2020 Delegate Candidate Statements
Warm welcome to the 2020 Democrats Abroad delegate candidates! We are looking forward to hearing from you about your candidacy, why you are running and who you are! Please use this space to tell us about yourself 150 words maximum please). If you'd like, please add a picture here too, and you can also add a link to a video, and any relevant affirmative action information (optional). Note that your information will be publicly viewable from this page, so only send in content you are comfortable sharing widely.
Our moderators will review your story, confirm that you are a candidate, and publish! Note that we can't edit stories after they are published, and will not publish information if it violates our code of conduct, including obscenities, harassment and promotion of your non-Democrats Abroad work or business. This space is reserved for our delegate candidates. Any story submitted by someone who is not a candidate will not be published.
Heather C. Etchevers, aspiring pledged delegate for Biden, EMEA (France)
A dual U.S. and French citizen, mother of two others who also vote, I grew up as Gen X in Massachusetts. After a Wellesley B.A., I earned a joint Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and (today’s) Sorbonne Université and became a tenured biomedical scientist, team leader and civil servant in France. This has brought me unique perspective on international policies concerning STEM, reproductive/health, cultural and many other issues pertaining to U.S. domestic and foreign policy. A rare disease advocate for >20 years (Alone we are rare. Together we are strong), organizer of the Marseille March for Science in 2017, I feel my responsibility now is to aid Joe Biden’s election as next POTUS. He will use the many forms of expertise that come from experience. I want our party to implement testable, effective ideas from the diversely talented people who make us proud to be Democrats, together. Twitter: @Etche_homo Email: [email protected]
Alissia Soanes
Thank you for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to represent my candidate Mr Joe Biden from here in England . I am a Registered Nurse with a keen interest in how politics can come together for the common good. In a time like this a candidate of the quality of Mr Biden is essential for us to come into better days than the present situation. In my field I am daily presented with the challenges that people from all walks of life have to face and I am able to see how the effects of good government can come into play, or not benefit the people as much as they could have. So many people worldwide, even educated professionals, are only 2 paycheques away from homelessness and deprivation. I respectfully ask for your support to bring into effect the government we need this
Vergil Smith - Delegate Candidate for Joe Biden
Originally form New Orleans, I presently live in Warsaw, Poland. My background is in Public Policy (BA, Duke University) and Theatre (MFA, Catholic University). This candidacy is my first ever in any sort of political action. The present administration propelled me into this action, as I could not sit by and watch my birth country dissolve into a hateful and divided nation. I believe Biden is the candidate that can fix both the domestic and international damage done by the present president. Living in Poland, I am acutely aware of how much respect the US has lost abroad. I believe we need a leader with Biden's domestic and international experience because once elected, there is no time to "learn" nor wait. Action must be taken immediately regarding climate change, universal health care, Russia and China, to name a few.
Additionally, Biden should address the corruption and criminal activity of the present administration and bring them to justice.
Vergil Smith
Joan Cole, Biden delegate
I met Jimmy Carter in 1970, I was little and I'd never seen anyone in a suit before. I wouldn't shake his hand. I saw Nixon resign live on tv. "Mom! Why is the ugly man on every channel." She explained to me simply, "He wanted to be King and we have Presidents in the US." My family in Georgia are half North/South. "Yankees in Tara!" Catholic/Protestant, Democrat/ Republican.. throw in gays/alcoholics/ex-military/gun owners/vegans.. all of it. Christmas and Thanksgiving was a bit tricky but always sober, no alcohol allowed. If we had got drunk the cops woulda been there. I moved to NY at 18 and worked for the Long Island Citizens Campaign. We did local environmental campaigns. Went to work for Greenpeace in NYC and left over sexual harrassment. No one talked about
Stephanie Gillespie, VP Biden Delegate
While born in Scotland and growing up in a conservative European environment, living across four continents has made me an unwavering democrat. It appalls me to witness this administration trampling on the rights of vulnerable groups such as minorities, women and children. Having experienced first-hand an environment in which vulnerable groups have a lesser voice, I cannot sit with my arms crossed while Trump repeals all the advances made under previous administrations and inflicts irreparable damage for coming generations. Only Biden can reunite the US across party lines through his policies of equal rights and opportunities for all. Following 13 years of leading communications for multi-nationals in Latin America, the US and Europe, I feel compelled to use my skills to diffuse the messaging of how Biden will bring back decency to the US. After moving to the Bahamas recently, I registered as a fundraiser for the Biden campaign.
