Employee Spotlight: Raul Riena

Meet Raul Riena, transportation driver with Senior Services.

Raul grew up in Salt River with his mom and two sisters. He attended day school in the community and transferred to Carson Middle School in the 7th grade. He remembers being shock. It was the first time he realized there were other nationalities, but he made many friends, especially by 8th grade when he became more comfortable with himself. He then attended Westwood High School in Mesa.

His favorite memories growing up were of his family get-togethers his mother and uncles would have. They would play all kinds of music and Raul loved it. He also enjoyed listening to the oldies with his mother who had an extensive collection of music from the 40s and 50s.

Later when Raul got a car, he would often drive his friends to the clubs as the designated driver. There, he was exposed to house music, which he loved, and the magic of spinning disks as a DJ. That started him on his house music collection. He worked at Fry’s on Indian School and Miller for 10+ years, moving up through various departments, and his collection grew.

Raul loved music so much that in 2011 he took music engineering classes at the Conservatory of Recording Arts in Mesa to learn recording, mixing and all the software needed to produce music. He became a certified audio engineer and would DJ at his friend’s club in downtown Phoenix and occasionally, other venues.

In addition to working at Fry’s and DJing, Raul was also a Lyft driver. He enjoyed chatting with his riders and providing them with good service. That experience would serve him well.

The pandemic brought Raul back to Salt River. He moved his small family in with his mother so they could quarantine together. Raul was looking for a job within the community when he saw a driver position for Senior Services. He joined the Transportation team in June of 2021.

“I like driving and helping the elders out here. I enjoy talking to them and listening to their stories about their lives and making them laugh,” said Raul. “I love all my coworkers. It’s such a great team. It feels like I’d been here for years, we fit so well.”

Raul delivers meals to homebound seniors and adults with physical and adaptive needs.

“It’s more than just delivery. You get to know people,” said Raul. “You make sure they are OK, visit a bit and brighten up their day.”

Raul lives with his longtime girlfriend, their 11-year-old daughter, his mother, sister, nieces and nephews. He is glad that all the kids are growing up together and he can interact with extended family every day. He enjoys photography and still DJing upon occasion.

If you see him, give him a wave.