We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marquitta Rucker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marquitta , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mother passed away from multiple myeloma. I felt it was my responsibility to continue her legacy, so I turned that pain into purpose. That purpose was SWAT Foundation. Our mission is to Educate, Elevate and Empower the community with an emphasis on serving those impacted by cancer.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Marquitta Rucker and I am the founder of SWAT Foundation. Our mission is to educate, elevate and empower the community with an emphasis on serving those impacted by cancer. SWAT Foundation was birthed out of pain. My mom passed from multiple myleoma cancer. SWAT was something she started at our local church and I felt it was my responsibility to continue her legacy. We have several programs to help educate, elevate and empower the community. SWAT Foundation educates women entreprenuers on how to start and maintain a business through our program called InfluenceHER. We also have a program called Getting Healthy with SWAT. Under this program we host an annual health fair. We also have a cancer support group that focuses on holistic healing and healthy eating. In addition to these programs we have a program called retool the school. This program focuses on getting the tools students need to be successful academically in their hands. Under this program we partner with several schools in our local area and we also host two annual back to school events. We are expanding to more rural areas of the CSRA and we are also hosting one in Atlanta as well this year. I’m really excited about that. My favorite event has to be the Pink Ribbon event. It is held every October. It is an elegant evening of celebrations for cancer patients, survivors and caretakers. Lastly, during the holidays, we implement a program called Winter Wonderland. We provide winter essentials, and toy assistance for the community.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funny story about business capital. I started with a budget of 0. I would get in my car and drive all over town to different businesses telling them who I was and wanted we were trying to do. By the grace of GOD, he gave us the provisions for the VISION.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The orgins of SWAT Foundation was based upon death and grief. After going through some tough trials and tribulations we are now based on living life.

Contact Info:

• Website: swatfoundationinc.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swat_foundation_inc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWAT-Foundation-Inc-2155076391470272