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Hello! Thank you for your interest. This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of New York’s leading campaign directors. Corinne Carey, political and public affairs strategist, will speak about the process of transforming advocacy into legislative success on the state level, focusing on building coalitions among nonprofits, organizations, and lawmakers with shared goals. In addition to walking us through how a bill becomes a law, Corinne will discuss how to identify common objectives, build alliances, and effectively manage coalitions to build a campaign for change. We will hear about the lessons she has learned from fighting for changes in health policy, including medical aid in dying and drug policy reform. We look forward to a great discussion.
SPEAKER'S BIO: With over 25 years of experience in advocacy, policy, and legislative strategy, Corinne Carey has dedicated her career to translating her policy goals into impactful political and legislative change. Recognized as one of City & State NY’s 2025 Trailblazers in Health Care, Corinne has become a leading advocate in New York for drug policy reform and end-of-life care, shaping the future of public health in the state. Currently, Corinne serves as the Senior Campaign Director for New York and New Jersey at Compassion & Choices, where she has led efforts to pass the Medical Aid in Dying Act in New York since 2015. She built a coalition of nearly 60 organizations and 90 state lawmakers, gaining significant momentum in Albany to advance the legislation. Corinne successfully passed similar legislation in New Jersey and remains committed to fighting for the rights of New Yorkers. Corinne is also a founding member and board secretary of New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives, advocating for psychedelic decriminalization and advancing policies to help end the War on Drugs. Earlier in her career, she founded and directed the Harm Reduction Law Project at the Urban Justice Center and spent over a decade with the Harm Reduction Coalition, pioneering legal strategies to protect marginalized communities. She served as Assistant Legislative Director and Senior Public Policy Counsel at the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU).
Corinne’s career is a testament to the power of turning a passion for advocacy into an actionable and lasting legislative impact, and we are excited for her to share her expertise here at Fordham with students who may be interested in doing the same as they soon begin their careers.
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This event is co-organized by Zachary Johnson and Patch Shields, co-founders of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (official club status awaiting final approval) and Jeanne Flavin, PhD., Department of Sociology & Anthropology.
SSDP is the largest nationwide network of young people working to replace the War on Drugs with policies rooted in evidence, compassion, and human rights.
Sociology and anthropology are disciplines dedicated to the scientific study of society, culture, and the human condition.
