The DAF Paris Chapter Election Board is pleased to announce the results of the 2023 Paris Chapter leadership elections! Congratulations to the newly elected officers:

Paris Chapter Chair: Juan Cerda

Paris Chapter Vice Chair: Kate Barrett

Paris Chapter Secretary: Ada Shen

Paris Chapter Communications Coordinator: Edna Ayme-Yahil

Thank you for your service to the DA France Paris Chapter! 

Paris Chapter Election Board

Candidate statements

The nomination period for the DA Paris Chapter leadership elections is now closed, and the DA Paris Election Board is pleased to announce the candidates for the Paris Chapter leadership!

Candidate(s) for Chapter Chair

Juan Cerda

I'm running for re-election as Paris Chapter Chair.

I'm proud of our work in Paris in our efforts to get out the vote and help elect Democrats keep control of the US Senate and block the red wave in the House. But our work isn't done. We must continue our efforts to protect our democracy and civil rights!

My focus as Paris Chair is threefold:

1. Ensure anyone eligible to vote gets help to register to vote from abroad.
2. Continue to help mobilize and have the resources necessary to get out the vote efforts to help elect Democrats at all federal, state & local levels.
3. Lead by example and have the Paris Chapter culture be a welcoming space to ALL- with diverse events and opportunities for our members to network, socialize and organize!

I would be honored to serve as your Chair again and hope to have your vote.

Leadership Roles I've Served in:

• Democrats Abroad France Paris Chapter Chair 2021-2023
• DPCA Voting Representative for France
• Democrats Abroad Austria Vice-Chair 2019-2021
• Co-Founder of Democrats Abroad Solidarity Sundays 
• Delegate for President Joe Biden
• Former Member of DA Diversity & Inclusion Committee
• Former Global Democrats Abroad LGBTQ+ Coordinator

Candidate(s) for Chapter Vice Chair

Kate BARRETT

I'm Kate Barrett, the current Vice Chair of DA France's Paris chapter. For the past 4 years I've had the honor of serving DAF and the American community in Paris, first as founding Secretary of the chapter in 2019-2021 and since late 2020 as acting, then sitting Vice Chair.

I have loved meeting and working with Americans from throughout the US and from all walks of life to fulfill our core missions as a chapter: bringing our members together to drive education and engagement on key issues and, above all, helping Americans abroad exercise their right to vote. I am especially proud of our chapter’s role in helping generate record overseas turnout in 2020, which was instrumental in ousting one of the most corrupt administrations in US history and establishing the Democratic trifecta that delivered major wins like the Inflation Reduction Act, the Chips and Science Act, and the Respect for Marriage Act.

Thanks to YOUR efforts—showing up, speaking up, and getting out the vote—we are in a stronger position than ever to pursue ambitious goals for voter outreach and community engagement. I would be honored to have the opportunity to continue this work on your behalf.

Candidate(s) for Chapter Secretary

Ada Shen

I'm Ada Shen, and I'm pleased to run for Paris Chapter Secretary. I am the current Acting Secretary for the Paris Chapter, and the immediate past National Chair of Democrats Abroad France (2019-2021). Prior to that I was DA France's first National GOTV Officer (2018-2019), and at the same time also served as Acting National Database / IT Officer (2018-2019). DA France grew dramatically in the past 5 years, and helped Democrats Abroad deliver victory for Democrats — and democracy — back home in 2018, 2020, and 2022. The Paris Chapter is home to the greatest number of DA members in France, and the greatest number of eligible voters in France. I feel that my experience, my love for our Paris community, and my passion for helping Americans abroad vote from wherever they are in the world, brings support to the Paris Leadership team as we continue to grow and attract new leadership talent — especially as we prepare for the 2024 elections. The success of the Paris Chapter is vital to the success of Democrats Abroad, and I'm proud to do my part. I ask for your vote for Paris Chapter Secretary. Have questions? Please email me [email protected] -- Merci!  Thanks!

Candidate(s) for Chapter Communications Coordinator (in alphabetical order)

Edna Ayme-Yahil 

Crafting engaging messages. Writing press releases, social media posts and newsletters. Speaking to media. These are activities that I do daily as Communications Director at The Consumer Goods Forum, a membership organization representing manufacturers and retailers globally on topics relating to sustainability, human rights, health and wellness, and food safety. I also teach part-time at ISCOM, École Supérieure de Communication et de Publicité.

