Rita Jones is a proud Los Angeles native, mother of three, and bonus mom to one. For nearly three decades, she dedicated her career to The University of Southern California, where she served as Program Director in the Department of Anthropology. After 27 years of service, Rita retired — ready to enjoy a well-earned new chapter. But just one year later, in October 2021, her life took an unexpected turn: she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Rita was devastated — not just by the diagnosis, but by the realization that the medical system she trusted had failed her. In the midst of chemotherapy, overwhelmed and under-supported, Rita found herself searching for the guidance and care she desperately needed. What she discovered was even more troubling: Black women are dying from breast cancer at disproportionately higher rates than any other group. 

That discovery sparked something deeper in her — a calling. Determined to change those statistics, Rita made it her mission to become the very support she felt was missing. She began researching, networking, and laying the foundation for what would become a movement rooted in advocacy, equity, and culturally relevant care. 

She named the foundation after her late mother, Ruby — a woman known for her warmth, generosity, and role as a loving “Auntie” to all. Rita often says, “If my mom were still here, she would know exactly what to do.” Through Auntie Ruby’s Daughters Foundation, Rita channels her mother’s spirit and strength — creating a community of support, resources, and healing for Black women facing breast cancer. 

Auntie Ruby’s Daughters is more than a foundation. It’s a promise to never let another woman face this journey alone.Sample text. Click to select the Text Element.

To reduce the breast cancer mortality rate for Black Women in Los Angeles by advancing culturally relevant support and biology-informed care​.

We envision a world where breast cancer no longer disproportionately claims the lives of our mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunties — because equity isn’t just a goal, it’s the standard.