Bruce Murray – EMEA At-Large Delegate Candidate for Senator Sanders
I seek your support for Not Me. Us!, pledging to represent all Democrats Abroad, but especially the dedicated young field organizers and struggling voters I met on Bernie Journeys in cities like Davenport and East Waterloo, IA; Aiken and Columbia, SC. I will not rest until they and we have achieved that future we can believe in! Qualifications and Experience • DPCA Voting Representative • DPCA resolution co-sponsor: Medicare for All and Green New Deal • DA Progressive Caucus founding member • DA Austria Counsel, co-host: “kitchen table talks” on progressive issues, volunteer for GPP student voter registration, call hub, voting center events • Bernie Abroad and Austrian chapter co-founder • Boomlennials for Bernie Facebook administrator, reaching 30,000+ in March 2020 • Bernie Victory Captain • Co-Coordinator--Germany for Bernie/Bernie Abroad Austria meet-ups • Leader--Midwest Midterm Progressive Bikeathon I am totally committed to the DNC delegate representation we need on the Rules and Bylaws, Platform, and Credential Committees! https://youtu.be/yU75MPdnBUI
Cody Dorsey, Biden Delegate Candidate
I am a Baltimore native. When I watched the current occupant of the White House criticize my hometown and my mentor, the late Congressman Elijah Cummings, I knew I had to do more to elect Democrats up and down the ballot. I am a Joe Biden Delegate Candidate because he loyally served as Vice President, being a heart beat away from the Presidency. He is someone who can hit the ground running on Day 1. His candidacy will allow us to address issues dear to our hearts such as criminal justice reform, education, economic prosperity, and healthcare reform. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Politics in Ireland. I am a leader and a problem solver committed to keeping our democracy intact for generations yet unborn while promoting diversity and inclusion. Before my collegiate career, I was the first Black Chairman of High School Democrats — an arm of Young
Rob Simmons, Pledged Biden Delegate
I am a public health professional who retired in Colombia with my wife, Roselena, having been a Peace Corps volunteer here. I have served as a public health policy leader with many health organizations, served as a Fulbright Scholar in Latin America and Spain, and have been an active Democrat in California, Pennsylvania, and Delaware my entire career. I currently volunteer with the Colombian Public Health Association, the St. Vincent de Paul Foundation, and Caring Crowd, a global health crowd-sourcing initiative. I am dedicated to environmental and social justice and have particular experience in health advocacy training, having led numerous advocacy summits in Washington DC. From 1996-2003, I worked at Delaware’s largest hospital system, and had the opportunity to meet with and discuss health policy initiatives with then Senator Biden. I am asking for your support as a Democrats Abroad Delegate from the Americas pledged to former Vice President Biden. [email protected]
Melissa Manzone, DA Delegate Candidate Joe Biden
Hi, everyone! First and foremost, I am running as a delegate candidate for Joe Biden to help the Democrats take back the White House. More than that, I am running because our voices matter. We've been living abroad and know that change can be a really good thing. And things at home need to change. Health care is the most important issue for me because it is a basic human right. Without good health, we cannot accomplish anything. I believe our friends and families back home deserve that much. I also believe in holding our leaders accountable for their actions, no matter what party they represent. Vote for me because your voice is powerful and I will do everything I can to honor it at the Convention.
Nicole Ratliff, DA Delegate Candidate for Biden
I'm a disabled single mom (Spina Bifida) to 10-year-old twins with disabilities (Son: Autism & Daughter: ADHD). I'm currently getting my 2nd Masters in Scotland. I have an education background in Sociology, Women/Gender Studies, Peace & Conflict, and now Social Anthropology. My academic focus is on research to improve social programs for single moms. I served with AmeriCorps VISTA (2015), and I received a Presidential award for exceeding the required hours. In 2018 I quit my Federal Government Job after almost dying from overworking myself at work and home as a caregiver. I left the U.S. to get healthy and spend more time with my kids by traveling the world and educating them through worldschooling. My passion is fighting for single moms to have the resources they need to thrive, disability rights, and improving Special Education for children.
Luis Eduardo Jimenez
My name is Luis Eduardo Jimenez. I am a 25 year old Hispanic American lawyer living in London since September 2019. Before that, I lived with my family in the Dominican Republic. I have been a member of Democrats Abroad since 2016, a founding member of the DA Hispanic Caucus and a current Steering Committee member of the Caucus. I am looking forward to have the opportunity of representing Democrats living abroad in the 2020 Democratic National Convention, and to be a part of what will probably be the most diverse delegation present. I am fully committed to the mission of Democrats Abroad of helping Americans living abroad to exercise their vote, as well as to contribute to elect Democrats in 2020 to positions all over the US, including the White House.
Mario Carrano delegate candidate Democrats Abroad
“Nothing to be proud of” President Trump's accumulation policy, by a small part of Americans, is not a story that our government can be proud of. The coronavirus crisis has shown that our government adopts policies that promote asset-building among some while denying it to others. This favoritism is made largely on the basis of class. Creating a society with enormous injustice and inequality. The question is, then, what can be done to provide equal incentives and rewards to give to those who have-nots the same havers' opportunities. The answer is remarkably simple. Governments should support people who promote social circular economy processes. They provide the basis for transforming our society and will have in a strong democratic ticket, led by Biden, the presidential candidate who makes Americans around the world proud again to lead the world with dignity, justice, and fairness.
Marc Lorber, Biden delegate candidate from the UK
I believe Joe Biden and the team he will assemble around him in numerous positions provides a strong counterpoint to the current lunacy we're amidst. And as our Democratic nominee for President, I proudly support him as we all seek ways to work together, come together again, and elect him in November. We can and will talk policy, economics, climate change, health care, education- it's a longer list isn't it? And I hope to be one of your voices who engage in these conversations at the convention as we set our platform out. And in doing so represent not just Biden voters but all Democrats, frankly all Americans, abroad and at home, to be the hopeful, innovative, successful nation our enshrined democracy destines us to be.
Timothy Reinfeld, Delegate for Joe Biden
I am excited to be participating in my first presidential election as a member of Democrats Abroad and proud to be running as a delegate in such a significant and consequential election. I grew up outside of Washington, DC and have always had a great interest in government and politics. During high school I volunteered for the Kerry-Edwards campaign before attending the University of Rochester to study Political Science. After living and working in the Washington, DC area and later Boston, MA, I moved to London, UK in the fall of 2017 where I currently reside. As a young liberal minded pragmatist I am deeply concerned about the future of American politics and about Americans', both domestic and abroad, faith and trust in the system and would be proud to stand up and help elect a candidate such as Joe Biden become our next president.
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