Daytonian of the Week: “Miss Maha in the City”


What do you do?

For my day job, I am a Senior Account Manager for DPL Energy Resources – a local company that’s one of the top 20 retail electric providers in the nation. My specialty is working with Ohio’s largest commercial and industrial energy consumers to structure custom-tailored solutions to meet their budgetary goals in an ever-changing energy landscape. Sounds boring, but it’s actually very exciting. Never a dull moment.

On the side, I am the President of the Dayton Arab American Forum (DAAF), a volunteer run nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian organization focused on promoting the cultural heritage of Arab-Americans in and around the Dayton Region. I am also the Board President for the Center for Business and Consumer Ethics, the charitable arm of your Better Business Bureau, whose mission is to collaborate with governmental agencies, businesses/nonprofits and your BBB to prepare consumers of all ages to spend, save and give wisely and act with integrity and ethics in business and in life. I sit on various other committees around town as well and volunteer my time regularly.

Who are you?

Great question. Who IS Maha anyway?! I would describe myself as a creative, passionate and ambitious young professional residing in the great city of Dayton. I am half Arab (Iraqi mother) and half Persian (Iranian father). My family moved to the United States from Iran when I was almost 3 years old. I have an amazing younger sister named Jasmine. I can’t imagine my life without her, my two beautiful parents who I admire deeply and our adorable orange tabby named Chewie.

My family relocated to Dayton when I was 12 years old for my father to take a job with THE University of Dayton (go Flyers). I attended Spring Valley Academy for High School, a top notch institution in Centerville that afforded me one of the best experiences of my life. Trust me – If you have kids, send them there. Graduated from the University of Dayton in 2005 with a degree in Public Relations & Entrepreneurship. Have been working in B2B sales ever since. Moved to Chicago in 2008, then promptly moved back in 2009 with a newly inspired passion for downtown Dayton. I have been “living the dream” ever since.

I enjoy business, traveling, writing, cooking, painting, golfing and exploring our city. Big fan of the cultural arts scene. Proud resident of the Historic Oregon District. Avid supporter of all things Dayton. ♥

What’s one word you think people would use to describe you?

Effervescent.

What is your hidden talent?

Funny story, in the seventh grade, I called Z93 to be a guest DJ for their “Top 8-at-8” countdown. The twist? They asked me what my hidden talent was before introducing my song. Not actually having a hidden talent, but feeling the need to say something cool, I claimed I was a rapper. Yes, a rapper. The DJ got a kick out of that response, and asked me to demonstrate my hidden talent (insert foot in mouth). I freaked, then proceeded to perform my version of “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” by Puff Daddy… over the airwaves. I remember the DJ laughing, then I announced the #5 song – “Stomp”. It was exciting, hilarious and mortifying all at the same time. Especially the next day at school. Needless to say, I have never claimed to have a hidden talent again.

What do you love about life in Dayton?

I truly love that Dayton is a big small town. It is so easy and affordable to become engaged in this community and take advantage of all the amenities our city has to offer. Whether that be exploring the arts, immersing in culture, dining at independent restaurants, learning about our history of innovation, celebrating many festivals or enjoying the countless in and outdoor recreation options afforded to us by organizations like Five Rivers MetroParks, Dayton truly has everything —and cheaper than almost everywhere else in the nation! As a former resident of downtown Chicago, I know firsthand how easy it is to break the bank if you want to have a life in a big city. In Dayton, you can have the best of both worlds. Plus, the people here are awesome.

What would you do on a perfect date in Dayton?

Depends on the season.

• Spring – Dinner and a movie at the Neon.

• Summer – Dining, hiking and exploring in Yellow Springs or a fun festival.

• Fall – Dinner and a show at the Schuster. My favorite? The Philharmonic.

• Winter – Ice Skating at Riverscape

• Year round – A trip to the 2nd Street Market.

What would you change about Dayton?

More single men? Haha, but seriously. The dating scene in Dayton can be a challenge, especially in your 30s. This community marries young. That said, there are many opportunities to mix and mingle with young professionals through organizations like Generation Dayton, UpDayton and Dayton ENCORE!

What should people know about Dayton?

Although “things to do” might not just fall on your lap, there is a lot going on in town. Fantastic resources like Dayton.com are dedicated to shining light on all the cool, fun and eclectic activities happening around the region every day. I always challenge people to explore, with an open mind. You might have to look a little harder than you would in a bigger city, but if you have an open mind I promise you will see, hear or do something new and exciting that you’ll love. That’s how I fell in love with this city. Trust me. You will fall in love with Dayton too.

What do you think Dayton will look like in 10-15 years?

Honestly, I am very excited for our future. The positive momentum that has built up since I moved back in 2009 is inspirational. This rebirth of the Gem City has been beautiful to watch. Dayton is full of incredible people who are proud to roll up their sleeves and get to work. This type of culture and community will make Dayton an unstoppable force creating envy across the nation over the next decade and beyond! #DaytonInspires

Maha Kashani didn’t think highly of of Dayton and its downtown during her childhood in Centerville.

“It had negative connotations,” she recalled. “It was scary.”

It wasn’t until the University of Dayton grad moved to Chicago for a job with Cincinnati Bell and then moved back here for another position with that company that she embraced the Gem City for what it was and what it could become.

“I kind of came back to this momentum that was starting to build in the city and downtown,” Maha said, speaking to the excitement sparked when urban researcher Richard Florida shared his Creative Class theories with the community in 2008.

“The community was in a place were we said ‘we are going to do something about it.’”

UpDayton and FilmDayton were among the community organizations born as a result of the creative class push.

Maha became heavily involved in Generation Dayton, the young professionals program of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations.

“I felt that Dayton was a mini version of Chicago with the arts and the restaurants, but it was so cheap,” Maha said, pointing out that she paid $1,860 for a 700 square foot, one-bedroom, one-bath apartment in Chicago.

“That was a deal,” the Spring Valley Academy graduate said. “They gave me 10 percent off.”

Now senior account manager for DPL Energy Resources, Maha bought her 1,277 square foot customized condo overlooking Dayton’s Oregon District for a comparative steal last year.

Born in Iran, Maha lived there until she was age 3, and moved to the Dayton area in 1996 when her father Reza Kashani became a professor at the University of Dayton.

She's lived downtown since 2009, but started writing about her experience in her new, old city on social media shortly after returning to the area from Chicago.

Her monthly column, "Miss Maha and the City," appeared in the Dayton City Paper between 2010 and December 2014.

“I love the restaurants (in Dayton) and everything being unique and people caring,” Maha said. “Five years ago, I said I was going to live in the city, and everybody thought I was crazy.”

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