Sunday, February 02

Zürich, Switzerland

2025 DA Zürich Annual General Meeting (AGM)

 

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The 2025 DA Switzerland Zürich Chapter Annual General Meeting will take place in person on Sunday, February 2nd!

We will be electing our leaders for 2025-27; they will guide us through our social, educational, and political events leading up to the 2026 US Midterm Elections.

Are you interested in running for a position? Please sign-up before Jan. 15th, 2025 using the Google Form here.

Want to cast a ballot but not able to attend? Request a proxy form by emailing [email protected].

Tentative Agenda | Subject to Change

  • Welcome
  • Roll call
  • "Year in Review" report
  • Short descriptions of positions
  • Thanks to outgoing officers
  • Candidate elections
  • Welcome to new officers
  • Announcements/Upcoming events
  • Adjourn

New Zürich Leadership to be Elected at AGM on February 2nd, 2025

The DACH Zürich Nominations and Elections Committee is pleased to announce that the election of the 2025-27 Chapter Leadership will take place during the AGM on Feb. 2nd, 2025. Elected positions are:

  1. Chair - Leads the chapter, member of the national executive team.
  2. Vice Chair - supports and fills-in for the chapter Chair when necessary.

Unelected positions available are:

  1. Secretary - supports in the delivery of chapter communications and meeting minutes. 
  2. Treasurer - supports chapter fundraising activities and communicates with the national treasurer.
  3. Advisor(s) - supports the leadership team with advice and expertise when needed. 

Electoral Candidates and Statements

CHAIR

Dr. Apolonio Huerta

"As an American living abroad, I understand firsthand the challenges of feeling politically, culturally, and socially disconnected while away from the U.S. This personal experience fueled my desire to find a sense of community, which ultimately led me to Democrats Abroad Switzerland (DACH). In the fall of 2021, amid completing my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and navigating the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, I took my first steps into DACH. What started as an effort to connect with fellow Americans evolved into a deep commitment to fostering voter engagement and supporting our shared mission.

Since 2023, I have had the honor of serving as Chair of the DACH Zürich Chapter. During my tenure, I have worked to increase member participation, spearhead both local and national “Get Out the Vote” initiatives and fundraisers, and foster a strong sense of community among our membership. These experiences have deepened my belief in the power of grassroots action and the importance of community-led initiatives. I remain committed to building on the achievements of Kudah and past leaders to strengthen our chapter’s impact and reach.

My mission is grounded in supporting the working class, ensuring equal opportunities for all, and defending the foundations of a strong democracy. I’m particularly passionate about addressing systemic inequalities, including championing minority, reproductive, and LGBTQIA+ rights, strengthening workers' rights and compensation, particularly in my home state of California, and improving access to high-quality education for all American students are causes close to my heart.

Bio: I hail from San Diego, California, and am registered to vote in California’s 48th Congressional District. My academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from UC Riverside. In 2014, I moved to Germany to pursue an M.Sc., eventually arriving in Zürich in 2017, where I earned my Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 2021. Following my doctorate, I worked as an investment associate and fellow at a Zürich-based venture capital firm specializing in life sciences and digital health. Currently, I serve as a Business Development Manager at a U.S.-based nonprofit agricultural research accelerator, where I help drive innovation in sustainable food systems.

As a first-generation Mexican American, I bring a unique perspective to my advocacy work. Fluent in Spanish and conversational in German, I value the cultural richness that comes from bridging diverse communities. Outside of work, I enjoy river runs in Zürich, hiking the Swiss Alps, karaoke nights, casual gatherings with friends, and exploring Europe’s vibrant cities. I reside in Zürich’s 4th District with my husband, where we cherish the opportunities and connections this community provides.

Through my role in Democrats Abroad, I strive to address the unique needs of Americans abroad, from navigating absentee voting to fostering a supportive environment for expatriates. Together, we can amplify our voices and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future for all."

VICE CHAIR

Anthony Barker

"I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Vice Chairman of our chapter. I have been deeply committed to the values and mission of the Democratic Party throughout my life, and now, more than ever, we need strong leadership, unwavering commitment, and collective action.
With an MBA in Finance and over 25 years of international insurance and reinsurance experience, I manage an active global consulting practice. I’m an avid opera and art enthusiast, a member of the Zürich Opera, Tonhalle Orchestra Society, and a lifelong Red Sox fan. I’ve overseen global and regional operations for two of the world’s largest companies. As an out and proud gay man, I remember the friends lost to the AIDS crisis and want their memory, along with our shared struggles and victories, to guide us in reclaiming our role as the political party of the working class.
Our party has faced significant challenges, with more to come under the new administration. However, with determination and unity, we can rise to meet them. I’m driven by the need to:


•⁠ Protect the planet for future generations through sustainable policies and decisive action on climate change.
•⁠  ⁠Preserve the fundamental right to personal choice and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
•⁠  ⁠Advocate for a fair, free economy that creates opportunity and raises living standards of hardworking Americans. 


I bring relevant experience to this role. As Zürich Chapter Secretary in 2024, I helped organize a successful election night event, reinforcing my belief in community engagement and the power of collaboration. This role also sharpened my organizational skills and deepened my understanding of chapter leadership.


If elected Vice Chairman, I’ll work tirelessly to expand our outreach, support voter engagement, and build a vibrant community of Democrats abroad. Together, we can amplify our voices and create the future we believe in.
I humbly ask for your support and your vote. Thank you for considering my candidacy."

Voting Method

Meeting attendees who are DACH Zürich members as of Sunday, February 2nd, may vote. Ballots will be distributed to attendees at the meeting.

Voting by advance ballot or by proxy will not be available.

Election Process

At the meeting, the offices will be elected one by one, in the order shown above. For offices with zero nominees, nominations for office may be made from the floor as write-in candidates. Floor nominees may be listed candidates who did not win their announced race and wish to run in another. All candidates will be given two minutes to address the members.


Add to your Google Calendar.

WHEN

Sunday, February 02, 2025 at 05:00 PM Bern Time

WHERE

Andreasturm
Andreastrasse 5
Zürich 8050
Switzerland
Google map and directions

CONTACT

Apolonio Huerta

5 RSVPs