Where the road becomes a statement of intent
Julie Brangstrup does not position CASH & ROCKET as a traditional charity initiative, but rather as an ongoing exercise in collective influence. Founded in 2011, it has evolved into a global philanthropic platform and sisterhood, bringing together women across industries around a shared purpose. Built on the idea that collective action drives impact, it has raised more than $6.6 million and grown into a network of over 2,800 women worldwide.
From April 23 to 26, 2026, CASH & ROCKET returns to the United States with a four-day route through Charleston, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, and Miami. Along the way, an international network of women will take part in curated experiences that bring together communities and highlight local identity, raising funds for partners including Style Saves, IMPACT Charleston, and Sumbandila.
What began as a small effort to bring women together has, under Brangstrup’s direction, become a platform positioned at the intersection of philanthropy, lifestyle, and cultural influence. A co-founder of Gumball 3000, she has spent the past decade shaping CASH & ROCKET into a movement defined by transparency, connection, and measurable impact, while placing women at the center of spaces traditionally dominated by men, including automotive culture.
During Miami Concours week at The Moore, she reflects on the platform’s evolution, the intention behind the 2026 Tour, and what continues to drive its expansion.
Q: When you founded CASH & ROCKET in 2011, what was your original vision?
A: The intention was to build a global community of powerful women. When you have women like that together, the collective strength becomes something far greater. It’s within that shared space that real change takes shape.
Q: What originally inspired you to turn CASH & ROCKET into a global movement rather than just a fundraising initiative?
A: I wanted to expand the platform so we could create a bigger impact and make a real difference with the charities we support globally. As we grew across the U.S., the Middle East, and Asia, the focus naturally shifted toward delivering tangible outcomes for children and women, rather than simply talking about it.
Q: Was there a specific story or experience with Style Saves that led to the partnership?
A: Each year, the charities we support are shaped by the cities we visit. A friend, Isabel Grutman, Vice President of Style Saves, introduced me to the organization, and the idea was discussed with Rachel Russell Saiger, the founder, who was very supportive. After learning more about their work, particularly around education and community support, I really liked what they stand for. It felt like a natural alignment. The results they deliver are very direct, which is important to us.
Q: What shaped the vision for the 2026 Miami finale and its timing?
A: For 2026, I chose this route because I wanted a grand finale in Miami, arriving just ahead of Formula One. I wanted to create visibility as the cars come into the city, with all those red cars arriving into Miami, and tie into the momentum around that weekend. It links into what’s happening in that space right now, especially with the growing focus on female drivers and the work Susie Wolff has done. I wanted to be part of that shift.
Q: How did you curate the cities and experiences for this year’s tour?
A: Each city was chosen for its own identity. Charleston, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, and Miami all feel quite different, which creates a natural rhythm across the route while still feeling cohesive overall.
Q: Why is it important for you to place women at the center of automotive and motorsport culture?
A: The industry has changed. It’s no longer just about status or ownership, but more about purpose and community. Women represent the majority of purchasing power, yet they’re still underrepresented in how the industry communicates. That gap is where there’s a real opportunity.
Q: How do you see CASH & ROCKET shaping the next generation of female leaders?
A: It’s about creating access and opportunity. There are many women with experience and knowledge who can support those coming through. That exchange is what builds continuity and strength over time.
Q: Why is transparency such a central pillar of your philanthropic model?
A: Transparency is key because it allows everyone involved to see exactly where the support is going and what it achieves. We work with organizations that are structured to deliver visible results, and we often bring partners together so they can learn from one another.
Q: How do you maintain intimacy and authenticity while expanding globally with multiple tours each year?
A: It really comes down to curation. We bring together women from different backgrounds, balancing those who have done it before with new participants. That keeps the experience fresh, while still maintaining a sense of closeness.
Q: What motivates you to continue this work year after year?
A: It’s the full cycle—from raising the funds to seeing the relationships that form, and then witnessing the impact on the ground. Visiting the communities each year is incredibly grounding. You see exactly where everything goes. As a mother, it’s also important to me that my children understand the value of giving back and being part of something bigger than themselves.
Learn more: https://www.cashandrocket.com