Brandy Cortes, M.S.

Brandy Cortes has provided various social services and counseling in the City of Erie and throughout Erie County for the past 27 years, specializing in areas including but not limited to mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders.

In 1996, she attended Gannon University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling, with a minor in Social Work. She went on to get her Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology with a certification in Secondary Guidance Counseling from Gannon University in 1998. She has provided various social services and counseling in the City of Erie and throughout Erie County for the past 27 years, specializing in areas including but not limited to mental health, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. Ms. Cortes taught as an Adjunct Professor at Gannon University in 2022. She is also a board member on Erie Latino Leadership Association (ELLA), and Ms. Cortes recently put together the Mayor’s First Hispanic/Latino Advisory Board for the City of Erie in 2022. Brandy’s greatest achievements are her two beautiful children, Kira and Mathias.

Ms. Cortes’ passion and dedication to advocating for the underserved and disadvantaged populations — especially the Hispanic/Latino community — originates from her own experiences growing up in poverty. The daughter of a parent from Costa Rica empathized with individuals and families struggling with financial limitations, barriers, and lack of opportunities. Ms. Cortes recognizes the need for cultural competency in all areas including social services, education, housing, employment, etc. Her goal is to join Diverse Erie’s mission of creating, investing and advocating for an environment in Erie County, where people of all color are welcome, included and have equal opportunities — ultimately contributing to the overall diversity and advancement of our community for future generations.