Federal Way, WA – Two Federal Way-based community organizations, Mujer al Volante and Mission Africa, have been selected by the King County Target Zero Coalition as grantees to expand diverse traffic safety education across South King County. Each nonprofit received a $20,000 grant in 2026 to support multilingual outreach aimed at reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities on local roadways.
The King County Target Zero Coalition, established in 1988 by Public Health Seattle and King County, receives funding from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and state public health funds. The coalition launched a significant project in 2025 targeting an 11-mile corridor stretching from Highway 169 south through Kent/Auburn, specifically along 140th Avenue SE where it transitions to 132nd Avenue SE, ending at Highway 18. The primary objective of this project has been to decrease the number of accidents, injuries, and deaths within this high-risk stretch of South King County roadway.
Following a successful initial year, the coalition expanded its efforts in 2026 to further promote traffic safety education for all residents throughout King County. This expansion includes working with community-based organizations like Mujer al Volante and Mission Africa to effectively reach a wider range of communities.
Mujer al Volante, an immigrant-led nonprofit based in South King County, focuses on empowering low-income immigrant, refugee, and asylee women through multilingual driver education programs. Founded in 2013 by Jaqueline Garcia Castillo, the organization has served more than 2,000 women and provides culturally responsive programming in ten languages. Castillo, who immigrated to Seattle in 2011 and faced difficulties accessing resources for a driver’s license, established Mujer al Volante to provide the support system she lacked. In 2025, the organization was recognized as the Washington Organization of the Year. Castillo stated that the organization's mission is to teach women how to drive, prepare them for knowledge tests, and help them obtain a driver's license, ultimately fostering independence. She also highlighted that through these partnerships, community organizations are uniquely positioned to "change the culture" regarding traffic safety.
Mission Africa, another Federal Way-based nonprofit, brings over 21 years of community service to this partnership. Founded by Ndudi Chuku, the organization, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, aims to heighten awareness regarding safe speeds and distraction-free driving. Its focus is particularly on historically underserved communities, including immigrant and refugee households, multilingual residents, communities of color, and families with teenagers. Ndudi Chuku, the organization’s executive director, commented that King County's investment in Target Zero represents an investment in life. Anthony Muchiri, a board member and project manager for Mission Africa, underscored the necessity of broad outreach for traffic safety, noting that the message must reach all communities, including BIPOC, low-income, and immigrant communities, to ensure widespread safety. The nonprofit delivers driving instruction in multiple languages, helping new residents navigate the often complex process of obtaining a driver's license in the United States.
The King County Target Zero Coalition’s targeted efforts along the 11-mile corridor have already yielded positive results. Data on driving behavior shows a 17% reduction in speeds exceeding 40 mph along the corridor from January to July 2026, when compared to the same period in 2024. These new partnerships are expected to further decrease the number of collisions in the region. Castillo concluded by highlighting the importance of continued investment in culture change through various nonprofits and community organizations.
