We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Veronica Shanklin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Veronica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

As the CEO and founder of Dementia Care Warriors, this mission isn’t just something I believe in—it’s something I live. For over 11 years, I’ve been the primary caregiver for both my mom and my grandmother, both of whom have lived with Alzheimer’s. That journey changed everything for me. It opened my eyes to the immense emotional, physical, and financial toll caregiving can take—and more importantly, it revealed a glaring gap in resources, representation, and culturally relevant support for caregivers, especially in communities like mine.

I started Dementia Care Warriors because I knew we needed something different. We needed a space where caregivers—particularly caregivers of color and family members in underserved areas—felt seen, supported, and equipped. Too often, caregivers are praised for their strength while being left to carry the load alone. I knew there had to be a better way. So, I created the kind of organization I wish existed when I was at the beginning of my caregiving journey: one that offers real resources, real relief, and a real community.

This mission is personal. It’s urgent. And it’s powered by love, lived experience, and the belief that no caregiver should have to walk this road alone.

Veronica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Veronica Shanklin, and I’m the founder and CEO of Dementia Care Warriors, a nonprofit based in Dallas, Texas. I’ve been a full-time caregiver for over 11 years to both my mom and grandmother, who have lived with Alzheimer’s. Through that personal experience, I saw firsthand how overwhelming and isolating caregiving can be—especially for people in communities like mine, where culturally relevant resources and support are often hard to find.

That’s what led me to start Dementia Care Warriors. Our organization was created to fill the gaps I experienced as a caregiver. We provide education, respite scholarships, wellness programming, support groups, and social outings—all designed with family caregivers in mind. Our services are practical, approachable, and focused on making sure caregivers feel supported, informed, and connected.

What makes us different is that we truly understand the caregiver experience because we’ve lived it. Our team, board, and volunteers reflect the community we serve, and we prioritize cultural competence in everything we do. Whether it’s helping someone navigate resources or just giving them space to breathe and be around people who get it, we aim to meet caregivers where they are.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built—one where caregivers don’t have to feel like they’re doing it all alone. I want people to know that Dementia Care Warriors is here to walk alongside them, offering support that isn’t just helpful—it’s heartfelt. We’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming space where caregivers feel seen, valued, and empowered to keep going, even on the hardest days. Whether it’s through a hearty meal at a support group, a much-needed break through our respite program, or simply connecting with others who understand the journey, we’re here to make caregiving a little less lonely and a lot more supported.

At the end of the day, this work is deeply personal. It’s about honoring my own family’s story while lifting up others who are walking a similar path. Dementia Care Warriors is more than a nonprofit—it’s a community built on care, connection, and compassion.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that really illustrates my resilience is the story of how Dementia Care Warriors came to life in the first place. I didn’t have nonprofit experience, a board of advisors, or startup funding. I had a caregiving story, a deep sense of purpose, and a strong desire to make sure other caregivers didn’t feel as alone and unprepared as I once did.
I started this organization literally from zero dollars. No grants, no seed money, just the belief that caregivers like me deserved better support. What I did have was a network of people I’d built relationships with over the years in the caregiving community, and a skillset rooted in branding, design, and event planning. So I rolled up my sleeves. I built our first website myself. I designed our logo, flyers, and resources. I used my own time, energy, and creativity to plan our first caregiver conference—with help from some incredibly faithful friends, partners and volunteers who believed in what we were building. Every partnership, sponsor, and supporter that joined us in those early days came through relationship and trust—not fancy pitches or big budgets.
And all of this was happening while I was still a full-time caregiver for my mom. The balancing act has been real—and relentless. But I’ve never stopped learning. Over the years, I’ve applied for fellowships, joined nonprofit cohorts, and soaked up every opportunity to grow. Those experiences expanded my knowledge and my network, and they helped us go from grassroots to growing. Today, our impact is real and measurable, but it’s all built on that foundation of grit, community, and the refusal to give up.
Resilience, for me, has meant building while caregiving. Learning while leading. And believing, even on the hard days, that this mission matters and is worth every ounce of effort.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I believe our reputation has been built on consistency, quality, and heart. From the very beginning, I’ve been intentional about slow, steady growth—choosing depth over flash. We don’t rush to be the biggest; we focus on being the most trusted. Every event, workshop, and support group we host is designed with care and delivered with integrity. We only share speakers, resources, and information that we would trust for our own families, and that standard has never changed.
People know that when they come to a Dementia Care Warriors event, they’ll be taken care of—not just informed, but genuinely supported. That experience matters. It’s why we’ve been able to build a community where caregivers feel safe, seen, and valued.
Our reputation has also grown thanks to the incredible team of volunteers who serve alongside me. They show up with warmth, kindness, and a passion for caregivers that matches my own. They don’t just help run events, they create welcoming spaces where people feel like they belong.
Another key part of our growth has been collaboration. We’ve built strong partnerships with other organizations, healthcare professionals, and advocates in the dementia space. And because I’m also a caregiver, I bring a level of authenticity and understanding that resonates with our audience and partners alike.
Everything we do is rooted in lived experience, cultural understanding, and a genuine desire to uplift the caregiver journey, and that’s what people remember and return to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iamacarewarrior.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carewarriors
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carewarriors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-care-warriors/