Hi, I’m Manny. People know me as Amanda, too. I am a longtime, independent special advisor and speechwriter to global leaders, a former startup entrepreneur and former SVP at a major financial institution. A music geek and the biggest dog lover. I’ve authored strategies and conversations for and between heads of state, cabinet ministers, organization leaders and the people impacted by their decisions. A voice behind the voice. An orchestra conductor to make ideas reality and inspire millions… or one. Being a gal behind the curtain for clients in governments, corporations, startups, celebrities and nonprofits has given me a unique lens into what it takes to help public figures to make good decisions - and to help the most sincere voices heard. 

In 2021, I fell in love with America all over again as I traveled cross-country with my dog, Obi, who made friends across 28 states. We met and talked to thousands of people over three years and discovered a shocking theme. As politics naturally came up from people’s curiosity about my work, I’d ask them: “Do you want America to be this divided?” Nearly everyone said “No.” And the conversation instantly disarmed. I started counting. 87% of Americans do not want America to be this divided. That’s amazing. That’s a majority.

How is the reality of our majority so different from the reality of the politics that represent us?

Eye-to-eye, knee-to-knee, nearly every conversation showed Americans who genuinely wanted to connect with active parts of America, to be able to talk to each other with less stress, to no longer be frustrated, fearful or distanced recipients of the current conversation. They just didn’t know how. I didn’t see these American voices or their stories represented in our media or political conversations - and I knew this silent majority needed a voice. Also, I am one of them.

I’ve learned over the years that people on the public stage often have barriers to full transparency or impact that people behind the scenes - or behind the screens - don’t have.    I developed a way to look at the 360-context of our problems, our decisions and messages shared about them. And I can’t do it alone.

My role is to create constructive, disarming conversations and synthesize American voices into something meaningful, sincere, credible and actionable. Lower octane, higher impact.

Growing up in rural eastern North Carolina then living in both big cities and small towns across America, I have aligned with both political parties over stages in my life. In my bones, I can understand both sides’ arguments and have empathy for their reasons and rationale. Like most Americans, I want to feel understood, safe, connected and free to share my views authentically in my family and community, too. My experiences drove me to grow my own capacity for healthy discourse and allow me to facilitate healthier conversations, analysis and actions around political issues. I believe there is a way forward for America to evolve, to not by led by special interests or party, but from the sum of our parts. That’s our democracy. If we can keep it.

America is our home. And it’s unhealthy right now. But not without hope. Our thoughtful, honest work. With extraordinary land, people and design like no other, we have something incredible worth fighting for. It’s amazing that people fight for women’s rights, for instance. It’s equally amazing that people fight for a baby’s life. It matters that people care so much that they’ll fight about at the dinner table. And it’s a privilege that we have a Constitution that empowers us to do the work of finding the humane balance of all life.

I believe that there’s a better way forward than the false choices and rhetoric we have that divide us. I want to help harness that incredible passion and advocacy from the dinner table and across all sides to rise above the divide. I found out that the majority of Americans want that, too. It won’t be easy. It’s murky and message work, but we’re worth it. We can do hard things. We’re Americans.