Candidate
Hi, I'm Dayana. My husband, our two sons, and I proudly call Sykesville/Eldersburg our forever home - because from the moment we arrived, we truly felt right at home. My husband is a retired U. S. Army Veteran, and our younger boys attend Carroll County Public Schools. Our oldest son is grown and building his life in New Hampshire.
Professionally, I've worn many hats - each one rooted in service. I built and operated my own medical diagnostic center before selling it, and moved to Ft Stewart, GA. Met my husband's in the beginning of his military career, learned to be resilient, flexible and dedicated to support my husband's military career. Later, I became an independent contractor providing interpretation services for families navigating medical and educational systems with a language barrier. Most recently, I served in the behavioral health field as a Registered Behavioral Technician in both California and Maryland, one in few in the region delivering treatment plans across multiple languages. Supporting families, advocating for their needs, and seeing their quality of life improve has been some of the most meaningful work of my life.
I've also been deeply involved in community leadership - serving on the Community Development Advisory Committee as a Commissioner for the City of Seaside, California; acting as the Southwest Area Community Liaison for Baltimore County's Multi - Year Improvement Plan for All Schools (MYIPAS) in 2021; and working with Strong Schools Maryland, a coalition committed to advancing the Blueprint's vision for our schools.
My priorities reflect what matters most to families and communities across District 5: strong public education, universal healthcare, disability rights, climate action, transportation equity, mental health support, racial and juvenile justice, reproductive rights, and workers' rights.
My approach to governance is centered on inclusivity and collaboration. By engaging with the community and valuing diverse perspectives, I will work diligently and seek to foster positive change that benefits every individual. I'm running because helping people is who I am. I'm running because every person in District 5 deserves to be heard, respected, and represented. And I'm ready to show up, work hard, and stand alongside you, your family, and every member of our community in the Maryland House of Delegates.