Changing Financial Futures: Dr. Darla Bishop's Triumph at Warrior Rising 2025

This past weekend, Piggy Bank Pathways reached an extraordinary milestone as our founder and CEO, Dr. Darla Bishop, not only participated in but won Warrior Rising's Saluting Her Service 2025 event in Washington, D.C. The event was a powerful celebration of innovation, resilience, and the remarkable leadership of women veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs, and we are deeply honored to have emerged victorious.

"The Financial Literacy Champion" Takes Center Stage

Standing on the historic Warner Theatre stage in our nation's capital, Dr. Bishop delivered a pitch that resonated with judges and audience alike. Her message was clear and urgent: by age seven, core money habits are already formed—and we have the power to change that trajectory for millions of children and families.

As Dr. Bishop shared in her winning presentation, "This is more than coins in piggy banks. This is about pathways to dignity, agency, opportunity, and wellness." Her vision of starting financial education early, when it truly matters, captured the attention of everyone in the room.

The moment of victory was both surreal and deeply meaningful—validation that our mission to build financially confident families through multilingual, culturally relevant education is not just needed, but urgent.

From Military Service to Financial Mission

Dr. Bishop's journey as a military spouse and Doctor of Public Health uniquely positioned her to understand the challenges families face. She's been broke, budgeted to the penny, and climbed out of debt. 

"I've lived the struggle, and I've seen the solution," she reflected. "When we teach kids financial literacy the same way we teach safety and hygiene—as fundamental life skills—we change families and transform communities."

Her approach blends rigorous behavioral science with the real-world experience of building financial stability while navigating military life.

The Power of Warrior Rising's Platform

The Warrior Rising community proved to be transformational for Piggy Bank Pathways. From the mentorship to the coaching, the support system empowered Dr. Bishop to articulate her vision with clarity and confidence.

"Warrior Rising doesn't just talk about supporting veteran entrepreneurs—they deliver," Dr. Bishop emphasized. "Being part of this community means being surrounded by people who understand that our service doesn't end when we leave the military. It evolves into serving our communities in new ways."

The $20,000 prize will be strategically invested to scale impact: completing the children’s book series, manufacturing card decks in the U.S., and aligning curriculum with state standards in California, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Beyond the Competition: A Movement Begins

Dr. Bishop's victory represents more than individual success—it signals the beginning of a national movement to address financial literacy at its roots. With traction including a 17,000 book order from Michigan, three confirmed school district pilots, and partnerships with major financial institutions, Piggy Bank Pathways is positioned to reach elementary schools and public libraries nationwide.

"We're not just testing demand—we're chasing it," Dr. Bishop noted. "Every conversation with a parent, educator, or librarian confirms what we already knew: families are hungry for tools that actually work."

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

The connections, recognition, and momentum from Warrior Rising's Saluting Her Service 2025 are propelling Piggy Bank Pathways toward its next phase of growth. The victory positions the company for six-figure grants and government contracts in 2026, with plans to expand from bilingual Spanish materials into Arabic, Tagalog, French, and Mandarin.

To her fellow women veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs who competed alongside her—Tiffany Jones-Lewis, Cenita Williamson, Robyn Gray, Sarah Tadesse, and Jessica Harris—Dr. Bishop extends deep respect and admiration. "We're all solving different problems, but we're united by the same spirit of service and innovation that defines our community."

A powerhouse lineup of innovators. Click HERE to learn more about each of these incredible minds and their businesses.

A Pathway to Impact

Piggy Bank Pathways is profoundly grateful to have been part of such a transformative event. From presenting at the historic Warner Theatre to connecting with an extraordinary community of leaders, supporters, and fellow entrepreneurs, Warrior Rising's Saluting Her Service 2025 will forever mark a pivotal moment in our journey.

As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission: turning everyday moments into lifelong money skills and building financially confident families who can thrive, not just survive.

The victory is just the beginning—because when we change how children understand money, we change everything.

Let's make every moment count.