Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Margaret Ensley |
| Relationship | Mother of Niecy Nash |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Known For | Survivor, Matriarch, Advocate |
| Family | Daughter Niecy Nash; grandchildren Dominic, Donielle, Dia |
| Key Advocacy | Founder, Mothers Against Violence in Schools (MAVIS) |
Family Background and Personal History
Margaret Ensley is best known as the mother of noted actress and TV host Niecy Nash (born February 1970). Margaret, raised in a close-knit Southern California neighbourhood, instilled religion and self-worth in her children. Margaret escaped a life-threatening domestic violence event in 1985, when her lover shot her in the back and set their home on fire. Niecy, then 15, saved her mother’s life. Eight years later, Margaret’s son Michael Ensley, 14, was killed in a school shooting in May 1993, motivating her to advocate for safer schools.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Survived domestic violence shooting at age unknown |
| 1993 | Son Michael killed in school shooting at age 14 |
| 2010 | Launched Mothers Against Violence in Schools |
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Following her son’s death, Margaret Ensley formed MAVIS in late 1993. From 1994 to 2000, she led MAVIS in organising over 200 school safety programs in five states, reaching over 50,000 students and educators. Margaret collaborated with law enforcement and mental health specialists to create threat assessment and crisis response protocols. MAVIS has turned its focus to legislative lobbying since 2005, resulting in three state laws mandating anonymous tip lines and peer-support programs in public schools.
| Period | MAVIS Activities |
|---|---|
| 1994–2000 | School‑safety workshops (200+ sessions, 50,000+ attendees) |
| 2001–2005 | Community outreach and awareness campaigns |
| 2006–Present | Legislative advocacy; laws passed in three states |
Public Appearances and Family Events
Margaret frequently attends high-profile events with Niecy Nash and her grandchildren. In July 2024, she walked the red carpet at the Lifetime film Sister Wife Murder premiere in Los Angeles with Niecy, grandkids Dominic (32), Donielle (29), and Dia (24). Niecy honoured her throughout Mother’s Day events, including a three-generation portrait from a January 2023 “Golden Salute” extravaganza on Instagram in May 2025. Margaret’s assistance at public events strengthens her role as the family’s emotional anchor and MAVIS spokesperson.
| Date | Event | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| January 2023 | “Golden Salute” gala | Margaret, Niecy Nash |
| July 2024 | Sister Wife Murder premiere (Lifetime) | Margaret, Niecy, Dominic, Donielle, Dia |
| May 2025 | Mother’s Day tribute post on Instagram | Margaret, Niecy (three‑generation photo) |
Niecy Nash: Daughter and Advocate
Born February 23, 1970, Niecy Nash has 30 years of experience in comedy, drama, and hosting. She won a Daytime Emmy for Clean House (2004) and a Primetime Emmy nomination for Getting On (2013–15). Her first Primetime Emmy was for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for Dahmer in 2024. In addition to acting, Niecy is the MAVIS spokesperson, giving keynotes at education conferences and testifying on school safety measures before state legislatures. She credits her mother’s perseverance for her public service dedication.
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Awards | Daytime Emmy (2004), Primetime Emmy (2024) |
| Roles | Reno 911!, Claws, Dahmer, Grotesquerie |
| Advocacy | MAVIS spokesperson, legislative testimony |
The Next Generation: Grandchildren’s Careers
Margaret’s three grandkids are successful entertainers and public advocates.
- Dominic Nash (b. Dec 12, 1991; age 32) produces the web series H.E.I.R., hosts social justice panels, and co-founded a nonprofit for minority children in media.
- Actress Donielle Nash (b. Jan 9, 1995; age 29) has been in HBO’s The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021), Netflix’s Never Have I Ever (2022), and recurrent parts on Modern Family and Superstore.
- Dia Nash (b. Sept 28, 1999; age 24) performs as Sandra Smith in Netflix’s Dahmer (2022), guest stars on ABC’s The Rookie: Feds (2023), and leads in Lifetime’s Sister Wife Murder (2024).
| Grandchild | Age | Key Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Dominic Nash | 32 | H.E.I.R. (Producer), advocacy host |
| Donielle Nash | 29 | Never Have I Ever, The Sex Lives of College Girls |
| Dia Nash | 24 | Dahmer, The Rookie: Feds, Sister Wife Murder |
Financial Overview
Margaret Ensley has never worked in public and has no estimated net worth. Her daughter Niecy Nash’s Hollywood career has earned millions, although the exact sums are confidential. Grandchildren Dominic, Donielle, and Dia Nash have no public net worth statistics due to their early professions.
| Name | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Margaret Ensley | Not public |
| Niecy Nash | Multi‑million dollars |
| Dominic Nash | Not public |
| Donielle Nash | Not public |
| Dia Nash | Not public |
Recent Highlights and News
- In May 2025, Niecy Nash shared a video montage honouring Margaret’s survival and MAVIS achievements at a national education summit.
- July 2024: At Lifetime’s Sister Wife Murder debut, three generations showcased the family’s united public image.
- In February 2023, Niecy spoke on MAVIS-inspired school safety legislation before the California State Assembly.
- In 2022-2023, Margaret gave keynote lectures at two national school safety conferences, focussing on community-based prevention.
FAQ
Who is Margaret Ensley?
Niecy Nash, a domestic violence survivor and founder of Mothers Against Violence in Schools, is Margaret Ensley’s daughter.
What advocacy work has she done?
After her son’s 1993 death, she founded MAVIS, organising safety courses and advocating for school safety laws.
Who are her children and grandchildren?
Her daughter is Niecy Nash, and her grandchildren are Dominic (producer), Donielle (actor), and Dia.
What major tragedies shaped her life?
Margaret survived her boyfriend’s 1985 shooting and lost her son Michael in a 1993 school shooting.
How is her daughter Niecy Nash involved in advocacy?
Niecy is an MAVIS advocate, testifies on school safety laws, and attributes her advocacy to her mother’s perseverance.
