Candidate Statements

Chair 

• Dr. Brendan Csaposs

Dr. Brendan Csaposs, current DAKE Treasurer, is an experienced nonprofit leader, educator, and global consultant with a strong commitment to belonging, inclusion, and lifelong learning. With a Doctor of Education in Adult Education & Lifelong Learning and over a decade of leadership experience, Dr. Csaposs has made a significant impact in both U.S. and international education systems. As the founder of Sea Change Consultants Ltd., Dr. Csaposs leads global initiatives focused on organisational development, inclusion & belonging work, and leadership consulting. His work includes contracts with National Geographic, where he reviews educational materials through a globally inclusive framework, as well as partnerships with Imaginable Futures to create DEIJ audits, strategic plans, and HR policy overhauls. Dr. Csaposs has been an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights since his university days, serving as the leader of the Pride Alliance at Hobart & William Smith Colleges and continuing this advocacy work throughout his career. He is currently working on Harvest of Love, an anthology of AfroQueer family holiday stories, which highlights the joyful and loving experiences of African LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. His dedication to amplifying marginalised voices and creating spaces of belonging is central to his personal and professional life.

Fluent in multiple languages and developing proficiency in Kiswahili, Dr. Csaposs brings a global perspective to his work, with a deep understanding of cross-cultural communication and advocacy. He has held leadership roles in various African and international organisations, contributing his expertise to organisations such as the Ghana Educational Collaborative, Rotary International, Democrats Abroad Kenya, and the Foundation for a Healthier Senegal. Whether designing educational programs, leading inclusion & belonging initiatives, or driving strategic growth in nonprofits, Dr. Csaposs’ work is marked by a deep passion for justice, inclusion, and global citizenship.

 

Vice Chair 

• No current nominees. Nominees may come forward at the Annual General Meeting on March 29.* 

* Bylaws require gender balance between the Chair and Vice Chair position. According to this requirement, if the current nominee for Chair wins, then the Vice Chair position would need to be filled by someone who does not identify as male.

 

Secretary

• No current nominees. Nominees may come forward at the Annual General Meeting on March 29.

 

Treasurer

• Laurent Morton

I have been in Nairobi for two years.  My wife and I moved here from the San Francisco Bay Area to help with her aging parents (who retired here).  I am currently doing volunteer work (as Treasurer) for a small housing NGO; volunteer Treasurer (and founder) of our neighborhood residents' association; and volunteer managing the neighborhood water company (saving it from bankruptcy).  Prior to leaving the US, I worked as Senior Trader in the Treasury Department of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, AVP in risk management, Trader for MBS.  And before that I was at Morgan Stanley in San Francisco, New York, and London.  I am appalled with the systematic dismantling of democratic processes and institutions by the Trump administration, and I feel I must contribute in some way - my finance background makes me best suited for Treasurer.

 

Counsel

• Richard P. Omanya 

Richard wishes to nominate himself as a candidate for the position of Counsel with Democrats Abroad Kenya (DAKE).  He is an International Development professional with over 15 years of experience in 10 countries in USA and Sub-Saharan Africa. His career has spanned a range of organizations and roles including Social Justice, Governance, Sustainable Business Practice, Trade, development, humanitarian and conflict resolution. 

Previously, Richard was the Sustainable Business Practices Program Manager for Search for Common Ground in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, where he oversaw the implementation of over USD 2.5 million in projects in two regions in Tanzania, including in the areas of ESG, Voluntary Principles Training, Sustainability initiatives, Corporate Social Responsibility programs, leading conflict transformation activities, oversight of program quality, and management of field staff and partnerships. In this role he also designed, delivered and facilitated Trainings and workshops for staff, Local Government Officials, Community Influencers, and other groups.

Richard also worked as a Program Officer under a $25 million Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Program based in Nairobi, Kenya, a first of its kind, which sought to enhance inclusive delivery of basic local government services to under-serviced urban informal settlement populations in five African countries namely: Egypt, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Liberia and Angola. In this position, he oversaw all aspects of project and personnel management, program implementation, including financial and operational efficiency, risk management, and designed and delivered training in the areas of citizen engagement, participatory processes, communications, advocacy, outreach, workforce development, savings and loan interventions; while also working closely with local and rural CBO’s and grassroots communities, mayors’ offices, legislative staff and various ministry officials to build buy-in and support. 

