Back to Success Stories - “Your Story Is Not Over”: LaTasha’s Journey of Service, Strength, and Hope

LaTasha (LT) Scruggs built her career on service, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the CDC mission. She began her journey at just 21 years old as a contractor as a branch secretary and secured a full‑time position in 2006 as a Management and Program Analyst. Over the next 25 years, she served across multiple programs and offices, including the National Center for Environmental Health, the Strategic National Stockpile, the Emergency Operations Center, the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.

LT combined her passion for customer service, administrative operations, and public health while steadily advancing from a GS‑5 equivalent position to serving as an Acting Management Officer in a

GS‑15 role. One of her proudest achievements came during her time with the Strategic National Stockpile, where she identified issues with inaccurate travel vouchers and strengthened oversight processes. Her efforts resulted in a 99.6% error‑free travel rate and ensured staff were reimbursed within five days of returning from deployment, a success publicly recognized during an all‑hands meeting.

During emergency responses, LT often worked around the clock, sometimes staying on campus for three consecutive days to support critical operations. “CDC is my family,” she shared. “I miss the people, the community, and the purpose.”

After being terminated unexpectedly, LT faced significant financial hardship while continuing to care for her children and grandchildren. Despite the shock and uncertainty, she leaned on her resilience and resourcefulness, converting part of her home into an Airbnb to help make ends meet while shielding her family from the stress she carried. Support from the CDC Mutual Aid Fund helped her cover essential expenses such as utilities, daycare, gas, and groceries during the holiday season. Beyond the financial assistance, LT said the encouragement and consistent communication from the Mutual Aid staff reminded her that she was not alone and gave her renewed hope during an incredibly difficult time.

Today, LT is rebuilding with purpose — continuing her education, serving her community, and preparing for the next chapter of her public health journey.

Despite enduring hardships throughout her life, including losing her home and treasured family memories in a devastating fire years earlier, LT remains grounded in resilience and faith. She believes every challenge she has faced has strengthened her and reminded her that difficult times do not define a person’s future. Her message to others is simple but powerful: “Don’t stop, keep going, your story is not over.”