Gloria Marcott was 12 years old when she was abducted from her bus stop. That experience would shape not just her life, but potentially the future of women’s safety infrastructure across the globe.
Now, decades later, the law enforcement veteran with 18.5 years of service has channeled her survival story into building what she calls the largest women-led safety movement in the world. Her company, Soul Punch, aims to train one million women in self-defense while deploying technology that fundamentally reimagines how women navigate public spaces.
“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 system she’s building goes far beyond traditional self-defense classes. Marcott has created a multi-tiered ecosystem that includes trauma-informed training programs, a network of certified instructors, smart safety devices, and upcoming technology platforms that could transform urban mobility and public safety.
At the core of the program are two-hour self-defense classes that incorporate neuroscience, threat response tactics, and real-time device integration. Unlike traditional martial arts programs that require years of training, these sessions focus on practical skills women can use immediately.
The company has also developed a Train the Trainer certification program that’s creating a global network of women who can teach the curriculum and build income through safety education. Marcott’s goal is to certify 100 trainers by the end of 2025, and she reports being ahead of schedule.
For those who want to contribute to safety education without teaching physical tactics, the Safety Advocate Certification provides training in speaking, presenting to schools, and building community safety systems. The program includes a 30-day launch plan and presentation templates based on Marcott’s proven framework.
“I’m not here to compete with outdated narratives about women’s safety.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 said.
The technological component of Soul Punch’s safety infrastructure includes the Soul DefendHER SMART Pepper Spray Device, developed in collaboration with Plegium. The Bluetooth-connected, GPS-enabled device features UV gel dye marking for criminal identification, real-time GPS alerts, a 130-decibel alarm, tactical strobe lighting, continuous event recording, and access to 24/7 live monitoring.
But Marcott’s vision extends beyond devices and training. Set to launch in Q4 2025, DefendHER Rides will be a women-powered rideshare platform where drivers are certified in self-defense, equipped with Soul DefendHER devices, and connected to live monitoring. The service will use what Marcott calls Empowered Routing, a proprietary navigation system that prioritizes travel paths based on safety metrics rather than speed.
“Safety IS the service,” Marcott explained about the rideshare platform.
Additional platforms in development include SafetySphere LIVE, a livestream-based safety broadcast system that will display 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 and predictive threat modeling.
The business model creates multiple revenue streams for participants. Trainers earn through live and virtual classes, Safety Advocates generate income through workshops and institutional programs, and device sales provide passive income opportunities. The company is also documenting its technology platforms for intellectual property protection and potential institutional partnerships.
Marcott’s work has gained significant media attention, with features on Fox, NBC, CBS, Glamour, InStyle, Elite Daily, Women’s Insider, and Valiant CEO. She received the 2025 Evergreen Award for Best Women’s Self-Defense Program in the U.S. and reaches over 230 million impressions monthly across social media platforms.
“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.
The timing of this comprehensive safety ecosystem reflects growing concerns about women’s safety in public spaces and the limitations of existing solutions. By combining tactical training, technology, and community networks, Marcott is creating what she describes as the safety infrastructure women were never given.
“I built the system I wish I had at 12. Now I’m building it for every woman who still needs it,” Marcott said.
As the platform prepares for its major technology launches in 2025, Marcott’s vision of a fully integrated, women-centered safety system is moving from concept to reality. With certified trainers expanding globally, smart devices in production, and revolutionary platforms in development, Soul Punch represents a fundamental shift in how safety services are conceived, delivered, and scaled.