Impact Leader
Mandana is a relentless advocate for human dignity and justice, standing up for women and girls in Iran, volunteering at the U.S.-Mexico border, urging diplomats to condemn sexual violence at the United Nations, and sharing her journey of building national movements. Through storytelling, she has led culture-shaping projects that spark change, inspire compassion, and mobilize collective action.
She leverages her platforms to boost voter participation, support progressive candidates, and oppose extremism. Mandana’s work with global organizations like Vital Voices and the Global Women’s Forum in Paris underscores her commitment to defending democratic values worldwide.
Mandana’s activism is deeply personal, shaped by her experience immigrating to the U.S. as a religious refugee from Iran. After October 7th, she shared a viral video about her upbringing in Iran that garnered over 50 million views, dedicating herself to advocating for the Jewish community. She frequently addresses the global rise in antisemitism and its impact on Israel and hostage families on major news networks including MSNBC, CNN, Fox, and NewsNation.
Her powerful speech at the United Nations Special Session on Sexual Violence - viewed over 5 million times- placed her alongside leaders like Sheryl Sandberg and Hillary Clinton. Honored with the NCJW Social Change Award, she also serves on the ADL Digital Council. In 2024, Mandana founded The Calanet Foundation to combat antisemitism through culture, creativity, and storytelling. This year, she was appointed by President Biden to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council Board of Trustees.
FOUNDER OF
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I AM A VOTER
I am a voter. is a national, non-partisan organization that primarily targets young voters.
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THE DEMOCRACY HEROES
The first-ever Democracy Heroes Awards honors 25 leaders breaking barriers and building solutions to ensure marginalized voters have a voice in our democracy ahead of the 2024 election - in an effort to inspire others to recognize the power of democracy within their communities and beyond
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CALANET FOUNDATION
In response to growing antisemitism, Mandana launched the Calanet Foundation in 2024. The organization incubates systems that drive meaningful impact through culture, creativity, storytelling, and grassroots action.
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ONE MITZVAH A DAY
One Mitzvah a Day is a digital platform that sends thousands of people a daily action they can take in under three minutes, rooted in the power of gratitude.
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OUR CAMPUS UNITED
Our Campus United is a student-led movement dedicated to empowering college students in the fight against antisemitism.
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THE OCU CHRONICLE
The OCU Chronicle is a student-led digital newspaper and storytelling platform created by Mandana Dayani in collaboration with the Our Campus United community.