The following positions received a single a nomination and will be acclaimed and begin to hold these positions at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) March 14th, 2023.
Chair: Dianna English
Co Vice-Chair (male): Lee Strickland
Treasurer: Celia Campbell
Secretary: Colleen Mahaffie
Member-at-Large - York Region: Post Ballot Vacancy
Member-at-Large - Durham Region: Lucia Lloyd
There is competition for the Six Members at Large positions and the ballot will only contain those positions.
Electronic Ballots will be emailed February 14th, 2023.
Voting closes and ballots must be submitted by March 14th, 2023, 7:00 p.m. - 24 hours prior to the AGM.
There were no nominations for a Co-Vice Chair of a different gender to the acclaimed male Co-Vice Chair. This gender balance requirement is in line with the Charter of Democratic Party Committee Abroad and Democratic National Committee. The Nominations and Elections Committee will accept nominations from the floor and conduct an election and voting for this position will take place at the AGM for this position.
There was a post ballot withdrawal creating a vacant Member-at-Large position which will also be filled at the meeting.
The Nominations and Elections Committee sends well wishes and gratitude to all the candidates! We are available to be at your service by emailing [email protected]
Julia Buchanan
Janette McCabe
Ed Ungar
Tim Ellis
Allenna Leonard
Candidate Statements for the 2023-2025 Term
Chair: Dianna English
Democrats Abroad has been a vital community for all of us over the few last years. I joined the Toronto Chapter after moving here in 2019, eager to make a meaningful contribution to the 2020 election. After a decade in public service, including at the U.S. Department of State and the Obama White House, I needed to be part of moving a progressive agenda forward in the United States. Democrats Abroad Toronto became my home and family in this effort. As the Toronto Chair and the Communications Officer for Canada, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to contribute and get to know Democrats Abroad members in our Chapter, and across Canada.
We have an incredible opportunity here in Toronto. Our Chapter has more members than most Country Committees across the globe. Through the challenges of the last few years, we have been strong sources of support for each other. We made an incredible contribution to the 2020 Presidential election, the 2022 Midterm elections, and led Canada’s campaign to engage voters for the Georgia runoff that re-elected Senator Warnock. As we look to 2024, I want to continue this spirit, increase in-person gatherings, broaden outreach, and recruit new members with an emphasis on diversity.
I look forward to getting to know those of you I haven’t yet met. I am excited to work together to win in 2024!
Co Vice-Chair (male): Lee Strickland
Treasurer: Celia Campbell
She/Her
https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-campbell-2098531/
As a new resident of Toronto, joining Democrats Abroad was one of the first things I did when I relocated here in September. I was born in Toronto and moved with my family as a child to Indiana, finally becoming a US Citizen in 2020. I was very involved in my community in Indianapolis and I am looking forward to being involved here while fighting for the causes I care about in the USA including: abortion access, LBGTQ+ rights, and voting rights, to name a few.
A Commercial Banker in the Public Sector by trade, I currently serve on the board of the Immigrant Welcome Center in Indianapolis, where I chaired their annual fundraiser in 2021 & 2022, raising over $250,000 USD. I also sat on committees for Women4Change, leading a GOTV campaign until my move. I'm passionate about animal rescue (and founded a young professional board supporting the Humane Society of Indianapolis in 2014) and live in Leslieville with my 2 rescue pups: Angus and Ralphie.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-campbell-2098531/
As a new resident of Toronto, joining Democrats Abroad was one of the first things I did when I relocated here in September. I was born in Toronto and moved with my family as a child to Indiana, finally becoming a US Citizen in 2020. I was very involved in my community in Indianapolis and I am looking forward to being involved here while fighting for the causes I care about in the USA including: abortion access, LBGTQ+ rights, and voting rights, to name a few.
A Commercial Banker in the Public Sector by trade, I currently serve on the board of the Immigrant Welcome Center in Indianapolis, where I chaired their annual fundraiser in 2021 & 2022, raising over $250,000 USD. I also sat on committees for Women4Change, leading a GOTV campaign until my move. I'm passionate about animal rescue (and founded a young professional board supporting the Humane Society of Indianapolis in 2014) and live in Leslieville with my 2 rescue pups: Angus and Ralphie.
