The nominations and call for candidates period for the 2025 DA France Women's Caucus Elections has now closed. Please find below statements for the candidates standing for election.
All members of the DA France Women's Caucus will receive a ballot by email on March 1. Online voting will end on March 15 at midnight.
New members are welcome to join and vote — please do so by March 10. You must be a U.S. citizen living overseas and at least 18 years old at the time of the next federal election to join Democrats Abroad, and be living in France to vote in this election (join here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/join), and also be a Women's member of the Global Women's Caucus (join here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/wc).
Questions? Contact the Women's Caucus Election Board at [email protected].
The positions available for election are two Co-Chairs.
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Candidate Statements
Candidate(s) for Co-Chair (in alphabetical order)
Michelle Kusuma
My name is Michelle Kusuma, an American living in Paris. Born and raised in San Francisco to first-generation Asian immigrant parents, I learned early on that diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
As an Asian American woman, I have experienced subtle discrimination, which only deepened my commitment to advocacy. I am passionate about empowering women and minorities to make our voices heard and create meaningful change.
My activism began in college when I volunteered for President Barack Obama’s campaign, organizing voter outreach and transportation for seniors. Later, while at Harvard, I volunteered at a winter homeless shelter in Indiana and a domestic violence center for women and children in Massachusetts.
In Paris, I joined Democrats Abroad ahead of the 2024 election and took the lead in organizing key initiatives. I led and organized our very first Summerween picnic, bringing together over 30 attendees from across the political spectrum, and launched the Global Voice series, securing Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval as our first speaker. I also co-led debate watch parties and election night gatherings for over 50 Americans.
If elected, I will expand these initiatives, fostering engagement with Democratic leaders and connecting Americans worldwide. I am honored to run for Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and look forward to championing women’s right, democracy and diversity.
Kaila O'Neill
Bonjour, je m'appelle Kaila O'Neill. I’m running for Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus within Democrats Abroad, and I ask for your vote to strengthen our impact. From the beautiful streets of San Francisco to the halls of La Sorbonne, my journey has always been about building connections. Together, we can make sure our voices resonate in the halls of global decision-making, and that women’s rights are safeguarded. Creating spaces that put women first, with the economic empowerment they need to lead.
With experience working for the Paris Organising Committee of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, or in the fields of international relations and net-zero energy initiatives, I am dedicated to advancing goals that matter most to us as Americans abroad. Building bonds within our communities by organizing events, fostering open dialogue, and promoting collaboration, equity, and sustainability. Having lived and studied in Paris, I recognize the power of cultural exchange and education in shaping a brighter, more unified future. I envision a future where each woman—regardless of her background—has a seat at the table.
Dikhia Valenzuela
I'm running for Women's Caucus Co-Chair because I'm passionate about advancing our rights and well-being at home and abroad. I realize firsthand the positive impact an inclusive community of women can have. I want to cultivate a caucus where women feel heard, supported, and empowered. A space where members can find refuge in a group of like-minded women, exchange ideas, share resources, and work together to navigate real issues. In a time where the protection of the civil liberties of women at home is threatened, I feel confident we learn from one another to find a way forward. With a background in technology ethics and governance, I have a fresh perspective on today's challenges and look forward to bringing this perspective to the Caucus.