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Warrior Rising’s recent “Saluting Her Service” women’s business shower and fundraising gala in Washington, D.C., was a deeply inspiring event showcasing the power of community and entrepreneurial support. This gala holds a special place in my heart, as it highlights the tremendous growth and influence Warrior Rising has achieved over the years—an organization my husband, Tomy, and I have been proud to be connected with since 2021.
A Whirlwind Start with Warrior Rising
My first introduction to Warrior Rising came when Tomy pitched his business idea at their 2021 event. He had envisioned a wheelchair bag that included tools to fix a chair on the go—a concept born from his lived experiences as a double amputee and adaptive athlete. While Tomy passionately delivered the pitch, I played a behind-the-scenes role, ensuring slides transitioned smoothly and schedules stayed on track. The event, held in Napa, was an exhilarating whirlwind of speakers, pitch refinement, and networking—culminating in a gala event where one entrepreneur walked away with the “big check.”
Although Tomy didn’t win the competition that day, the connections we made sparked something even bigger: the foundation of our joint venture, For Freedom Fundraising. Warrior Rising’s ethos is clear: not winning the “big check” is far from the end of the road. The relationships forged at their events ripple outward, creating long-term opportunities for growth and collaboration. As Tomy often reminds me, “If you’re not networking, you’re not working.”
Warrior Rising’s Transformational Growth
Over the last three years, I have witnessed Warrior Rising’s remarkable evolution. Their programs have grown stronger, their fundraising efforts more efficient and engaging, and their commitment to fostering a nationwide community is steadfast. For small-town entrepreneurs like ourselves, finding a supportive network locally can be incredibly challenging. Warrior Rising bridges that gap, offering not just business education but also a vibrant, virtual community that comes alive during their in-person events.
The “Saluting Her Service” Event
This year’s gala was a powerful reminder of Warrior Rising’s impact. Held at JPMorgan Chase in Washington, D.C., the day began with a series of pitches from exceptional women entrepreneurs. These business leaders presented ideas refined through months of hard work and mentorship. Each pitch lasted seven minutes, followed by judges’ Q&A and scoring.
The finalists included:
Paden Sickles | SickFit | sickfitofficial.com | A high-performance sock brand inspired by military training challenges.
Sylmar Sanchez | Delta Pro Services| deltaprofl.com | A premier electrical company focused on EV charging station installations and fire alarm system design.
Laura Brinley | Fire Baked Cookies| firebakedcookies.com | A gourmet cookie company that gives back to first responders.
Katie Standiford | Grit & Grog Clay| gritgrogclay.co | A ceramics business celebrating artistry and resilience.
Barbara Kent & Joanna Serra | Fundraiser Blankets | fundraiserblankets.com | A company crafting custom blankets for nonprofit fundraising.
Warrior Rising's Salute Her Service Gala, Washington DC 2024
The gala also featured a fireside chat with Martha Stewart with moderator Dawn Halfaker from Continuing to Serve. Martha's bold, witty, and insightful remarks offered invaluable wisdom about her journey as the first self-made woman billionaire.
She urged us to be unapologetic and tenacious—a reminder that resilience and confidence are key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Celebrating Success
The top two finalists, SickFit and Fundraiser Blankets, were invited to pitch again during the gala in front of supporters who voted LIVE on the $50,000 grant recipient. Army veteran Paden Sickles of SickFit ultimately claimed the grand prize. Her company, specializing in durable socks designed for tough conditions, embodies grit and resilience—values she cultivated during nearly a decade of military service.
SickFit’s win is a testament to the incredible potential Warrior Rising unlocks. With the $50,000 grant, Paden plans to expand wholesale relationships, invest in production, and amplify her national reach—taking her brand to the next level.
Warrior Rising’s Lasting Impact
As I reflect on this event, I’m reminded of the ripple effects Warrior Rising creates. Their support goes beyond funding; they nurture connections, foster confidence, and empower entrepreneurs to make meaningful impacts in their communities. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, the opportunities Warrior Rising provides are transformative—a springboard for those ready to embrace the challenge.
For Tomy and I, our journey with Warrior Rising has been a cornerstone of our growth, inspiring us to serve others through For Freedom Fundraising. This gala, honoring women veteran entrepreneurs, is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and community meets opportunity.
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