From Soldier to Servant Leader: Dr. Pauline Scroggins McKesson’s Blueprint for Purposeful Impact
In every era, there are leaders who do more than leave a mark—they leave a legacy. Dr. Pauline Scroggins McKesson, a Baltimore native, U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, counselor, author, and philanthropist, has done just that. Her life’s work is a living testament to how unwavering dedication, spiritual conviction, and a passion for service can transform lives, institutions, and communities.
Dr. McKesson’s journey began in the structured and demanding world of military service, where she spent over two decades serving her country with honor. It was during those years that her leadership took root—nurtured by discipline, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to serve beyond the battlefield. Transitioning from military life, she carried those values forward, turning her focus to education, entrepreneurship, and mental health advocacy.
Her drive to make a difference was born from personal experience and a commitment to uplift others facing invisible wounds. “I saw the unspoken pain veterans carried and knew I had to be part of the solution,” she reflects. That commitment led her to earn a master’s degree in Human Services Administration and Addiction Counseling, expanding her ability to serve those battling PTSD, addiction, and trauma.
As the author of Living with PTSD, Dr. McKesson has created a vital resource for veterans and their families. Through her powerful writing, she shares strategies for coping, healing, and finding hope. Her words reflect not only her clinical expertise but the empathy of someone who has lived the struggle and emerged stronger.
A proud cosmetology instructor and savvy businesswoman, she also transformed a family-owned beauty salon into a thriving local enterprise—creating jobs, empowering women, and revitalizing her community. In every arena she touches, from classrooms to clinics to community halls, Dr. McKesson exemplifies servant leadership.
Her reach extends through leadership roles in esteemed organizations such as the American Legion, Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Each role she assumes is guided by the same unwavering core values: faith, compassion, accountability, and empowerment.
Despite the weight of her responsibilities, Dr. McKesson remains grounded. She credits her spiritual beliefs and early mentors—including strong military women and compassionate educators—for shaping her path. “They showed me how to lead with strength and softness, how to stand tall and still listen deeply.”
Her work with the homeless, youth, and survivors of domestic violence is not just service—it’s soul work. Whether coordinating food drives, offering grief counseling, or mentoring young leaders, she approaches every endeavor with a heart of purpose.
To aspiring leaders, Dr. McKesson offers wise counsel: “Be authentic. Your scars don’t disqualify you—they equip you. Let your journey guide others toward hope.” She encourages rising changemakers to lead with integrity, pursue knowledge relentlessly, and never forget the communities they were called to serve.
Looking ahead, Dr. McKesson envisions expanding her outreach, continuing her authorship, and establishing wellness programs that integrate holistic care for marginalized populations. Her legacy is not only about titles or accolades—it’s about the countless lives made whole through her care, courage, and calling.
Dr. Pauline Scroggins McKesson reminds us all that leadership is not just about how far you go, but how many you lift along the way.
About Dr. Pauline Scroggins McKesson
Dr. Pauline Scroggins McKesson is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, counselor, author, educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Baltimore. With over 20 years of military service and extensive experience in addiction counseling and mental health, she advocates passionately for veterans, underserved communities, and trauma survivors. Author of Living with PTSD, she blends clinical insight with personal experience to provide guidance and hope. As a leader in multiple national organizations and founder of community-centered initiatives, Dr. McKesson continues to serve with integrity, faith, and unwavering dedication to
