Impactful hiring program is 'game-changer' for company and neurodivergent individuals

El Car Wash's Regional Manager, Rodrigo Mondelo; El Car Wash associate Orledo Perdomo, and Area Director of Operations Rafael Trenard celebrate the Miami program for neurodivergent employees. El Car Wash.

Published Jul 10, 2025

About a year ago, El Car Wash employee Jia Kruger pushed for the launch of a neurodivergent hiring program at her workplace. She was inspired after learning that her 4-year-old child has autism.

Since then, in a partnership with The de Moya Foundation, the company has welcomed 12 individuals into its workforce.

What they have been given are not just jobs. They now have a supportive environment for growth, development and long-term career building. The program is making a huge difference in the lives of their families, too.

"This program has been a game-changer — not only for our new team members, but for our entire organization," said Daniel Muñoz, corporate training manager of El Car Wash.

Muñoz played a key role in launching the program and personally trained the neurodivergent employees involved.

"It's about creating a workplace where everyone belongs and thrives," he said.

By teaming up with the de Moya Foundation in Miami, El Car Wash is now helping to set a new standard for inclusive hiring practices. And the company has a mission to grow the initiative to ensure even more individuals with autism and other neurodivergent traits are welcomed into its operations.

The de Moya Foundation specializes in empowering individuals with unique abilities. In its mission to represent, and change society's perspective, the organization helps create opportunities for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Fragile X Syndrome and intellectual disability.

El Car Wash company has more than 85 locations across Florida and Michigan. The company strives to support local charities and communities by creating "hometown pride."

Kiwanis Treasurer and Gables Service Scholarship Administrator Doug Kellner with winners Tiffany Beh, left, and Destiny Casimir at the Awards Dinner at Birdie Bistro.

GABLES GRADS HONORED FOR SERVICE

Two recent graduates of Coral Gables Senior High School were celebrated for their outstanding commitment to service and leadership at the annual Gables Service Scholarship Dinner hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Coral Gables.

This year's honorees, Tiffany Beh and Destiny Casimir, represent the next generation of those making a difference through service in their communities. Both will attend the University of Florida in the fall.

The scholarships are managed by the Coral Gables Kiwanis Youth Foundation, which has a legacy of generosity rooted in the volunteerism of more than 1,700 Gables High Key Club members. From 1972 to 1989, the students tirelessly raised funds by operating an annual Christmas tree lot.

As the Club enters its 100th year, it continues to shine a light on the need for service in uplifting others, especially children.

For more about the Gables Service Scholarship, the Kiwanis Club of Coral Gables or the Coral Gables Kiwanis Foundation, contact Richard Martin, president, at lrsfin@bellsouth.net

ROTARY AWARDS MEDICAL STUDENTS

Seventy-six medical students were awarded a total of $304,000 in scholarships by the Rotary Club of Miami, the Trustees for the Thomas Brown McClelland Trust.

The Fund, established in 1980, was created upon the passing of club member Thomas Brown McClelland. A horticulturist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, McClelland provided funding for the Trust in his will.

The Club continues his wish to help aspiring medical students with the cost of their education.

This year's award recipients are attending schools all over, but the majority are in Florida medical schools including Nova Southeastern University, University of Florida, University of Miami and Florida International University.

Since 1983, more than $8.5 million in scholarships have been awarded, benefiting almost 900 individuals. The Club has no stipulation that funds be repaid, but almost $250,000 in contributions from grateful former recipients have helped support those following in their footsteps.

To be eligible, students must have graduated from a Miami-Dade public or private high school and either be enrolled in or entering an AMA accredited medical school. A completed application and an interview with Rotary Club of Miami members finalize the process.

Students can look for the application and details in the fall every year at . Interviews take place at the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiners Offices.

The committee is hoping to post the application earlier this year, perhaps in October, with a deadline in the first week of January. The Rotary Club of Miami is now in its 109th year.