Richard believes that his background above, and experience as a repeat volunteer in John Kerry’s Massachusetts Senate elections, Deval Patrick’s Massachusetts Governor’s elections and Barack Obama’s Presidential elections, have prepared him well for the role with DAKE. He brings a diverse knowledge and understanding of political dynamics, as well as established grassroots and high-level networks in Kenya, USA and throughout the East Africa Region.  In addition, he is a problem-solver, possesses the ability to communicate patiently and clearly, adapt quickly to changing contexts, demands, address emerging issues and confront challenges.

 

Members-at-Large (6 positions)

• Esther Baumann

Esther is registered to vote in Michigan but originally from the suburbs of Chicago. She is interested in being more involved in DAKE due to the threat to democracy that is currently happening in the US and may affect voting rights abroad. 

Esther is a seasoned Carbon and Agroforestry Advisor with over 14 years of experience in forest and natural resource management, including seven years working in Kenya. She has a strong background in advising NGOs and bilateral subcontractors on carbon and agroforestry projects, supporting smallholder farmers, and building the capacity of indigenous-led organizations. With extensive experience in project design, strategy development, and organizational growth. Her expertise spans climate change adaptation, payment for ecosystem services, and integrated landscape management, making her a valuable leader in environmental sustainability and international development.

As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Esther has successfully managed numerous projects focused on sustainable forestry, environmental compliance, and climate finance innovations. Her work includes consulting for organizations such as Palladium, Root Capital, and One Acre Fund, where she has played key roles in developing technical strategies, facilitating partnerships, and implementing innovative agroforestry and carbon credit initiatives. With experience in multiple countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Nigeria, she brings a global perspective to her work. Esther holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy in International Development from Clark University and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Southern Illinois University.

• N. Janice Essien

Nnene Janice Essien is a Human Resources/ People Operations, organizational development, coach, culture, diversity, equity and inclusion professional with over 15 years of experience in implementing strategies that make an impact. 

She is the founder of NJE Consulting, LLC, a culture, coaching, and human resources design firm. Additionally, she serves as the Executive Director of the Essien/Obot Foundation, an organization that empowers individuals and families to rise out of poverty through education, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship. Janice has also served as Head of People and Culture for several progressive organizations, including Borealis Philanthropy, the Movement Voter Project (an intermediary connecting donors to grassroots organizations and providing capacity-building to strengthen progressive power at all levels of government), and Fwd.us, a Chan Zuckerberg initiative. Fwd.us is a bipartisan tech advocacy organization that impacts policy and influences through technology in the areas of criminal justice and immigration.

She deeply believes in the importance of developing emotional intelligence, fostering effective, empathic relationships, self-awareness, continuous learning/re-learning and development and wellness as keys to success. She finds joy in collaborating to create new, tailored and innovative practices that help people thrive. Two beautiful humans call her mom. She enjoys slow traveling, scratch cooking, karaoke, dancing, and designing clothing and decor for events.

Janice is a second generation Nigerian immigrant to the United States and currently resides in Kilimani, Nairobi, Kenya.  Janice has been a member of DAKE since September of 2024 helping with the voter abroad assistant  process and more recently with the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC). She desires to serve as a Member at Large specifically Member Engagement. 

Janice earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work degree from Morgan State University and her Master’s degree in Human Resources Development from Towson University. She holds several certifications in human resources, DEI and coaching (PHR, SHRM-CP, ACC).

• Andy Gremlay

I am Andrew Gremley, an Illinois voter and a life-long Democrat.  I have been based in Kenya since 1993 and have an architecture firm.  My political participation has been limited but I was a Clinton delegate at a district caucus in Minnesota during the 1992 presidential campaign.  I also co-organised the Obama campaign for Americans living in Kenya in 2008.

I would be glad to serve as a "member-at-large" for the DA in Kenya. Put me in charge of the "mad-as-hell" caucus.

