Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Tucker.
Hi Rae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, I always felt pulled toward helping the girls coming up behind me. I knew what it felt like to struggle through things alone, and if I figured out a path forward, I wanted to help make that path a little easier for someone else.
Growing up, there was a strong emphasis on what a woman’s role was “supposed” to be. But I was loud, curious, independent, and never very good at fitting neatly into the boxes built for me. Even when I followed the path expected of me, I always questioned why girls were so often taught to make themselves smaller instead of dreaming bigger.
I was also deeply drawn to women’s history from an early age. I remember noticing how rarely women were mentioned in the stories we were taught in school, despite how much they had shaped the world around us. That stayed with me. It’s part of why we created our HerStory program at our Girls Inc. affiliate — because girls deserve to learn about the women who came before them and to understand that they, too, are capable of making history, even before they’re adults.
During the pandemic, my work at a domestic violence shelter gave me a firsthand look at the challenges so many women face behind closed doors. It solidified my belief that empowering girls early — teaching confidence, independence, and self-worth — can change the trajectory of their lives long before they ever reach a crisis point.
Not long after, I discovered Girls Inc. of Washington County right in my own backyard. I couldn’t believe there was already an organization dedicated to empowering girls in all the ways I cared so deeply about. It felt like finding my purpose and my people at the same time.
Now, as the Director of Development, I get to help create opportunities for girls to grow up strong, smart, and bold. I get to be that safe adult I needed as a girl. Looking back, it feels fitting that I was born on Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment and women gaining the right to vote in the United States. The women who fought for that progress opened doors for future generations, and now I get to spend my career helping girls understand that their voices, choices, and leadership matter too.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest turning points in my life was when I was going through a divorce and had to try to figure out how to financially support myself. At the time, I was working as a Van Driver at Girls Inc., picking girls up from school each day.
That role ended up being one of the most meaningful chapters of my journey. I got to know each girl on my route, hear about their school days, their wins, their challenges, and everything in between. They were always so excited to come to Girls Inc., and they brought so much joy into my life during a time when I really needed it. As much as we pour into them, they pour so much love right back into us.
What started as a job quickly became something much bigger. During a season when I was rebuilding my life, Girls Inc. provided stability, opportunity, and a team that believed in my potential even before I fully believed in it myself. As I took on new responsibilities and challenges, I started recognizing my own abilities too.
I also struggled for a long time with self-doubt because I don’t have a college degree. I questioned whether I was qualified enough to be in leadership spaces or whether people would see me as capable. But over time, I realized that some of my greatest strengths came from learning through experience — being adaptable, thinking creatively, building relationships, and having the resilience to keep moving forward even when I was uncertain.
Now, as Director of Development, those experiences shape the way I connect with the girls we serve. I understand firsthand why confidence, independence, and opportunity matter so deeply. When we encourage girls to believe in themselves and pursue their goals, we’re not just preparing them for careers — we’re helping prepare them for life.
We’ve been impressed with Girls Inc. of Washington County, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Girls Inc. of Washington County is part of a national organization dedicated to inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Locally, we provide year-round programming that supports girls academically, socially, and emotionally — helping them build the confidence and skills they need to thrive in every area of life.
We specialize in creating intentional, supportive spaces where girls can just be themselves while also being challenged to grow. From after-school programming and academic support to mentorship, leadership development, STEM exploration, and wellness education, everything we do is designed to help girls understand their worth and their potential early in life.
What sets Girls Inc. apart is that we don’t just focus on one piece of a girl’s development — we focus on the whole girl. We understand that confidence, education, mental health, friendships, and opportunity are all connected. When girls feel supported across all of those areas, they are far more likely to succeed long-term.
We are also deeply rooted in prevention work, equipping girls with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need before they ever face real-world challenges. Whether that’s teaching financial literacy, encouraging healthy relationships, or providing mentorship and safe spaces, we are investing in their future well-being now.
A big part of sustaining that work comes from community support and engagement. One of our signature fundraising events is Muddy Mamas Mud Run, a 5K mud run and obstacle course that brings together women and supporters from across the community. It’s fun, empowering, and a powerful reminder that strength can look like perseverance, laughter, teamwork, and a little bit of mud. Events like this directly fuel our programming and allow us to continue serving hundreds of girls each year.
What I am most proud of is the culture we create. Girls walk into our space after school and are met with people who know their names, care about their day, and genuinely believe in them. It’s a place where they are encouraged to take up space, ask questions, try new things, and see themselves as capable leaders.
At its core, Girls Inc. is about changing the narrative for girls in our community — not just preparing them for the future, but helping them realize they already have what it takes to shape it.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is the girls. They bring so much joy, hope, and energy into my life — and honestly, into every space they walk into. There’s always laughter, curiosity, and just the right amount of glitter and harmless chaos that keeps things interesting.
Pricing:
- $70 a month for a girl to attend After-School Program
- $75 a week for our members to join us for Summer Camp
- $125 a week for our nonmembers to join us for Summer Camp
- Muddy Mamas Mud Run has Early Bird Pricing at $65 for adults $40 for girls 10+ until June 15th when prices increase to $90/$40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.girlsinc-md.org
- Instagram: www.instagram/girlsincwashco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GirlsIncWashCo/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-tucker-/
- Other: https://www.MuddymamasMudRun.com
