We partnered with National Harm Reduction Coalition on the search for Executive Director. National Harm Reduction Coalition is a national advocacy and capacity-building organization that promotes the wellbeing and dignity of people and communities affected by drug use. Its efforts advance harm reduction policies, practices, and programs that address the adverse effects of drug use, including overdose, HIV, hepatitis C, substance use, and incarceration.

Our work resulted in the recruitment of Dr. Orisha Bowers to the role.

Bowers has more than 15 years of experience in social services, nonprofit leadership, grants management, program design, and civic leadership. Her lifes work is centered on an intentional merging of women’s studies, education, interdisciplinarity and creativity, spirituality, healing, wellness, and movement. She uses scholarship and vocation to do healing work in communities of color in reproductive health, women’s issues, and communities of faith.

Prior to serving in several roles at the National Harm Reduction Coalition, Bowers was the Director of Navigation Programs at Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County. There, Bowers assisted with the mission to build a community where domestic violence victims can survive and thrive as well as create a community free from domestic violence.

Bowers was given the Memphis SHERO Award by the American Association of University Women, Memphis Chapter in 2019.

Bowers holds a BFA in Theater and Dance and an MA in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Memphis College. She earned her Master of Education from Freed-Hardeman. She was awarded her PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from Union Institute & University.