Redefining Advocacy and Care for Sickle Cell Disease | Dr. La'Shardae Scott | TEDxFaurotPark
Sickle cell doesn’t discriminate—but our healthcare systems do. In this powerful TEDx talk, Dr. La’Shardae Scott shares her personal journey as a mother, advocate, and changemaker, challenging the racial biases that shape sickle cell care. Watch as she redefines advocacy and inspires a new standard of equity, compassion, and accountability in healthcare. Dr. La’Shardae Scott, DSW, MSW, CHES, is President and CEO of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment, and Transition, leading efforts in infant mortality, mental health, and the pediatric-to-adult transition for sickle cell patients. She has secured vital funding and co-developed the CDC’s manual Oral Health Management in Sickle Cell Patients. Her partnerships with Ohio hospitals have improved care transitions and outcomes for vulnerable populations. A passionate advocate and mother of two children living with sickle cell disease, Dr. Scott serves on several health equity boards and the NASW-Ohio Region 1 Board. She holds degrees from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctorate of Social Work in Administration and Leadership from the University of Kentucky. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
2026 Most Influential Women | Dr. La'Shardae Scott
Influential Women… We’re Honored & Empowered!
On behalf of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition®️, we are beyond humbled and proud to celebrate our President & CEO, Dr. La’Shardae Scott, for being recognized as an Influential Woman Verified Honoree — amplifying the work, the mission, and the purpose placed within her.
Her life’s work has been rooted in advocacy, education, and in transforming care and outcomes for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease — especially during critical transitions from pediatric to adult care.
But this recognition is bigger than one person… 
It represents:
Every warrior fighting sickle cell
Every student mentored and taught
Every mother navigating complex healthcare systems
Every family served across our communities
Every barrier broken in the fight for health equity
Dr. Scott walks into rooms not just as a leader, but as:
A voice for the unheard.
A bridge between systems and communities.
A disruptor of inequities.
A builder of legacy for her sons and the families we serve.
This honor reminds us that when you operate in purpose, the world takes notice — not for applause, but for impact. 
We thank Influential Women for this recognition and for amplifying the voices of women who lead, innovate, and inspire.
Dr. La'Shardae Scott: TEDx Speaker "Turning Adversity into Advocacy
🎙️ This week on the Speakers Magazine podcast: We sit down with Dr. LaShardae Scott, a powerhouse advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment, and Transition. She’s not just leading a movement—she’s living it. 💥 She just completed her first TEDx Talk! Featured in our April issue, Dr. Scott opens up about how a personal family journey through sickle cell disease became her professional calling. What began as a mother’s mission to navigate the healthcare maze for her children, has evolved into a national crusade to transform care, uplift communities, and rewrite the sickle cell narrative. Through grit, grace, and God-given vision, Dr. Scott built a center that’s breaking barriers in transitional care—and changing lives every day. Her story is one of divine alignment, resilience, and what it means to turn pain into purpose. 💡 Inside this episode: ✅ How a personal diagnosis ignited a national mission ✅ The blueprint behind her innovative transition programs ✅ The power of community partnerships and advocacy ✅ Real talk on building a business rooted in calling—not clout If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to walk in purpose while building a legacy that heals—this episode is for you. 🔥
Dr. La'Shardae Scott: 101 Things to Do with a Social Work Degree: Career Pathways Across Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Practice
The Scott Center Team is beyond excited to share some incredible news—Our President and CEO Dr. La'Shardae Scott is officially a scholarly contributor in the newly released book “101 Things To Do With a Social Work Degree!”
This project is powerful, personal, and purposeful! It shatters the myth that social workers don’t make money and boldly showcases the many dynamic, diverse, and dope roles we hold in the world! From boardrooms to bedside, courtrooms to classrooms—this book proves that social workers are EVERYWHERE and in EVERYTHING!
You can grab your copy now on Amazon—let’s celebrate the brilliance and the bag that comes with being in this field!
Sickle Cell: The Challenges of transitioning from pediatric to adult care
Lets Talk Sickle Cell Series Women's Edition
A Game Changer On the Horizon For Those Suffering with Sickle Cell Disease
A Game Changer On the Horizon For Those Suffering with Sickle Cell Disease
A Game Changer On the Horizon For Those Suffering with Sickle Cell Disease
La’Shardae Scott is a beacon of progress for SCD warriors, shining a spotlight on a long-overlooked genetic disorder predominantly affecting African Americans. She is also the CEO/President of SCOTT, which stands for: Scott Center for Observation Treatment & Transition; a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sickle cell awareness, education and research.
Northern Ohio Red Cross: Shedding light on Sickle Cell Disease
A Game Changer On the Horizon For Those Suffering with Sickle Cell Disease
A Game Changer On the Horizon For Those Suffering with Sickle Cell Disease
As a mother with two young children who have sickle cell disease, La'Shardae Scott works tirelessly to advocate for them and others who struggle with this life-threatening illness. And she knows the importance of a diverse blood supply to help treat them. That's why she & her organization, the S.C.O.T.T. Center, are hosting a blood drive this Saturday in Toledo to encourage more Black donors to give.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan News
A Game Changer On the Horizon For Those Suffering with Sickle Cell Disease
Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition Board Member Chelsea Park a Michigan Woman Living with Sickle Cell Disease Spreads Awareness in Hope of Helping Others.
Rare Revolution Magazine Feature
UK College of Social Work Feature
Barriers to care in sickle cell disease: the reflections of La’Shardae Scott, social worker and RARE mother
UK College of Social Work Feature
UK College of Social Work Feature
UK College of Social Work Feature
Advocating for Patients Affected by Sickle Cell Disease
The Sojourner's Truth Feature
UK College of Social Work Feature
UK College of Social Work Feature
La’Shardae Scott: Mother of Two Warrior Children
The Sojourner's Truth Feature
The Sojourner's Truth Feature
The Sojourner's Truth Feature
