AP NonCC Candidates

Gregory Dolezal

Having lived in 3 non-CC counties I have a deep understanding of the steps and challenges for seeking compliance.  I also recognize that in authoritarian led countries public events, speech, and having names published can be dangerous.  

Geography,  socio-political realities, economic restrictions, and transient American populations require unconventional approaches. 

I have suggestions about how to include non-CCs more and other policy ideas. As a representative I would bring these forward, and I've been reliable about following through.

I could offer coaching to leaders in non-CCs and foster idea sharing. 

I've been a DPCA Voting Representative as chair for Vietnam,  a county committee that was not in compliance when I arrived. I led the 2020 DA primary and increased turnout by 256% leading AP and global. 

I stay in close communication with other representatives, I join working groups, and I'll reach out to non-CC members. I'll work with the AP Regional Vice-Chair as well. 

My commitment to DA is strong. I went back to the US for 3 years and stayed involved even as I was away - the Georgia state group,  organizing GOTV in Vietnam,  and promoting DA with my state and federal reps in Georgia (#1 battleground state in 2024).

I'm also a trained campaign staffer and I've worked many cycles. I was recently CM for a congressional race, and did comms for a Dist. Attorney race and 3 city council seats.  I've been asked to help elect the first black mayor of Athens in 2026. 

Getting people involved is my superpower. I'll use that energy to include non-CC members and create succession planning.  As a priority I will speak out for their needs and promote innovations that serve the mission - getting out the vote, creating community, and developing the organization.

Irna de Leon-Knapp

I started my Democrats Abroad membership when I lived in Venice, Italy for 8 months in 2022. I was able to participate in online lectures. My interest with DA continued when I moved to and lived 6 months in Budapest, Hungary. I attended in-person meetings and one social event: July 4th celebration. My interest continued when I moved to and lived in Paris, France for 6 months. I was more active with DA Paris, as they had active leaders who engaged members to participate in many forums that occurred weekly. These forums varied from Walk & Talks, DA University Students, Get Out the Vote (GOTV), Voter registration, online and in-person meetings, day trip to the 80th Anniversary of Normandy, lectures and more. I continued my DA interest in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in September 2024 where I currently live. DA Cambodia was active pre-election. I attended a Meet & Greet where I observed voter registration and meeting members. I helped organize Kamala Harris for President T-shirts. Since then, very little to nothing has happened. We, DA members, are saddened by the results of the election. One of our leaders suggested we get together last month in February, as we were upset by  what was happening with the new administration, but I was not able to attend. I have leadership and teamwork experience with non-political organizations when I lived in the USA. In the USA, I worked as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. I was also a member of the Pine Dems in Gibsonia, PA, my hometown. 

My leadership skills include local chapter President (6 years) and Board of Director (15+ years) of my professional organization; President (1 year) and Board of Director (20+ years) of my ethnic organization. I do not have leadership experience in politics; however, my noted leadership experience will be useful if I am elected as Non-Country Committee Voting Representative for Asia Pacific region.