Born and educated in the USA, I’ve lived in Europe since 2000, and currently reside in Saint Cloud (92) with my French husband and our daughter.

I’m a lifelong Democrat: I voted for the first time in 1992 for President Clinton, Senators Boxer and Feinstein, and Representative Eshoo. I’ve voted in every election since as an overseas voter. I care deeply about women’s rights, social programs, LBGTQ+ rights, racial equity, and protecting our planet. I am also keenly aware of the special challenges that US Citizens Abroad have in engaging with the US Government and accessing services.

I am now in a position professionally and personally where I can dedicate time to volunteering and therefore am pleased to run for Chapter Communications Coordinator where I hope to be able to serve the community in Paris and Ile-de-France.

Joel HALPERN     

I have been a lifelong democrat and want to apply my skills in my professional life back to something I believe in. I have years of experience as a member of various non profits’ boards. I am a Chief Marketing Officer here in Paris for a U.S. focused French company. I bring nearly 20 years of experience with me. 

Here is my LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelghalpern/

Axel Krause

As a longtime member of DA France and now semi-retired from the International Herald Tribune, as senior reporter and corporate editor and adjunct at the Institute for Political Studies, I feel that I am best suited for playing a role in helping us communicate more effectively. I taught a graduate seminar at Sciences Po for six years that dealt with the triangular relationship between power, media and PR. And have, as a result maintained many contacts and maintained a long-standing role as contributing editor for Washington-based online TransAtlantic Magazine; and as active president and secretary emeritus of the Anglo-American Press Association.

I can be checked out easily via Google.

* * * * * * 

UPDATED MARCH 8, 2023: Due to a day of strikes and demonstrations called for on March 11, the DA Paris AGM will take place exclusively online via Zoom, and not at the American University of Paris. This page has been updated accordingly.

Join us for the DAF Paris Chapter 2023 Annual General Meeting and Elections of its leadership! 

The Paris Chapter AGM will take place on Saturday, March 11, from 2 - 5 PM, online via Zoom. 

RUN FOR SOMETHING!

Paris Chapter Elections Information Sessions

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT RUNNING FOR A LEADERSHIP POSITION IN THE DAF PARIS CHAPTER?

Join us for a public information session about running for leadership in the Paris Chapter of DAF. The Paris Chapter Elections Board and current Paris Chapter leadership will be there to answer your questions.

• Session 1: Monday, February 13, 6:30 - 8:00 PM, in person at the Frog Revolution, 9 rue de la Bastille, Paris 75004. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
  
  
• Session 2: Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, online via Zoom: click here for more information and to RSVP.
  
  
• Session 3: Saturday, February 18, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, online via Zoom: click here for more information and to RSVP.

We are seeking candidates for our upcoming Paris Chapter election (click here for more information and to RSVP), which will be held on March 11th. The deadline to declare your candidacy is Monday, February 20, 2023.

NOMINATION PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FEB. 20th

As has been announced previously, Democrats Abroad Paris Chapter will conduct its Leadership Elections on March 11th (click here for more information and to RSVP). 

The nominations period for candidates is open, and the deadline to submit your candidacy is has been extended to Feb. 20th, 2023. Candidates are sought for the following positions: Chapter Chair, Chapter Vice-Chair, Chapter Treasurer/Fundraiser, Chapter Secretary, Chapter Events/Social Lead, Chapter Communications Coordinator, and Chapter Outreach Manager (GOTV/Database).

The news coming out of the US is a nightmare — in the past week, the conservative-dominated Supreme Court has handed down rulings with profound impact on American life — ranging from gun rights, to Miranda rights, to religious funding of schools — but most significantly overturning Roe v Wade, and ending a constitutional right to an abortion that has protected reproductive choice for over 50 years. 

The horrible effects of this ruling are immediate — abortion is expected to soon become illegal in 16 states, and still others may soon see restrictions through court action or pre-Roe bans. In many places, restrictive abortion bans will come with criminal penalties for abortion providers and patients. Blue state governors are pledging resistance and expansionas they position themselves as safe havens for people seeking abortion.

As the battleground for reproductive choice shifts to state courthouses your vote and voice from abroad matter now more than ever. America is on the threshold of authoritarian rule by people who do not care about rule of law. Democrats must win commanding majorities in House and Senate to stop the assault on American freedoms, but voters must also show up for all the governor races, attorney general races, ballot measures, judges, and other local elections that will determine the future of our nation. Every vote counts more now than ever.

