Melba Tirado is a communications professional with more than 25 years of experience across industries including transportation, nonprofit management, media production, government and education. Her expertise includes video and radio production, environmental justice, community engagement and communications for capital improvement projects in Southern California. Melba has worked with government agencies, municipalities, regional planning organizations and in federal and state grant administration and has coordinated and executed plans for special events and outreach for infrastructure projects.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Melba has specialized in engaging underserved communities, including disabled individuals, veterans, non-English speakers and residents with low literacy, ensuring their voices are heard in project planning and decision-making. She has successfully increased participation from marginalized groups through effective community meetings, outreach and public relations initiatives.
Melba is also skilled in nonprofit management, performing arts support, youth outreach, and public affairs. Her educational background includes a Master of Arts in Communication Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Southern California, along with a Certificate in Transit and Paratransit Management from the University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business.