Constance Milstein

Attorney, Entrepreneur, Senior Business Executive, and Philanthropist

Attorney, Entrepreneur, Senior Business Executive, and Philanthropist.

Meet Connie

Eater DC: Business Has Stopped, But This D.C. Bakery Is Still Teaching Veterans How to Run a Shop

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The Dog Tag Fellowship Program is still going strong thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff and fellows.

A recent article for Eater DC explored how the program is continuing while the bakery is closed and our team is working from home.

“We went through phases depending on what was happening with the government to make sure everyone was healthy and safe,” says Claire Witko, director of programs at the bakery. “The [fellows] we work with joined this program for a reason. They’re speaking a greater purpose for themselves. They want to be connected to a community. They’re looking for that next step. We decided we can still deliver that with a virtual model.”

All guest speakers, including Georgetown professors and representatives from companies like Hilton and Boeing, have gone virtual, too. Witko says the virtual curriculum also lets family members join brainstorming sessions. Breaks encouraging people to get outside for “mindfulness sessions” are now regularly scheduled.

Read more:
Business Has Stopped, But This D.C. Bakery Is Still Teaching Veterans How to Run a Shop

#DogTagPivot

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#DogTagPivot will be a temporary series highlighting how some Dog Tag alumni are adapting their businesses in light of COVID-19.

“Life doesn’t always go according to plan,” says Dog Tag CEO Meghan Ogilvie, “Often we have to pivot, both personally and professionally, and this unprecedented time is no exception. By design, our Living Business School provides our fellows the unique opportunity to see first-hand how we constantly adapt in order to ensure our mission is the driving force behind all our decisions. We strive to teach and model resilience and perseverance, equipping our fellows and alumni with the tools, resources, and mindset to navigate the changes and curve balls thrown their way.”

Follow Dog Tag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for stories of how our alumni are getting creative and showing their determination over the coming weeks.

Taking care of our community

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“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”
– Winston Churchill

This week, Dog Tag Bakery made the difficult decision to temporarily close our Georgetown store in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This wasn’t an easy decision for our small business, but it’s the right thing to do for the health of our employees, fellows, customers, and everyone who is part of our community.

The bakery will be unable to serve the public in-store until it has been determined that we can safely operate. However, the online store remains open and products can be shipped nationwide. You can also purchase gift cards to use in the future or to give to friends and family.

Also, our fellowship program will continue virtually so that the veterans, military spouses and caregivers who are part of the program can continue their education. And I know they will come out of this even stronger having had the experience of helping to run a business in these circumstances.

While we are all in uncharted waters at this point in our country’s history, what we do know is that the American people are resilient and determined and there will be brighter days ahead. That doesn’t mean there won’t be people who are severely impacted – even if they never get sick – and for many of our friends and neighbors, the recovery will be very difficult once the crisis has passed. We are keeping everyone who is going through a challenging time in our thoughts and prayers, and we will do everything in our power to lift up the people in our community during and after this tragedy.

Until then, we appreciate everyone who has supported our program and bakery over the last few years, and we hope you and your family stay safe and healthy. And we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Please visit the Dog Tag Bakery website for more information about the program and current operations.