Ernesta Coursey
Substance Use Navigator
Ernesta “Nessie” is a dedicated Substance Use Manager working with Black Mothers in Power and the Black Girl Health Collective. With a bachelor’s degree in government and public policy from Wilmington University, Ernesta combines professional expertise with lived experience to drive impactful change in substance use advocacy, harm reduction, and community resource development.
Their background includes extensive work in advocacy and resource management for autism and families with IEPs and disabilities. As a parent of two boys with autism (Prince and Oliver), Ernesta understands firsthand the importance of accessible support systems and equitable policies. Having personally benefited from many of the resources they now advocate for—and having overcome challenges from homelessness to homeownership, Ernesta brings a unique perspective to their work, ensuring that policies and programs are designed to truly uplift and empower communities.
In addition to their work in substance use management, Ernesta has held prominent internships, including working under the economic development office of Matthew Meyer, and has contributed to numerous political campaigns, such as those of Velda Potter, Shanae Darby, and Deshaun O’Neal. They also served as Vice President of the Delaware Democratic Party for the Second Ward and First Representative District, demonstrating a deep commitment to civic engagement and systemic change. Lastly, Ernesta has been the owner of Nessie’s Natural Nation, an in-home salon specializing in the education and embracing of natural hair since January of 2020.
With a passion for dismantling systemic barriers, promoting harm reduction strategies, and ensuring equitable access to resources, Ernesta is committed to creating sustainable change and improving health outcomes for Black women and families. Their leadership, lived experience, and advocacy continue to shape meaningful and lasting impact in the fight for justice and equity.