Brandy Cortes, M.S.

Brandy Cortes has dedicated the past 27 years to providing social services and counseling in the City of Erie and throughout Erie County, specializing in areas such as mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. With extensive experience in these fields, she has become a trusted advocate for underserved populations, particularly within the Hispanic/Latino community. Ms. Cortes holds a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology with a certification in Secondary Guidance Counseling and has taught as an Adjunct Professor in 2022. Her professional contributions extend beyond counseling, as she currently serves as the Commission Secretary for Diverse Erie, working to support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community.
In addition to her work with Diverse Erie, Ms. Cortes is an active board member of the Erie Latino Leadership Association (ELLA) and played a key role in establishing the Mayor’s First Hispanic/Latino Advisory Board for the City of Erie in 2022. Her passion for advocating on behalf of underserved and disadvantaged populations stems from her personal experiences growing up in poverty, as the daughter of a parent from Costa Rica. This background has deepened her empathy for those facing financial limitations, barriers, and lack of opportunities.
Ms. Cortes is committed to advancing cultural competency across all sectors, including social services, education, housing, and employment. Her mission is to help create a more inclusive environment in Erie County, where people of all backgrounds have equal opportunities and are welcomed as part of a diverse community. Brandy’s greatest achievements, however, are her two beautiful children, Kira and Mathias, who continue to inspire her work and her vision for the future of Erie.