JOIN US AS WE VIVE LA RESISTANCE and fight the radical right this Saturday, July 2nd --

• 11:30A-12:45P at 62 Pl. du Trocadero - PROTEST to demand safe, legal abortion!
• 1-4PM - REGISTER TO VOTE at Shakespeare and Company - or go to www.VoteFromAbroad.org. Tell your friends!
• 6-11PM - INDEPENDENCE DAY BBQ / GOTV FUNDRAISER - enjoy some BBQ and help us get out the overseas vote! 

Want to do MORE?

• Volunteer with DA France -- fill out our intake form here. Questions? Email [email protected]!
• Donate to DA France, here -- your generosity helps Democrats Abroad France mobilize the US vote across France!

See the Paris current events calendar, here!

VIVE LA RESISTANCE!

Democrats Abroad was the margin of victory for President Joe Biden in Georgia and Arizona, and we're determined to continue delivering scale-tipping votes in races across the United States in 2022 and beyond.

To continue our get-out-the-vote from abroad, we are currently building a robust Paris Chapter and, for the first time, doing a call for applications for expansion of the executive committee. Our goal is to have an inclusive, transparent, and fair appointment process. We need you to be a part of our work!

All members of the Paris Chapter are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. CET on November 1, 2021. Decisions will be made around Nov. 10th. 

Send your CV and short cover letter outlining your vision and qualifications to [email protected].

Juan Cerda
DA Paris Chapter Chair

OPEN POSITIONS

PARIS CHAPTER TREASURER - EXCOM OFFICER POSITION

The Paris Chapter Treasurer shall manage the chapter's finances, prepare a budget and cash flow forecast as required by the Paris Chapter Chair for approval by the Paris Executive Committee, and interact and coordinate with the National Treasurer to maintain proper financial reporting structures to ensure the Paris Chapter's finances are in order. All such records shall be available for review by the Paris Executive Committee.

The Paris Chapter Treasurer shall be available to consult with National, Subchapter, and Caucus Chairs regarding fundraising activities for projects and activities and access to potential donors.

Ideally, candidates for this role should have experience in cash accounting, book-keeping, basic finance, banking, fundraising or related background.  

PARIS CHAPTER EVENTS COORDINATOR - EXCOM OFFICER POSITION

The Chapter Event Coordinator will help design and coordinate Chapter events, in collaboration with others in leadership. The goal of these events — social, political, cultural, etc. — is to educate and advance discussion and member engagement on contemporary U.S. political issues.

The Chapter Event Coordinator will assist members in planning and organizing local events such as lunches, dinners, wine-tastings, holiday gatherings, venues for significant speakers, etc. for membership development and fundraising, and shall help promote these events on the DA website and various social media channels, in collaboration with the Chapter Communications Coordinator, the Country Events Officer, and Country Database/IT Manager.

The Chapter Event Coordinator shall manage the Chapter calendar and work to avoid scheduling conflicts among different events in the Paris region. The Chapter Event Coordinator shall report monthly to the Chapter Executive Committee on activities undertaken and planned.

PARIS DEPUTY GET-OUT-THE-VOTE (GOTV) COORDINATOR (3 POSITIONS AVAILABLE) 

The Deputy Get Out the Vote Coordinator(s) will support the leadership of the Paris Chapter GOTV/IT Officer, and operate under their guidance, to help execute the Paris Chapter voter registration and GOTV strategy. This will include "on the ground" community events and outreach via social media.

Ideal candidates for Deputy GOTV Coordinator should have experience with voter registration for overseas Americans (whether using FVAP or VoteFromAbroad), and be able to conduct in-person events or be able to work online to answer voter help questions. Those willing to learn are also encouraged to apply.

If you have experience working/volunteering with voter registration, political campaigns, phone banking, canvassing voters, we are looking for you!

PARIS DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

The Deputy Communications Coordinator will support the leadership of the Paris Chapter Communications Officer, and operate under their guidance, to assist in designing, implementing and coordinating the communications activities of the Paris Chapter, including direct contact with members and interested persons via email, social media, French and English press communications, and develop the quarterly newsletter to members. They will assist in creating a strategic branding plan for DA Paris media and roll out outreach in 2022. 

