Maryam Ghyabi -- photo

Maryam was born in Mashad, Iran. From an early age, her Grandfather knew she would not be someone to settle down as a housewife. Maryam, herself, also knew that someday she would run her own engineering company. She studied hard and after taking exams that only 3% of students ever passed, she was admitted to the National University where she excelled in her studies. Her future looked very bright. However, Iran became embroiled in revolution and her parents decided to send her to the United States, where her Brother was attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to complete her college education.

Maryam H. Ghyabi is a graduate of UCF with a BS in Civil Engineering and a Masters Degree in Transportation Engineering. Ms. Ghyabi has taught as an adjunct Professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and worked as the Chief Transport Planner for Volusia County. She also served as a highway design engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation. Ms. Ghyabi is very active in the industry’s professional associations, holding membership in ITE – National and Florida, APA, FES, ASCE and ASHE.

In 1995, Maryam realized a childhood dream of starting her own company, and by the end of the year, formed Ghyabi & Associates, Inc. As President, she is responsible for all aspects of running the Company managing large engineering projects, marketing clients and directing staff.

Ms. Ghyabi works diligently to promote transportation and economic development for the Central Florida Region and is a firm believer in supporting regional connectivity, cooperation and comprehensive approach to resolving issues and concerns. As a tireless advocate of economic growth she has led many key efforts in transportation issues; spearheaded the revision of the I-4 Master Plan including a future extension of light rail transit through Volusia County to I-95, has served as the Chair and the driving force for the I-4 St. John’s River Bridge Coalition that worked to secure accelerated funding for the bridge replacement, Chaired the Volusia County Expressway Authority Coalition that recommended a study to determine toll road feasibility, was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Transportation Outreach Program (TOP) Advisory Board and elected Chair at the initial meeting, served for three (3) years as Chair of the Volusia County Area Responsible Development (VCARD), Central Florida Transportation Commission Task Force, Volusia County Women’s Network, Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Orlando Chamber/My Region, TEAMFL, THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES Advisors to the Nation on Science, Engineering and Medicine (National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project Panel 17-21), and is a Member of the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) Board. Maryam also served on the Volusia County Charter Issues Advisory Committee and has recently been appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the board of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

Her accomplished career is complemented with her active involvement in community service programs. Ms. Ghyabi has become a mentor to students interested in the Civil Engineering Industry. She also dedicates her time to various charity and leadership organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation- Race for the Cure, TEAM Florida Partnership and Volusia County Communitywide Traffic Safety Team just to name a few.

Some of Maryam’s recent accomplishment include chairing a: Women in Business Symposium with Volusia County Economic Development to assist the women owned businesses in Volusia County and Flagler County to take their business to the next level. This was a very successful symposium that helped women in the counties come together to form a network between them. There were over 150 participants attend. The symposium had the Lt. Governor speak, it was broadcasted on the Marc Bernier Show, there was a motivational speaker and breakout sessions. This will become a annual event and the plan would be to have this grow to be on a state level.