Secretary: Colleen Mahaffie
I'm running for Secretary of the Democrats Abroad Toronto board to continue supporting the excellent get out the vote work that we do across the country. As the Secretary for the past two years, I'm familiar with the process and needs of the board. With nearly ten years of experience in communications and writing, I feel confident that I can use my expertise to continue supporting the board and reaching Americans in Toronto. After defying expectations in the 2022 midterms, it’s more important than ever that Democrats Abroad reaches as many voters as possible as we prepare for the 2024 presidential election. If given the opportunity, I look forward to continuing to support the Democrats Abroad Toronto board and members. To read more about my professional experience, feel free to explore my LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-mahaffie-a1049666) or reach out to me directly.
Member-at-Large - York Region: Marie Kinderman (withdrawn)
My name is Marie and I am excited at the prospect of engaging Yorkville citizens in American politics! As an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, I am in constant dialogue with peers about the changing nature of politics and civic engagement. I have substantial experience persuading voters through phone banking as a Campaign Fellow on the Fatima for Assembly campaign. I have advocated for climate policy and a sustainable future as a Communications Coordinator in Sunrise LA Youth, a youth climate organization. As Member-at-Large, I would bridge the gap between American students and community members to make political engagement fun, approachable, and rewarding.
Member-at-Large - Durham Region: Lucia Lloyd
I have enjoyed serving on the DA Board for the past two years and being part of the good work to preserve democracy. I would be glad to continue to contribute to these valuable efforts.
Member-at-Large: Shannon Bassett
I am completing my first term as an “At Large Member” for the Toronto Chapter. In my first term, I founded and launched the Democrats Abroad Environment and Climate Crisis Council (ECCC) Canada chapter. I also attend ECCC Global meetings. I organized programming with Chris Glaisek the Chief Planning and Design Officer at Waterfront Toronto “Building a Resilient and Sustainable City: Lessons from Waterfront Toronto”. I also took part in Earth day events in Toronto. I am planning to continue with programming and organizing for ECCC Canada. I am an architectural and urban designer and professor of architecture at Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario.
A dual-citizen (US-Canadian), born in Canada (Ottawa), I spent 20 of my formative adult years living in the US, Boston, Tampa and Buffalo. As an educator, a strong part of my platform is to actively educate Democrats living abroad in Canada on how to be active and how to vote abroad. I have been an activist in Women in Architecture all of my adult life, I would like to continue to work with Democrats Abroad-Toronto to help Democrats in Canada navigating the voting abroad process as I had to do when returning to Canada in 2018.
A dual-citizen (US-Canadian), born in Canada (Ottawa), I spent 20 of my formative adult years living in the US, Boston, Tampa and Buffalo. As an educator, a strong part of my platform is to actively educate Democrats living abroad in Canada on how to be active and how to vote abroad. I have been an activist in Women in Architecture all of my adult life, I would like to continue to work with Democrats Abroad-Toronto to help Democrats in Canada navigating the voting abroad process as I had to do when returning to Canada in 2018.
Member-at-Large: Yael Glina
As a dual-citizen who votes In NY, It has been a pleasure to be part of the DA Board for the past two years as a Board Member at Large.
I have used my skills as Director of Social Media Marketing, Content, Production and Strategy at a Communications Agency to revamp the social messaging and content output of the DA Toronto social channels. Leading social included developing branding and a content strategy. Producing content calendars focusing on key dates, social conversations and corresponding messaging. Content production and the creation of assets, flyers, postcards, signage etc. Producing informational assets to support events and caucuses. Supporting events before to drive interest, during to increase reach and after to story tell the actions of DA Toronto. Amplifying DA global messaging and consistently growing our following by reaching new audiences as well as working to curate an engaging feed that drove additional interest.
I’d like to continue the important work of expanding DA messaging paying special attention to targeting younger voters via the medium they are used to, social media.
