Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Scruggs.
Hi Jeffrey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Story – Jeffrey Scruggs
My journey really took shape at Morgan State University, where I studied Civil Engineering with a concentration in Traffic and Highway Systems. It was during freshman week that I met Kiante Bush, and our friendship and collaboration have only deepened since then. From being a finalist in a national engineering competition in California to later co-founding Venture for T.H.E.M., we’ve been building together for over a decade.
After graduating in 2017, I entered the transportation engineering field, working on real-world infrastructure projects. But even while working full-time, I had an itch for something more creative and technical — something futuristic. I knew very little about programming at the time, but I enrolled in a bootcamp and taught myself the fundamentals of Python. After the bootcamp, I would work as a traffic engineer during the day and teach myself artificial intelligence at night after work. There weren’t nearly as many resources then as there are today, but I made it work.
I began sharing some of my early AI projects on LinkedIn, back when AI was still flying under the radar. To my surprise, one of those posts went viral. That visibility led me to an opportunity at a BWI Airport job fair, where I was recruited by the Naval Surface Warfare Center. They needed AI engineers fast, and I found myself pivoting into a new career almost overnight.
From there, I relocated to Virginia doing work for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, and doing contract work for agencies including the Pentagon via Booz Allen Hamilton. During the height of the pandemic, I had time to reflect, refine my skills, and chart a more mission-driven path forward.
That path led back to my roots.
Kiante reached out again — this time not just for tech support, but to bring me on board as Chief Technology Officer of Venture for T.H.E.M., an organization dedicated to empowering Black and Brown entrepreneurs from HBCUs through innovation, funding, and mentorship. I moved back to Maryland and dove into the growing ecosystem of tech, social impact, and community.
In addition to my role at Venture, I’m the founder and CEO of Majestic Light Group, a software consulting firm that helps visionary organizations build custom digital solutions, AI integrations, and web applications that scale.
Community work has always been a core part of my identity. One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the honor to help lead was the Underground Railroad Commemorative Walk at Emmarts United Methodist Church. As one of the main organizers, I worked closely with media, elected officials, and community stakeholders to preserve local Black history and elevate stories of resistance and freedom.
I’m also deeply passionate about inspiring the next generation of technologists. Every summer, I visit youth programs and summer camps to lead workshops on artificial intelligence and software development. Whether it’s showing kids how to build simple apps or explaining the future of AI in fun, relatable ways, I believe in demystifying tech and making it accessible to all — especially for young Black and Brown students who don’t always see themselves represented in STEM fields.
Today, I remain committed to building platforms that uplift others. At Venture for T.H.E.M., we’re launching our Fund.Fwd platform, a resource hub that connects emerging founders with grant and investment opportunities. We also host events like the HBCUniverse Summit, where culture, tech, and capital meet to move the needle for underestimated communities.
Whether I’m in a boardroom, a workshop, or the streets of Baltimore, I’m always looking to connect, create, and push the culture forward — one innovation at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all — but I’ve learned that growth usually isn’t.
One of the biggest challenges was moving to a completely new state — a rural part of Virginia — just before the pandemic hit. The isolation that followed was intense. I went from working in bustling environments to being completely on my own, navigating a new field in AI while the world shut down.
But in that solitude, I really got to know myself. Before that period, I wasn’t the most vocal or outgoing person. But for the sake of my mental health, I started calling my friends daily — checking in, having deep conversations, and building stronger connections. Ironically, it was during that time of isolation that I developed some of the best social skills of my life. It taught me how to communicate, how to listen, and how to lead with empathy.
Another ongoing challenge has been the ever-evolving tech space — especially in AI, where the landscape changes almost weekly. It can feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up, especially now with the space becoming more saturated. But at the same time, that’s part of what makes it exciting. I’ve learned to embrace the pace and keep having fun while navigating it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Artist / Creative
Most people know me for my work in tech and business — as a software engineer, entrepreneur, and problem-solver. But creativity has always been at the core of everything I do.
I express that creativity through side projects that often blend art, humor, and technology. One example is an AI-powered meme generator app I built, which takes any image and instantly turns it into a meme — combining machine learning with internet culture. I’ve also designed immersive Unity simulations, built visually stunning websites for clients, and developed interactive tools that bring complex ideas to life in playful ways.
While my primary work may seem technical on the surface, every project is a canvas. Whether it’s designing a user experience, crafting an elegant line of code, or experimenting with AI-generated visuals and automation, I approach it all as a creative act.
What sets me apart is this hybrid mindset — the ability to see both the artistic and technical layers of a problem. I’m most proud of the projects where I’ve turned imagination into innovation. Those moments remind me that creativity doesn’t always look like painting or music — sometimes, it looks like code that makes people laugh, think, or say, “Wow, how did you build that?”
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Who else deserves credit?
I owe a great deal of who I am — and what I’ve built — to the people who have poured into me along the way.
First and foremost, my parents instilled in me the mindset of giving back. That foundation of service and purpose has guided both my personal values and professional mission.
My friends — whether we’re still close or have drifted over time — have all shaped me in meaningful ways. Every interaction, conversation, and shared experience contributed to the person I’ve become.
I also have to give special thanks to my Masonic brothers. Being a part of that brotherhood has had a huge impact on my confidence and growth. The principles, discipline, and community I’ve gained through Freemasonry have been instrumental in how I carry myself and lead.
And above all, I give credit to God — my number one advocate and role model. Even when things get tough or unclear, I keep Him at the center. Time and time again, I’ve seen things fall into place in ways that can only be described as divine alignment. That faith keeps me grounded and moving forward.
No journey is made alone, and I’m deeply grateful for every soul who’s been part of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.majesticlight.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffreyscruggs2/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.scruggs.5648/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-scruggs/
- Other: https://venture4them.com/
