Who We Are

Vanessa’s experience and expertise in designing innovative programs and interventions, leadership development initiatives, and collaborative relationships led to the development of deep relationships with a variety of institutions, organizations, and people living with HIV to plan, implement and evaluate such efforts. For example, Vanessa was responsible for creating and organizing skill-building training for gender-responsive service delivery, trauma-informed recovery approaches, and leadership development- including sharing lived experiences associated with HIV, trauma, and identity. These trainings provided instructional information, skills development, and technical assistance to community-based organizations, health departments, and communities interested in developing and adapting engagement, mobilization, and leadership models in their communities. Also, Vanessa is an expert facilitator and trainer with earned certifications to conduct several federal public health HIV interventions, including WILLOW (Women Involved in Life Learning from Other Women) and BLOC (Building Leaders of Color), a federally funded national training. She has created several useful prevention interventions for women living with and affected by HIV, such as Catch a Rising Star (disclosure of HIV Serostatus), Common Threads: Creating a Community of Storytellers, and The ME Circle: Micro-enterprise Collectives. Finally, Vanessa is a seasoned manager and proposal writer.

Vanessa's expertise and experience in public health and harm-reduction issues led her to the co-founding of the Ribbon Consulting Group, LLC (Ribbon). Ribbon is a national consulting firm whose mission is to improve community and resident health, especially for individuals with hidden disabilities and chronic health conditions.  Under Ribbon, Vanessa provides capacity-building assistance in the form of training, technology transfer, and education to organizations and individuals that serve people with hidden disabilities and chronic health conditions, with a particular emphasis on people living with HIV.

Linda is a visionary, national leader, working in Public Health for nearly 30 years. She brings experience working with HIV and AIDS, mental health, and other chronic disease communities. She has served on numerous committees and boards—nationally and internationally. She is a founding member of the Positive Women’s Network- USA and the National Black Woman HIV Network. She also served as a member of the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD Prevention and Treatment (CHACHSPT). Linda's has delivered several innovative trainings and technical assistance programs- most of which are designed to train leaders in understanding how to build personal growth through leadership for persons with HIV or those working in the HIV community. Additionally, noted is her work in the development of the National Consumer Corps Leadership Training Program (AIDS Alliance) and The Building Leaders of Color (BLOC) Program (NMAC). Both programs were HRSA funded programs that are recognized as the national model for consumer empowerment, education, and training. These programs have reached nearly 40,000 people living in vulnerable communities impacted by health disparities.

Linda is a registered Master Trainer, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Leadership Coach who has developed and delivered training and capacity events.

As a thought-leader, Linda is highly requested as a registered consultant and subject matter expert for numerous private and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), HIV/AIDS Bureau’s (HAB) Ryan White Parts A, B, C, and D programs and the Maternal, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). 

Sampling of Linda’s notable highlights: presented before former President Bill Clinton, her work in HIV was highlighted by President Barrack Obama in July 2010, at the release of The National AIDS Strategy.  In June 2011, ESSENCE Magazine featured The Scruggs family in the 30th Commemoration Edition on HIV/AIDS. Also, In 2012 she was a plenary speaker at the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC.