Empowering Women Veterans: Wounded Warrior Project’s Initiatives for Business Ownership
The transition from military service to civilian life can present unique challenges for women veterans. As they trade in their uniforms, many discover that the journey is just beginning—not ending. Unfortunately, this transition often comes with obstacles, particularly in employment, as highlighted in the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) report showing the unemployment rate for women veterans stands at 15.7%, significantly higher than their male counterparts and the general population.
This reality underscores the necessity for programs that empower these women, providing not just employment opportunities but also a sense of purpose and community. As the Wounded Warrior Project collaborates with organizations such as the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) and Dog Tag Inc., they aim to assist women veterans in transforming their resilience into entrepreneurial success.
Building a Purpose-Driven Business with IVMF
Precious Mitchell, a 22-year Air Force veteran, embodies the drive and determination of women veterans. Upon transitioning, she sought to channel her experiences into a new mission that extends beyond traditional corporate pathways—ultimately founding Vitality Practice 4Fitness, a holistic health and wellness business.
Precious Mitchell committed to using her experiences to empower others through her business.
“I wanted to build something that empowered people beyond the military or corporate environment,” Precious stated. However, bringing her vision to fruition required more than just ambition.
Thanks to WWP’s partnership with IVMF, Precious attended the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Wounded Warrior Project (EBV-WWP). This program enabled her to amalgamate her military strengths with practical entrepreneurial skills.
“They taught me about resilience in business, financial literacy, networking, and the importance of telling my story as both a veteran and an entrepreneur,” she explained. “Most importantly, they showed me that women veterans have a powerful voice in the business world.”
Now, Precious utilizes the skills she acquired through WWP and IVMF to inspire other women veterans to uncover their voices and passions within the professional sphere. Her guiding principle is one of proactive engagement.
“The road won’t always be easy, but the impact you make can be life-changing for you and for others,” she shared. “Use what you learned in service — discipline, adaptability, and resilience — and transfer those skills into your dream.”
Fostering Growth Through Patience with Dog Tag Inc.
Jessica Coulter champions holistic health for herself and others.
Jessica Coulter, who served four years in the Air Force, faced uncertainty upon leaving the military. However, her passion for holistic health directed her to a new vision: establishing an international wellness company.
Feeling daunted by the scope of such an endeavor, Jessica found her way forward through WWP’s collaboration with Dog Tag Inc. Participating in entrepreneurship courses at Georgetown University, Jessica was part of a diverse cohort comprised of veterans and business owners, sharing their varied experiences.
“Being part of such a collaborative and diverse group showed me that success isn’t just about individual wins. It’s about learning, adapting, and growing together,” Jessica said.
This new perspective on success allowed Jessica to view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for growth. This shift in mindset enables her to embrace patience, planning, and strategic evolution in her entrepreneurial efforts.
Jessica demonstrates the importance of personal well-being as part of her entrepreneurial journey.
Currently, Jessica is organizing biannual wellness retreats in Jamaica for women veterans. These gatherings aim to unify healing, community, and shared experiences.
“My idea of what success is shifted because of Dog Tag,” Jessica pointed out. “As an entrepreneur, you want to do everything right now – you want to see the win, and see it soon. But now I know I can pivot and not just grind for the sake of business.”
A Commitment to Empowerment and Community
The challenges that women veterans face in the workforce are profound. Nevertheless, the stories of Precious and Jessica highlight that these hurdles can be transformed into stepping stones for success.
Through partnerships with organizations like IVMF and Dog Tag Inc., WWP equips women veterans with the tools, confidence, and network to turn ambition into actionable goals and patience into sustained success. These collaborations represent WWP’s commitment to ensuring that no veteran walks their journey alone.
As the leading nonprofit funding various veterans service organizations (VSOs), WWP has invested $436 million in 221 military and veteran entities since 2012. This financial commitment enhances its capacity to aid veterans, service members, and their families in thriving beyond their service.
The programs and initiatives foster a sense of community, empowering women veterans to recognize the power of their voices and experiences.
“Most importantly, believe that your voice, your story, and your vision matter,” Precious emphasized.
For additional resources related to employment assistance, visit the Warriors to Work page.
Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project is a prominent veteran services organization dedicated to the overall well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Through various programs and advocacy efforts, the organization helps warriors thrive, serves families and caregivers, and aims to prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.
