Name:                 Summer Tillman, Esq.   Gender:                 Female   External Links:         Member since:         2022   Country/Countries:  United Kingdom

Biography

I am excited to be running for the position of International Counsel. As a millennial, Black American, woman, and lawyer, I can bring a fresh perspective to this role. I am a Georgetown-educated lawyer, with experience across three continents, working in international law, technology law, public policy, and regulatory law. I am currently General Counsel, Head of Legal for AtomicHub, a European Tech Company that does business in 180 countries. I have developed a strong reputation for working effectively with policymakers, regulators, businesses, and civil society. Let’s make history together. With my experience and unique perspective, I'm confident that I can bring innovative solutions to the table and help Democrats Abroad make real impact. I am committed to fighting for the issues that matter to us as Democrats living abroad. Join me in this journey towards a more engaged and inclusive democracy for all.

Describe your volunteer work with DA and cite your greatest DA accomplishment.

What if Americans knew that one of the first things that they should do upon touching down in a new country is to sign up with Democrats Abroad? Despite having lived and worked in five countries, I only (relatively) recently learned of Democrats Abroad. The same is true for many of my American friends and colleagues abroad. This is part of the reason I am running for this office. We need to get the word out! Although I only joined Democrats Abroad in 2022, I've already dived into volunteer work with the organization, eager to learn and contribute. I may not have years of experience with Democrats Abroad, but I bring with me years of valuable experience that will contribute to our success.

Why are you running for this office?

I believe in the power of engagement and representation. I know firsthand the importance of having a voice and being heard. I also know the value of creating opportunities for active citizenship and collaboration across communities. I want to use my skills and experience to help Democrats Abroad advance its mission of promoting the interests of Democrats living abroad and increasing their engagement in the political process. In particular, I am passionate about youth engagement and ensuring that the voices of young Democrats abroad are heard and valued. As General Counsel of a European Tech company, I have gained a wealth of experience in navigating complex legal issues in a fast-paced, global environment. I have also learned the value of collaboration, transparency, and effective communication in achieving goals and fostering strong relationships. My unique perspective and diverse background make me an ideal candidate for this position.

How will your skill sets and experience contribute to DA’s success?

I have all of the skills that are necessary to hit the ground running. I am adept at managing risk and identifying opportunities for growth and improvement, which will be critical as Democrats Abroad seeks to expand its reach and influence globally. I have a strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and representation within Democrats Abroad, as well as a deep understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities. This will be critical for ensuring that Democrats Abroad is able to engage and mobilize Americans abroad and to advocate effectively on behalf of all its members. As I focus on international law, I am well equipped to provide guidance and support to Democrats Abroad as it operates in different legal environments and engages with a variety of stakeholders.

Should you be elected, are there any DA organizational or practical issues (not political goals) that you would like to address?

The International Counsel’s Office could be a place where Democrats living abroad could bring legal problems such as issues that might come up with voting. I imagine that the office could function more like an Attorney General’s Office and be more public-facing. For example, a voter whose ballot is being rejected because of a legal question (e.g., the state is saying that their signature does not match the signature on record) could come to the International Counsel’s Office for advice and assistance. If the organization currently receives and addresses these problems, the fact that this service is available should and would be publicized.

How can Democrats Abroad best raise our profile among American voters abroad and better work to elect Democrats?

If we want to raise our profile among American voters abroad, we have to be willing to shake things up and inspire real change. We have to do that by being willing to change as an organization ourselves. We have to be willing to engage voters by addressing the issues that matter to them most. This can be achieved through targeted social media campaigns and leveraging data analytics to understand and respond to the needs and preferences of different voter segments. We must continue to build a strong community of volunteers who are passionate about electing Democrats and reflective of the voters we are seeking to engage, providing them with the resources and support they need to organize and mobilize voters abroad. The work will speak for itself. By focusing on these strategies, we can ensure that Democrats Abroad is a powerful force for electing Democrats and promoting progressive values around the world.

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