I hope to continue to be part of the positive change that Democrats Abroad brings and the collaborative community it has established.
I have used my skills as Director of Social Media Marketing, Content, Production and Strategy at a Communications Agency to revamp the social messaging and content output of the DA Toronto social channels. Leading social included developing branding and a content strategy. Producing content calendars focusing on key dates, social conversations and corresponding messaging. Content production and the creation of assets, flyers, postcards, signage etc. Producing informational assets to support events and caucuses. Supporting events before to drive interest, during to increase reach and after to story tell the actions of DA Toronto. Amplifying DA global messaging and consistently growing our following by reaching new audiences as well as working to curate an engaging feed that drove additional interest.
I’d like to continue the important work of expanding DA messaging paying special attention to targeting younger voters via the medium they are used to, social media.
I hope to continue to be part of the positive change that Democrats Abroad brings and the collaborative community it has established.
Member-at-Large: Bella Hazzan
The year was 1960, the place New York City. That’s when I joined the Reform Democrats and volunteered in East Harlem to register people in the Hispanic community, so that they could vote in their own representatives into the State legislature. Two years later there was a Hispanic representative in the House, and the focus of my volunteer work was now against the war in Vietnam.
I believe if we are silent in the face of injustice, discrimination, poverty and bigotry in all its forms, then we are condoning a society of hate.
Today, America is at a critical juncture. We see the rise of the extreme right, the loss of women’s reproductive rights, gerrymandering, the attacks on LGBTQ2S+ people and on our democracy.
So, we have a decision to make. Do we work for an America in which all its people are equal, regardless of who they are, what they believe or look like, where they come from or whom they love? Or do we sit by and watch America be torn apart?
No one person has all the ideas or answers on how to get out the vote. We need to work together, brainstorm ideas, learn from what worked in the past, and what didn’t. Then make a plan to educate, motivate, and remove the visible and invisible barriers to voting. Because 2024 REALLY MATTERS!
I am asking you to vote for me and then join me as we work together to get out the vote for Democrats in 2024. For my resume or to ask me questions, contact me at [email protected]
I believe if we are silent in the face of injustice, discrimination, poverty and bigotry in all its forms, then we are condoning a society of hate.
Today, America is at a critical juncture. We see the rise of the extreme right, the loss of women’s reproductive rights, gerrymandering, the attacks on LGBTQ2S+ people and on our democracy.
So, we have a decision to make. Do we work for an America in which all its people are equal, regardless of who they are, what they believe or look like, where they come from or whom they love? Or do we sit by and watch America be torn apart?
No one person has all the ideas or answers on how to get out the vote. We need to work together, brainstorm ideas, learn from what worked in the past, and what didn’t. Then make a plan to educate, motivate, and remove the visible and invisible barriers to voting. Because 2024 REALLY MATTERS!
I am asking you to vote for me and then join me as we work together to get out the vote for Democrats in 2024. For my resume or to ask me questions, contact me at [email protected]
Member-at-Large: Karin Lippert
Hello - In the more than 12 years I have been active member of DA Toronto, I have served as Vice-Chair, Co-Chair of the Women's Caucus and other positions. I have organized or coordinated events, protests, GET OUT THE VOTE activities and when we were allowed to meet in-person...many gatherings at Pubs, etc. to recruit new members. The goal for 2024 is to engage early to rally the large number of women and young people who support reproductive rights, climate change and gun control legislation and on other issues. I look forward to meeting our members and serving as a Member-at-Large!
Member-at-Large: Virginia Smith
I am nominating myself to serve as a member-at-large on the Toronto board for the coming term. I have the skills and experience to be a very effective member of the team that encourages Americans living in Canada to vote in U.S. elections. Many U.S. citizens living here do not know that they can participate in U.S. political life. The information provided by Democrats Abroad is vital for many.
I previously served two terms as a member-at large. I was the principal actor in the Vietnam Project, which reached out to U.S. citizens who moved to Canada during the Vietnam War. I also used my skills as a writer and editor to develop articles about chapter activities for the Democrats Abroad website.
