The event raised over $378,000 in support of women veterans and military spouse entrepreneurs
Warrior Rising, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering military veterans through entrepreneurship, hosted its annual Saluting Her Service Business Shower & Gala in Washington, D.C. last week. The event, presented by J.P Morgan Commercial Banking brought together more than 550 guests at the Warner Theatre and raised $378,211.54 to support women veterans and military spouses as they launch and grow businesses. With a utilization rate of 82%, the lion's share of all money raised went back to the participants and in support of Warrior Rising programs to qualified Veterans and their families.
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The day began at J.P. Morgan's D.C. offices, where six women entrepreneurs pitched their businesses before a panel of judges. The field was so strong that the judges expanded the finalist round to three, leading into the evening gala program.
Competition winners included:
— First Place: Dr. Darla Bishop,Finansis LLC (Military Spouse) – Providing bilingual youth programs and financial literacy education to help families build wealth.
— Second Place: Tiffany Jones,TJL Collection (U.S. Navy Veteran)- A fashion brand for tall women, featured in Essence, CBS, and New York Magazine.
— Third Place: Robyn Gray, Gray Fit Training & Recovery (U.S. Air Force Veteran)- An elite training and recovery program credited with helping athletes secure more than $50 million in scholarships.
Additional grants were awarded to Cenita Williamson (ALYS Always Love Yourself), Sarah Tadesse (The Guest Lab), and Jessica Harris (K9 Salute).
The evening also featured a live-painted portrait of Abraham Lincoln presented to Kara Hourihan, Executive Director of the Pederson Foundation, as well as alumni success stories from Paden Sickles of SickFit and Brent Dial of Beek Health. Key remarks were delivered by Terry Hill of J.P. Morgan, Eduardo Ortiz of Coforma, and Dawn Halfaker of the Continuing to Serve Foundation.
Award-winning comedian Zarna Garg closed the night with a special performance, leaving every guest with a signed copy of her New York Times bestselling book This American Woman.
“Together, we are not just celebrating-we are building opportunities that last,” said Jason Van Camp, Executive Director of Warrior Rising. “Thanks to our partners, more women veterans and military spouses will rise through entrepreneurship, creating businesses that strengthen families, communities, and the national economy.”
“J.P. Morgan is proud to stand alongside Warrior Rising and their mission to strengthen veteran-owned businesses,” said Terry Hill, Head of Emerging Middle Market and Co-Head of Global Banking Veteran Initiatives at J.P. Morgan. “'Saluting Her Service' is a marquee celebration of the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of our nation's veterans.”
The success of Saluting Her Service was made possible by presenting sponsor J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking, with leadership support from the Continuing to Serve Foundation and Coforma, and additional contributions from BDO, Excentium, PSI, RBCI, and many others.
About Warrior RisingFounded in 2015 by U.S. Army Green Beret Jason Van Camp, Warrior Rising is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers veterans and their immediate families to create sustainable businesses. Through instruction, mentorship, funding access, and community support, Warrior Rising helps veterans find purpose and prosperity through entrepreneurship.
Learn more at www.warriorrising.org.
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