Behind The Mask: Meet Mandana Dayani

Meet Mandana Dayani, the inspiring Creator & Co-Founder of I am a voter., and Co-Host of The Dissenters Podcast. 

What is the mission of I am a Voter?

I am a voter. is a nonpartisan movement that aims to create a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement. Our mission is to make voter identity mainstream, aspirational, and an integral component of how anyone identifies themselves.

Why were you motivated/ inspired to start I am a Voter?

I am a voter. was founded by some of the most brilliant women I have ever known. As an immigrant, I have always felt incredibly privileged to be an American, and I was really heartbroken seeing our country so divided the last few years. After making the decision to just dive in and learn what I could do to help, I quickly saw that there was an opportunity for a modern voting brand that really spoke to our generation. One that was positive, empowering, and more focused on what unites us. A brand that really captured how cool it is to be an active participant and maybe made you feel a little FOMO if you weren’t. And I knew that if I could get these incredibly talented and inspiring women together in a room, we could build a meaningful message and leverage our relationships and skills to create true impact.

After doing lots of research, I learned that identity was an important predictor of voter turnout, which is where the name came from. And once we partnered with CAA, they were able to provide us with the tools, infrastructure, and support we needed to really get this off the ground. Getting to work with these 25 women (we are all volunteers) has been the most rewarding experience of my life.

What is one thing every American can do to make a difference in this election?:

Text VOTER to 26797 right now to make sure you are registered and to receive reminders for all local, state and federal elections. Request your mail-in ballot and vote as soon as possible this election (and vote early in person if that is an option)! Lastly, make sure your friends, family members and colleagues vote.

What is one piece of information about Voting you want every American to know? 

Millennials (24-39) and Gen Z (18-23) make up 37% of eligible voters in the 2020 election and only 31% of youth voted in 2018. We must do better. 

Finish this sentence “I mask up for…” 

Every other person.

Finish this sentence “Masking up makes me feel…” 

Kind, empathetic, respectful, responsible, deferential to science, and a citizen of my community.

Finish this sentence "Voting is...”

The sexiest damn thing you could ever do.

What will you do in your next normal?

Never forget the things I learned during this time.

What has the silver lining of quarantine been for you?

Time with my family. A pause to listen and learn.

Favorite barrière mask? The Vote mask, obviously!