership training program for Democratic women. Shefali was also a Board Member of the Indian American Leadership Initiative, an organization focused on promoting South Asian political participation.

Shefali was born in India and has lived in Cincinnati, Chicago, New York and Boston. She received an M.A. in Political Communication from New York University and a B.S. in Mass Communication from Miami University of Ohio.