Warriorside Foundation

Veterans Reconnecting Community Through the Power of Storytelling

Warriorside: Empowering Veterans & First Responders Through Storytelling and Connection

Warriorside is a veteran-owned 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders who silently battle the invisible scars of war and service. With a mission to reduce the alarming rates of suicide, depression, and disconnection, we have discovered a powerful approach to healing: Connection through storytelling.

Join the Movement

At Warriorside, we believe that storytelling is more than just a narrative—it’s a path to mental wellness, healing, and reclaiming one’s identity. By amplifying the voices of veterans and first responders, we create a ripple effect that inspires others to reconnect, heal, and thrive.

Apply to Become a Warriorside Storyteller
Diego Ugalde

Our Why

Every day, 41 veterans and first responders die from suicide—not because they are weak, but because they are disconnected. Disconnected from their own stories, from their sense of purpose, and from the communities that could support them.

At Warriorside, we believe that true healing, purpose, and connection come from sharing lived experiences. Storytelling is not just a form of expression; it is the most powerful tool we have to reconnect individuals with themselves and those around them. Through Warriorside, we provide the space, training, and support for those who have served to reclaim their stories and share them with the world.

Our Mission

In a world where mental health struggles often go unnoticed, we believe that one of the most impactful methods for recovery is through shared stories. Warriorside provides a platform where veterans and first responders can come together and share their raw, unfiltered experiences—stories born from courage, sacrifice, and the deep bond of brotherhood and sisterhood.

These compelling narratives, presented through live on-stage performances, create a safe space for connection, healing, and renewed purpose. Warriorside fosters an environment where those who have served feel heard, understood, and supported—helping to reignite resilience and rebuild the community that is often missing in their daily lives.

Through our three core pillars, we are committed to transformational impact:

  • Storytelling Training – Teaching veterans and first responders how to be heard in the world and share their most powerful, visceral experiences through authentic and vulnerable storytelling.
  • Professional Speaker Career Path – Providing an income pathway that allows them to support themselves and their families through paid speaking engagements.
  • Connection – Helping them reconnect with themselves through the discovery of their true stories and rebuilding bonds within their communities.

Join us in our mission to amplify their voices, foster healing through storytelling, and provide vital support for those who have sacrificed so much.

Together, we are stronger.

Warriorside Testimonials

Your donations and or sponsorships contribute to Warriorside’s three objectives:

Connection – Combat isolation by bringing veterans to the stage to share their raw, unfiltered experiences, reigniting purpose and resilience.

Elite Storytelling – Equip veterans with world-class storytelling tactics to tell their stories with unmatched power and authenticity.

Empowerment – Provide training and opportunities for veterans to earn supplemental income as impactful speakers, with the potential to launch new careers in public speaking.

This is more than a program—it’s a mission to help veterans reconnect to themselves and the community around them. Your support fuels this elite movement, enabling our veterans to reclaim their strength, inspire audiences, and rebuild their lives of purpose.

Join us in honoring their service by supporting their fight for life. Your donation isn’t just a gift—it’s a stand for connection, transformation, and the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to give up. Contact us today to donate or sponsor. Let’s talk- Over Fire.

In Deep Gratitude to our Sponsors, Donors, & Partners