Ideal candidates for Deputy Communications Coordinator will have experience working with email marketing, branding, social media and public relations.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All members of the DA Paris Chapter are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. CET on November 1, 2021. Decisions will be made around Nov. 10th. 

Send your CV and short cover letter outlining your vision and qualifications to [email protected].

MERCI!

We are thrilled to bring you the first Democrats Abroad Paris Newsletter from the 2021-2023 Paris Chapter Executive Committee members!  We are busy planning exciting events and discussions with all of you, and we can’t wait to get started! Please scroll down or click 'read more' to learn some fun facts about us, how to get involved, and how we will continue to win elections from abroad!

Democratically yours,

DA Paris GOTV Team

2021 Paris Chapter Election Candidates

The nominations period for the 2021 Paris Chapter Elections has now closed. Please find below statements for the candidates standing for election.

The Election and Annual General Meeting for the Paris Chapter of DA France will take place on March 13th at 1PM. Candidates will give speeches prior to the close of voting and tabulation, and results will be announced. RSVP here. Early voting via electronic ballot is available to all members of the Paris / Île de France Chapter region — members should look for an email containing a link to this ballot.

You must be a member of DAF Paris in order to vote. New members are welcome but must join by Friday March 12th. To join: www.democratsabroad.org/join. You must be a US citizen 18 years of age or older by Nov. 2, 2021. Questions? Email the Paris Election Board [email protected]

If you are a member of DAF-Paris and do not receive a link to the online election but would like one, please contact the DA France Paris Election Board [email protected] 

CHAPTER CHAIR

JUAN CERDA

Bonjour! Je me présente, je suis Juan Cerda, and I would be honored to receive your vote as Chair for the Paris Chapter.

 As a professional Gay Latino man and a life-long Democrat, I have always wanted to address the critical economic, social, and environmental challenges. I am running for Chair because I want to continue our work to build a stronger coalition and widen the Democrats Abroad (DA) party tent. I joined DA in 2016, in which I immediately began making phone calls, helping voters get registered, and co-hosted numerous fundraising events. In 2017, I founded a grassroots Chapter of Solidarity Sundays of Democrats Abroad Austria (DAA) with other grassroots activists. Today the group has expanded throughout our entire Europe, Middle East, & Africa (EMEA) region. I have had the honor to serve in key leadership roles, including as the Vice-Chair (DAA), an EMEA regional Biden Delegate, Global LGBTQ Coordinator, and within our Global Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

I humbly ask for your vote; I will bring my years of experience, unique skills, and passion for registering voters. 

N’hésitez pas à consulter le site www.juancerda.com pour plus de renseignements!

CHAPTER VICE CHAIR

KATE BARRETT
 
My name is Kate Barrett, and I would like to submit my candidacy for the position of Vice-Chair of the DAF Paris Chapter.
 
A Seattle transplant living in France for the past 10 years, I am the current Paris Secretary and acting Vice-Chair. As a project manager in the public transit sector, I am passionate about the importance of public services in providing equal opportunity and access to all members of society, regardless of means or background.
 
I ran for Secretary in 2019 to contribute directly to DA's efforts to fight the erosion of democratic norms in the US and to put an end to the incompetence and bigoted cruelty of the Trump administration. I’m proud of what we've accomplished, but there is still so much more to do.
 
As Vice-Chair, I will be committed to building on the work of the past two years to ensure we have a Chapter with the vision, structure, and efficiency needed to be an asset to DA France's core mission of serving the American community abroad through voter outreach, education and engagement. It would be an honor to continue to use my skills and experience to serve the Paris Chapter in this capacity.

CHAPTER SECRETARY

JOSEPH SMALLHOOVER

My activism with Democrats Abroad France started at the grassroots when I joined in the winter of 1985 after working for the Mondale Ferraro campaign in California the previous year. I’ve held many posts in Democrats Abroad, both in France and globally, and I have one-of-kind in-depth experience with the Party, wide acquaintance with our members and activists, and broad understanding of our policies and platform. In 1985 all of Democrats Abroad was barely larger than today’s membership in the Paris Chapter. That’s how far we’ve come.
 
My term as International Counsel ends in May; I think it is now time for me to return to the grassroots activism of an earlier time, to put those years of local and international experience to work making the Paris Chapter ever stronger. And working again at the grassroots will inform my continuing work as one of the eight representatives of Democrats Abroad on the Democratic National Committee. There are many challenges ahead, and we need to field the strongest team we can. I pledge to work for to elect Democrats across America, as I have in the past.
 
