Linda H. Scruggs, DHL, MHS, LPC, a highly respected figure in the field of HIV advocacy and education, has devoted over three decades to championing the rights and well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Linda's involvement in the HIV/AIDS community began as a women's health advocate at Johns Hopkins University (former Moore Clinic) after her own HIV diagnosis in 1990. In 2012, she co-founded Ribbon Consulting Group, LLC, which evolved into "Ribbon – A Center of Excellence," a prominent nonprofit organization headquartered in Largo, Maryland, near the nation's capital. The organization facilitates engagement with policymakers, government agencies, and national HIV organizations, bolstering its ability to address HIV-related challenges and health disparities nationally and upon request internationally.
In 2010, Linda received an Honorable Mention from President Barack Obama, recognizing her extraordinary contributions. Her status as a plenary speaker at the International AIDS Conference in 2012 solidified her position as an influential voice in the field. Presently, Linda serves as the Board Chair of The Well Project's Board of Directors and is a member of the Board of Directors for Sisters Together and Reaching in Baltimore, Maryland. In January 2024, she was bestowed with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (DHL) from Breakthrough Bible College & Theological Seminary for her commitment to service and teaching as an Evangelist of the teaching of Jesus Christ. Simply stated, Linda has committed a portion of her life to ensuring that the health and rights of persons living with and vulnerable to HIV are high priorities to policymakers, systems of care, research communities, and the communities in which these individuals live and play.
