Member Spotlight: Melinda Khubiar, Marketing Manager, MediRoutes

How long have you been a member of TTA? Almost 2 years! 

Why did you join TTA? We were introduced to TTA through our colleague, Heather. It’s important to stay informed within the industry to see how we can improve and help. The TTA has become an extension of NEMT for me.  

What’s your favorite part of being a member of TTA? The passion. Each member I have had the pleasure to speak with is truly passionate about transportation 

What committee do you currently serve on? Young Transportation Providers (I think) 

What city are you located in and what is the size of your fleet? I’m based out of Phoenix and work for MediRoutes, so no fleet. 

What type of service does your company provide? We are a fleet software that focuses on NEMT. 

What do you love most about the transportation industry? The industry itself is warm – it’s dedicated people trying to solve complex problems.  

How do you define success? Happiness, are you fulfilled and does your current state bring you joy. Success isn’t measured by money – that’s only one aspect of it. 

Who inspires you? My ancestors. There were many times where we almost faced extinction due to genocide, but they persevered and because of them, I am here. 

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why? My late Grandma, I’d like to learn her knowledge from an adult perspective. She was very successful in her career, always cheerful, calm and poised. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the transportation industry? Immerse yourself in TTA and network. Utilize the resources within your network. There are success stories, learn from them. This industry is tough, you need a community. 

What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learnt in the last month? Oh, I’m a big dreamer and often forget to enjoy the journey. This month has been full of revelations to truly stop and enjoy each step of life – don’t get distracted by the end goal that you don’t stop to appreciate right now, even if it doesn’t look like what you want it to.  

Fun Questions 

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know? I own a Mesopotamian based streetwear brand, Ancient. www.originalancient.com 

What’s the last book you read? Queen of Assyria by I. V. Younan 

What is your favorite hobby? Designing Clothes 

What’s the first concert you ever attended? Ying Yang Twins & Lil Jon 

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list? Going back home to Iraq for Christmas 

Are you currently binge-watching any shows? The Mindy Project 

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Booshala, Google it – you won’t regret it. It’s a traditional Assyrian dish 

What’s one item you can’t live without? Music