Dr. La'Shardae Scott, MSW, CHES, CHW
Dr. La’Shardae Scott is a nationally recognized leader in social work, health equity, and sickle cell advocacy. As the President and CEO of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment, and Transition (S.C.O.T.T.) in Toledo, Ohio, she leads the state’s first nonprofit dedicated to transitional care for individuals with sickle cell disease, supporting families across 11 counties in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. A TEDx speaker, award-winning advocate, and published author, Dr. Scott has secured millions in funding, created innovative programming, and co-authored the CDC’s oral health manual for sickle cell patients, driving meaningful change for underserved communities. Dr. Scott’s academic achievements include a Doctor of Social Work in Administration and Leadership from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Social Work with a focus on mental health and substance use recovery from Eastern Michigan University, and a Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate from Cornell University. She combines her expertise in clinical care, policy, and education to provide patient- and family-centered support while mentoring the next generation of social workers as a part-time professor at Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Kentucky. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Scott is a devoted mother to two young boys living with sickle cell disease, whose experiences fuel her passion and purpose. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes hands-on, relationship-driven work, community empowerment, and closing care gaps for vulnerable populations. Recognized as one of the top 80 most influential advocates in sickle cell, she continues to shape national conversations on equity, access, and transformative care.
• Book Contributor
• Doctor of Social Work
• Certified Doula
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Community Health Worker
• Adult Mental Health First Aid
• Hemoglobinopathy Counselor
• University of Kentucky
• Cornell University
• Eastern Michigan University- M.S.W.
• Eastern Michigan University- Bachelor's
• Top 80 Most Influential Advocates and Leaders in Sickle Cell Research 2026
• Who's Who In Black Cincinnati and Dayton Magazine
• Entrepreneur of The Year
• Leadership of The Year
• ADVOCACY IN ACTION Award
• Toledo’s 100 Most Powerful Black Leaders
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award
• Rising Star in Social Work
• MHRSB 2024 Advocate of the Year Award!
• Shero Award
• Sickle Cell Advocate of the Year 2023
• 2024 Big Idea 💡 "Movers and Shakers "
• 20 Under 40 Candidate
• Soror of the Year 2023
• Brightside Academy Health Advisory Committee
• Getting to 1 coalition
• NASW - Ohio
• NAACP Toledo
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
• Sigma Alpha Pi
• Phi Alpha, Xi Sigma Chapter
• Association of Black Social Workers
• National Association of Social Workers
• Great Lakes Regional Sickle Cell Coordinator
• Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc.
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Official
• Rotary Club of Toledo
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute all of my success to my children—their needs and my desire to protect them and improve outcomes, especially as two of them have sickle cell disease, have inspired everything I do in my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to go after opportunities boldly and not let fear hold me back.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to be authentic and bold in pursuing your purpose. Don’t let anyone dim your light—invest in yourself and ensure your mission reflects your core values.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is funding, as sickle cell remains the least funded chronic disease nationwide, which limits programming and services. At the same time, there is a strategic opportunity to expand funding by integrating sickle cell initiatives into broader minority health and mental health grants.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, integrity, respect, empowering others, and being of service to my family, patients, and community.
Locations
Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition
3100 W. Central Ave Suite 202, Toledo, OH 43606
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