Meet Maria Alejandra Mejia

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Alejandra Mejia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Alejandra, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
It was a profound moment of realization. From the beginning, my purpose and passion have revolved around creating a better future for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. However, early in my career, I learned that not everyone shares this vision of compassion and development for these unique individuals. It was then that I made a firm decision: to create a safe place where autistic and neurodiverse children and young adults could receive the education and support they need. I recognized the immense potential within these individuals and was resolute in changing the narrative of their education and life.

This journey has been transformative, filled with incredible students, supportive families, and dedicated allies. Today, we proudly operate an early intervention center for young children, EIBS , and an education and career center for middle & high school students and young adults known as The Rising Start.

We have recently created The Rising Start Center For Neurodiverse Innovation & Entrepreneurship and are set to unveil two innovative, entrepreneurial initiatives for the fall of 2024 and early 2025: a) Our Food Truck Project serving two missions, Neurodiversity fighting Food Insecurity while at the same time training and employing our neurodiverse young adults in culinary arts and hospitality, and b) Our Rising Startups Program which will provide entrepreneurial and small business training as well as “seed funding” to our neurodiverse teens and young adults and just as importantly, their families. What better way to empower them to forge their own path toward a bright future than by equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This journey has been transformative, filled with incredible students, supportive families, and dedicated allies. Today, we proudly operate an early intervention center for young children, EIBS , and an education and career center for middle & high school students and young adults known as The Rising Start.

We have recently created The Rising Start Center For Neurodiverse Innovation & Entrepreneurship and are set to unveil two innovative, entrepreneurial initiatives for the fall of 2024 and early 2025: a) Our Food Truck Project serving two missions, Neurodiversity fighting Food Insecurity while at the same time training and employing our neurodiverse young adults in culinary arts and hospitality, and b) Our Rising Startups Program which will provide entrepreneurial and small business training as well as “seed funding” to our neurodiverse teens and young adults and just as importantly, their families. What better way to empower them to forge their own path towards a bright future than by equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Palmetto Bay!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Michael Alessandri, Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Executive Director of CARD

Website: https://www.therisingstart.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therisingstart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trsfoundation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRisingStart/ 

Image Credits
Laura Bernal (The first one – group pic with Maria and kids) Oviedo Studios (second batch)