I hope that I can count on your vote for me for Paris Chapter Secretary and your support.

CHAPTER TREASURER

NATALIA NOLAN

I was incredibly inspired by the work of Democrats Abroad — and especially our Paris Chapter — during this recent election. As we saw when the votes were finally tallied, mobilizing every single vote was absolutely crucial in ultimately securing the Biden-Harris win. But the slim margin of victory was too close for comfort, and it motivated me to become more involved in our local Chapter. My name is Natalia Nolan and I’m running as Paris Chapter Treasurer to help ensure our Chapter has the resources in place to continue — and even boost — our efforts to mobilize Americans abroad to defend principles of democracy and good governance. My background is in international relations and political science, with experience in public financial management. I also have some knowledge of good practices in internal control and audit which I could bring to the role. I would appreciate your vote for this important position, which I will not take lightly, and work with you to support our strategies and activities here in Paris.

CHAPTER COMMUNICATIONS 

EMILIE ROSE AIDAN

I, Emilie-Rose Aidan, present myself as a candidate for the DAF, Paris Chapter, Communications Coordinator position. 
 
Born and raised in Paris to an American mother and French father, I attended a bilingual school, matriculated to UK/American universities, then pursued a marketing and communications career in NYC. After a decade, I returned to Paris in 2019; I am a publicist in a luxury PR agency. 
 
We Democrats witnessed the consequences of 2016’s communications/coordination failures: four years of democratic institutions being dismantled brick-by-brick. Albeit relieved, I fervently believe that the real work begins NOW. I would be honored to assist the Paris chapter to achieve stronger results through education, engagement, and community-building. 
 
My Democratic Party passion runs strong, undergirded by my mother’s tutelage and my French belief in égalité. While a NYC participant, I proudly witnessed my late mother’s Democratic Party work via DAF/Indivisible-France, including her coordinating the Paris Women’s Marches. I would be honored to continue her legacy by serving DAF. As a bilingual, multicultural communications professional who is skilled in brand strategy, digital content, public relations, and storytelling, I bring robust skills—further bolstered by my passion for democracy and social justice—to serve in this role. 
 
Merci à tous.

CHAPTER OUTREACH (GOTV/Database)

SIMONE SLIFMAN

I am pleased to submit my candidacy for Chapter Outreach Coordinator. Our founding board has set a high bar for success; I would be honored to continue and expand upon their work, ensuring every eligible American in our region knows their voting rights and can cast their vote from abroad. 

A DA France member since 2018, I volunteered hundreds of hours with the national and global GOTV teams during the 2020 election cycle, solving complex individual voter problems, supporting special projects, and serving as a resource to other GOTV volunteers when needed. My GOTV participation began in 1992, and my 20 years of management experience in local government agencies, combined with my high energy, positive and collaborative spirit, creativity, flexibility, and love of technology have readied me to succeed in serving our membership. 

While we bask in the afterglow of our momentous electoral victories - some clearly won with the help of overseas voters - remaining engaged in the GOTV effort is vital to success in upcoming special elections and the 2022 midterms, when complacency and other factors may reduce voter participation. I’m excited to help lead this effort. 

Thank you for your consideration.

CHAPTER EVENTS

DANETTE LANDRY

I have been an active member of DA France since 1999. From 2001-2005 I was Chair of Young Democrats Abroad, France, I served as DAF Vice-Chair 2003-2007, and as Co-Chair for the Women's Caucus from 2007-2009. I have been instrumental in organizing activities for sharing interests and rallying points for coalition building, as well as volunteering for voting registration, etc.. A lifelong Democrat and supporter of liberal social values, I have been an active proponent of social liberties for women and minorities around the world, including those in Europe, Africa and Asia. Raised in the Michigan, educated in Social Anthropology at UCLA and completed my graduate studies in France at La Sorbonne and L'Ecole des Hauts Etudes en Sciences Sociales.Today, I am an international artist, which requires me to be to be socially interactive not only in Paris, but also in Europe and the United States. My long association with DAF, and my experience living and working in diverse parts of the world, all complement and strengthen my interests in Democratic social values and will enable me to further contribute to the DAF as the Coordinator of Paris Events. Thank you for considering my candidacy.