Gloria Marcott was 12 years old when she was abducted from her bus stop. That experience would shape not only her 18.5-year career in law enforcement but also drive her to create what she calls the largest women-led safety movement in the world.
Now, as founder and CEO of Soul Punch, Marcott is architecting a comprehensive safety ecosystem that goes far beyond traditional self-defense classes. Her ambitious goal is to train one million women in self-defense, leadership, strategy, and scalable safety systems designed for real-world application.
“Soul Punch exists because there has never been a system designed to meet women exactly where they are, physically, emotionally, financially, and situationally, in their daily safety,” Marcott said.
The multi-tiered platform includes trauma-informed self-defense classes rooted in neuroscience and threat response, a rapidly expanding network of certified trainers and safety advocates, and cutting-edge technology integration. Unlike traditional martial arts programs that require years of training, the two-hour Soul Punch classes focus on practical tactics for everyday safety situations.
Central to the technology component is the Soul DefendHER SMART Pepper Spray Device, developed in collaboration with Plegium. The Bluetooth-connected, GPS-enabled device features criminal identifier UV gel dye marking, real-time GPS alerts, a 130-decibel alarm, tactical strobe lighting, and 24/7 live monitoring capabilities. The device represents a significant advancement in personal safety technology, functioning as a dispatch system, deterrent, and data trail in one compact tool.
Marcott’s vision extends well beyond current offerings. Set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, DefendHER Rides will introduce a women-powered rideshare platform where certified, trauma-informed drivers trained in self-defense provide transportation services. The platform will feature Empowered Routing, a proprietary navigation system that prioritizes travel paths based on contextual safety metrics rather than speed or efficiency.
“Safety IS the service,” Marcott explained about the rideshare initiative.
Additional innovations in development include SafetySphere LIVE, a livestream-based safety broadcast system that will provide real-time crime data with red zone overlays, threat alerts, and tactical guidance. The Empowered Routing navigation engine will reroute users away from danger using live crime data, nearby safety anchors such as hospitals and police stations, and predictive threat modeling.
The comprehensive safety platform operates on a sustainable business model where trainers earn through live and virtual classes, safety advocates lead workshops and educational programs, and device sales generate passive income. Licensing and app subscriptions create long-term revenue streams while data and technology platforms are being documented for intellectual property protection and potential institutional partnerships.
Marcott’s approach has garnered significant attention. Soul Punch has been featured by major media outlets including Fox, NBC, CBS, Glamour, InStyle, Elite Daily, and Women’s Insider. The program received the 2025 Evergreen Award for Best Women’s Self-Defense Program in the United States, and Marcott reaches over 230 million impressions monthly across social media platforms.
The Train the Trainer Certification program is expanding rapidly, with Marcott aiming for 100 certified trainers by the end of 2025. The Safety Advocate Certification welcomes participants from all backgrounds, equipping them to become safety leaders in their communities without requiring extensive physical training or martial arts experience.
“We’re not just teaching self-defense, we’re building the first scalable safety infrastructure led by women, powered by tech, and grounded in truth,” Marcott said.
Her personal journey from survivor to system architect infuses every aspect of the Soul Punch ecosystem. After experiencing what she describes as another personal safety defeat in her early twenties, Marcott committed to ensuring no other woman would feel the powerlessness she once experienced.
“I built the system I wish I had at 12. Now I’m building it for every woman who still needs it,” Marcott reflected.
The integration of technology, trauma-informed training, and scalable business models positions Soul Punch as a pioneering force in women’s safety. By creating an infrastructure that addresses immediate safety needs while building long-term community networks and economic opportunities, Marcott is fundamentally reimagining how women navigate and protect themselves in everyday life.
“I’m not here to compete with outdated narratives about women’s safety. I’m here to build what should have existed all along,” Marcott stated.
As the platform continues to expand its reach and capabilities, the vision remains clear: creating a world where women’s safety isn’t an afterthought but a fully integrated system designed by women, for women, and scaling to meet the needs of communities worldwide.
