Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Watanabe.
Hi Carol, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Defenders Gateway was born from my years of experience serving Military children and families through Little Patriots Embraced, the charity I founded in 2004. Understanding the challenges they faced, I was determined to help provide a place where they could easily find the organizations that serve them both locally and nationwide. After decades I have grown to love our Military community and our First Responder families. Here is a brief video that shares the story of founding Defenders Gateway: https://vimeo.com/1098381667/d996ac2655
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Because technology is not easy, I put in hundreds of hours working with my team to launch the Defenders Gateway App. That was my biggest challenge. Now it is about getting the word out to our Defenders.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Defenders Gateway is mission driven to develop and grow a national network of resources that will enhance the lives of our Active-Duty Military, Veterans, First Responders, their Families and Families of Fallen Heroes. We make it easy for them to connect with organizations, resources and businesses that honor and support our Nation’s Heroes through the DG App.
The DG App is unique in many ways and there is none other like it. The App is free for Defenders and their family members. We built the Defenders Gateway App and a patented Virtual ID and Verification process to protect our exclusive community. Our member data is never shared. We do not retain individual id records.
The platform serves as a secure home for our national Defender Community to connect with one another and those who support them in significant ways along various stages of their journey.
The App is also engaging with a daily reflection and journal, a blog with stories relevant to Defenders, access to community groups of military, first responders, spouses, areas of interest, news, entertainment and a hub of resources providing assistance and support, job and career opportunities, transitioning, mentorship and much more. There is also a secure chat built in to communicate with one another and in groups.
Businesses who honor and support our Defenders can be found in our DG community. Defenders can see the promotions/savings they offer as well as job and career opportunities. It’s a perfect place for patriotic businesses to be found!
We also bring together nonprofit organizations in the app for collaboration opportunities and greater impact to benefit Defenders. We believe we can do so much more together! Defenders can easily find assistance when they need it. We support these partners on mission together with free access on the DG App and provide a banner they can share showing they can be found on the DG App which helps their communities know the App is here to serve them.
There is even much more coming! Soon we are kicking off a Defenders Gateway Realtor Community across the country for transitioning Defenders to find a trusted advisor in their area who understands their specific needs. We are continually enhancing and growing to best serve and benefit our Heroes and their families!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Spread the word to Military, Veterans, First Responders and their families about the Defenders Gateway App to serve and support them.
Nonprofit organizations serving Defender communities should reach out to see how we can help them gain more exposure for their mission and collaborate further to impact Defenders.
Businesses who honor Defenders and may want to be a part of this community can also contact us.
You can connect with us here: info@defenders-gateway.com
Pricing:
- FREE for Active Duty Military, Veterans, First Responders, their Families
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.defendersgateway.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersgateway
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defendersgateway
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defenders-gateway
- Twitter: https://x.com/Defenders1USA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@defendersgateway