• Purn O.D. Howard, Jr.

My name is Purn O.D. Howard, Jr. I reside in Nairobi, Kenya, with my spouse and child. I have been in Kenya since 2018 working for a religious organization as the Director of Missions and Outreach and International Evangelist. I also served as Director of Community Outreach for former Congressman Gary Condit, 18th Congressional District in Northern California.

I have held many positions in many years, but there are two that I really loved,and that is Commissioner of Parks & Recreation in Stockton, California; and I was appointed to the Planning Commission in South Sacramento, California. I am officially nominating myself for one of the positions of MEMBER-AT-LARGE.

I am a registered Democrat in San Antonio, Texas, where our home is located. I look forward in hope to having an opportunity to serve in this capacity, and others, in helping to make a difference locally, and globally.

• Clara Li

Clara Li is a registered Maryland voter and has been living in Nairobi for the past year and a half. With a background in policy and international affairs, she is passionate about climate policy and investment, particularly from a gender lens. She is a Sr. Investment Analyst at an impact investment firm that supports early-stage companies in Sub-Saharan Africa, including female-led ventures, that are building climate-focused solutions.

Previously, Clara worked at IBM as a technology consultant, where she also engaged in CSR initiatives tackling sustainability challenges, such as urban flooding, on the South Side of Chicago. Her professional and volunteer experience spans community engagement and research roles across multiple geographies, giving her a deep understanding of navigating cross-cultural environments and coordinating initiatives that drive impact.

As a Member-at-Large, Clara hopes to help energize and mobilize the DAKE community at this critical time for democratic values and institutions. With upcoming elections on the horizon, she is dedicated to ensuring that every American in Kenya is registered, informed, and empowered to vote. She believes civic engagement extends beyond the ballot box—it’s about fostering a community that remains active, informed, and connected to the political process year-round. She hopes that this community can also be a space that offers solace, hope and support if the process becomes draining and overwhelming.  

Whether through voter outreach, membership engagement, or amplifying key issues affecting Americans abroad, Clara is eager to contribute meaningfully to DAKE’s Executive Committee and support its mission at this pivotal moment in U.S. and global politics. 

• Dr. Jade Wiles, Jr.

With extensive experience in government affairs, political advocacy, and coalition-building, I am confident that my skills will contribute to the growth and success of DAKE.

I have led teams of over 100 members, managed budgets exceeding $150,000, and driven political campaigns and legislative advocacy. My roles as Campaign and Data Director at The Outreach Team and Political Representative at AFSCME, among others, have honed my abilities in managing complex issues, organizing large-scale projects, and building strong partnerships. I am deeply committed to fostering collaboration and advancing policies that create positive change. 

I believe my experience in strategic planning, community engagement, and grassroots organizing will enable me to actively contribute to DAKE's goals. I look forward to working with fellow committee members to strengthen DAKE's impact and outreach.

 

DPCA Voting Representative (1 position)

• Efayomi Carr

I have been living in Kenya for the past five years where I've worked as a tech entrepreneur and investor. During that time I have also remained active in local politics (volunteering/ fundraising for Cheza Cheza Dance, Law Society of Kenya, and Defender's Coalition) while staying active in US politics (including lots of get out the vote tabling with DAKE in 2024!). I've volunteered in every federal election since I've been eligible to vote in 2008 and I hope to continue supporting US democracy from here in Kenya.

• Margaret Njuguna

Decisive and execution – driven Operations and project management professional with a rich mix of over 20 years’ proven success coordinating business operations and technology projects within Telecom, Health & IT Industries. Proven track record of developing and executing successful telecom solutions Operational Support Systems (OSS), Business Support Systems (BSS), Management and Application Services (MAS), Security Services (RTS) and IP-Based Services (IPS) projects. Successful management operations, quality, and service delivery in health care and developing and analyzing the Operational Data Base (ODB) 

Focused on developing and implementing process controls and quality improvement initiatives that reduce costs and enhance operational performance. Known for establishing partners and stakeholder relations across different organizational levels with internal and external stakeholders, senior management, consultants, and other partners to drive organization's long-term objectives.