Speakers

Carla Young, Executive Director, has been with DASNW for over 20 years, first as a volunteer driver from 2004-2007, and in the director role from 2008 to present.  A graduate of Texas A&M, Carla and her family moved to Cedar Park in 2002.  With 3 kids and 2 grandkids (and many grandcats and a granddog) living very far away (Japan, Canada, and Minnesota) Carla and husband Steve have no plans to move, just travel when they can to visit everyone! 

Drive a Senior Northwest is a non-profit serving seniors in Cedar Park, Leander, and northwest Austin with free transportation and support services to help those seniors age in place, live independently longer and stay connected to their community.  With just 150 volunteer drivers, DASNW serves over 500 seniors with over 7000 rides a year, funded completely from the community we serve (no federal, state, or insurance support).  Save the date! October 3, 2026 will be the 40th anniversary of this vital non-profit, and we hope you can join us for the big celebration!

Valeria Rios is a Program Specialist at the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, where she leads outreach and program initiatives that enhance the quality of life for older adults and caregivers across Central Texas. With a strong foundation in social services and healthcare, she brings a strategic, person-centered approach to community engagement and support services. Valeria holds a BSA in Biology, a Business of Healthcare certificate, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health in Healthcare Management. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing inclusive, culturally responsive services that empower older adults to age with dignity, health, and independence.