1. Valerie Jarrett, Senior Adviser to the President

As the administration finds itself under fire for an uninspiring number of women and racial minorities in the Cabinet and senior roles, Jarrett's value as one of the president's most trusted advisers is only likely to increase.

2. Rob Nabors, White House Director of Legislative Affairs

The former deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, Nabors now oversees all legislative planning and strategy for the White House. That means whether it's the fiscal cliff or debt ceiling negotiations, he is playing a key role.

3. Racquel Russell, Deputy Assistant to the President for Urban Affairs and Economic Mobility

An architect of key parts of the nation's health reform law in her role as legislative counsel for U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, Russell is now perhaps the most important figure advising the president on policy solutions for issues including black unemployment.

4. Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Mass.)

One of the Obama campaign's most effective surrogates during the 2012 election, Patrick has been touted as a possible Senate candidate to replace Sen. John Kerry, who is preparing to join the president's Cabinet.

5. Eric Holder, Attorney General

From gun-law enforcement to the federal implications of stop-and-frisk laws and other forms of racial profiling, as America's top legal eagle, Holder will play a crucial role in enforcing the Obama administration's justice and civil rights agenda in a second term.

6. Mia Love, Former Congressional Candidate (R-Utah)

Though Love was not successful in her congressional campaign this time around, as the GOP struggles to diversify its image, the young, telegenic wife, mother and mayor will likely emerge as one of the party's most prominent faces.

7. Mayor Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

Long dubbed a national Democratic rising star, Booker just signaled his intention to run for the U.S. Senate.

8. Artur Davis, Former Congressman (D-Ala.)

Though some may be surprised to find a former Democratic congressman turned Republican Mitt Romney supporter on the list, Davis was given a keynote slot at the 2012 Republican National Convention, and as the ascent of Michael Steele proves, the party has a tendency to reward media-friendly African Americans with prominent gigs. It remains to be seen what Davis' role will be, but we have definitely not seen the last of him.

9. Rep. Marcia Fudge, Congressional Black Caucus Chair

The incoming chair of the Congressional Black Caucus will be tasked with holding the president and Congress accountable for addressing the policy needs of black Americans.

10. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

As the country's only black U.S. senator -- and the highest ranking African-American black Republican elected official in the country -- Scott will play a key role in shaping the party's efforts to be regarded as more modern and less homogenous.

11. Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative

The former mayor of Dallas and Senate candidate is the first African American to oversee the 200-person agency responsible for advising the president on international trade policy.

12. Nicole Isaac, Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs, Liaison to the CBC

One of the White House's newer faces, Isaac is tasked with maintaining the administration's relationship with the Congressional Black Caucus, thus insuring the legislative priorities of black Americans do not slip off the White House radar.

13. Patrick Gaspard, DNC Executive Director

In his senior role at the Democratic National Committee, Gaspard played a crucial role in the party's nationwide 2012 strategy, which resulted in President Obama's re-election as well as the party's gains in the Senate. He is likely already eyeing even greater gains for 2014.

Keli Goff is The Root's political correspondent. Follow her on Twitter.

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