MORE ABOUT COREY A. PORTELL

Originally from the Show-Me State, Corey has called the Chicago-land area home for over ten years. She currently manages global partnerships in education and is passionate about elevating the expertise of grassroots organizations. Corey received a BA in international studies, political science, and religious studies from Loyola University Chicago where she focused much of her time on issues of justice and cross-cultural understanding both on campus and while abroad at the University of Ghana.

Seeking to understand individuals’ stories and motivations has always driven Corey to connect deeply with others. Working to bring people to the table whose voices have yet to be included is her passion and has proved to be a valuable skill by contributing innovation, clarity, and a shift towards equity. Corey has trained students to contribute to a more equitable world in industries such as microfinance, gender justice, youth education, and healthcare. She has learned by working with global partners, and with a highly diverse set of students, that the ability to thrive, be it in a U.S. classroom or in a community in Uganda, is dependent upon one’s health. Corey sees her profession to work towards a more just world, and to do so by ensuring access to care for all, particularly the most marginalized. She motivated by equity of access and outcomes.

At the Northwestern Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Corey has worked at the intersection of community development and education, partnering with public health organizations and other non-profits from Evanston to Vietnam to build national award-winning engagement opportunities. Whether its designing and managing programs or defining a collective strategy across partnerships, Corey’s focus on listening to the overt and covert stories shared translates to a collaborative practice across industries. She is excited to advance her career and is currently completing her Master of Science in Communications from Northwestern University.