I have been engaged in a variety of community-based organizations and advocacy groups for many years. One of my roles was as co-chair of my daughter's school council.
If I am elected, I would like to continue writing about the Toronto chapter's activities for the website or possibly a regular newsletter. I also want to help to revivify the group's social activities if the covid situation continues to improve. Dinners and even ballgame attendance can be powerful supports to political life.
I previously served two terms as a member-at large. I was the principal actor in the Vietnam Project, which reached out to U.S. citizens who moved to Canada during the Vietnam War. I also used my skills as a writer and editor to develop articles about chapter activities for the Democrats Abroad website.
I have been engaged in a variety of community-based organizations and advocacy groups for many years. One of my roles was as co-chair of my daughter's school council.
If I am elected, I would like to continue writing about the Toronto chapter's activities for the website or possibly a regular newsletter. I also want to help to revivify the group's social activities if the covid situation continues to improve. Dinners and even ballgame attendance can be powerful supports to political life.
Member-at-Large: Danielle Stampley
I am an outgoing Co-Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad - Toronto, and I am running for Member-at-Large because I want to continue supporting the Board while allowing others to take on leadership roles.
I have served as Chair and Co-Vice Chair of the Toronto Chapter. I have run meetings, organized and trained volunteers, planned social events to keep us connected during COVID, and worked hard to keep our members informed. I am passionate about getting out the vote and have organized our Chapter’s Global Presidential Primary polling place, which we will do again in 2024.
I have also attended international Democrats Abroad meetings and have developed a good understanding of the organization's resources and rules. At this point, I want to use what I have learned from my experience to help our Chapter rise to its potential and reach as many voters as possible.
I am a Missouri voter, and I have lived in Toronto for nearly nine years. By day, I am a lawyer. I represent workers and unions in an employment and labour practice. Organization, planning, and leadership are key to my practice and my work with Democrats Abroad. I would very much appreciate your support.
I have served as Chair and Co-Vice Chair of the Toronto Chapter. I have run meetings, organized and trained volunteers, planned social events to keep us connected during COVID, and worked hard to keep our members informed. I am passionate about getting out the vote and have organized our Chapter’s Global Presidential Primary polling place, which we will do again in 2024.
I have also attended international Democrats Abroad meetings and have developed a good understanding of the organization's resources and rules. At this point, I want to use what I have learned from my experience to help our Chapter rise to its potential and reach as many voters as possible.
I am a Missouri voter, and I have lived in Toronto for nearly nine years. By day, I am a lawyer. I represent workers and unions in an employment and labour practice. Organization, planning, and leadership are key to my practice and my work with Democrats Abroad. I would very much appreciate your support.
Member-at-Large: Jacqueline Swartz
I have been a member of Democrats Abroad for many years. Before there were chapters, I held the post of VIce-Chair for Canada. Currently, I am involved in the international Reproductive Rights committee.
Why am I running for this position? We know that the way forward is to help people register to vote and to reach people who might want to join in this effort. One way of doing that is to engage people - to have more events, both in-person and over zoom. I would like to see more connection among our members and potential members. For example: I organized the recent Thanksgiving dinner at a Toronto restaurant. Pre-covid, this event used to draw people like nothing else, and I was glad to be able to make it happen again.
My work qualifications? I have been a journalist for decades. I wrote about politics from Greece, culture from France, and travel from many places. I also wrote for medical publications and for women's magazines.
Why am I running for this position? We know that the way forward is to help people register to vote and to reach people who might want to join in this effort. One way of doing that is to engage people - to have more events, both in-person and over zoom. I would like to see more connection among our members and potential members. For example: I organized the recent Thanksgiving dinner at a Toronto restaurant. Pre-covid, this event used to draw people like nothing else, and I was glad to be able to make it happen again.
My work qualifications? I have been a journalist for decades. I wrote about politics from Greece, culture from France, and travel from many places. I also wrote for medical publications and for women's magazines.