I ardently believe that every woman should have the right to pursue the career of her choosing, for a just and equal wage; that she should have the right to make her own choices regarding her body; and that she should be able to make those choices without fear of violence. And that every woman, no matter her race, religion, sexuality, or social class, should be supported in those choices.

As an American living in Paris since 2010, I have been disheartened and disappointed nearly every day since November 2016. But with the team at Women’s March Paris, I have found an outlet for turning that sadness and anger into something productive: a committed investment in the local community for positive, progressive change that is far stronger and more durable than any one politician.