Cori Graham is a public servant, community leader, and advocate for children, families, and stronger communities. A graduate of Indiana University Indianapolis, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Law in Liberal Arts with minors in Political Science and Communication, along with a Paralegal Certificate. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Affairs at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs with a concentration in Public Management and is pursuing a second Master’s in Philanthropic Studies through the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Driven by a passion for public service and creating meaningful change, Cori has built experience across government, law, and nonprofit leadership. She began her legislative career with the Indiana House Democratic Caucus, where she served as an intern for the Democratic Floor Leader, Vice Chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, and Assistant Democratic Whip while staffing the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. This experience shaped her commitment to child welfare, education, and policies that support Indiana’s children and families. She later served as a Sentencing Data Intern with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office and completed a legislative internship with Taft Law’s Public Affairs Strategy Group before joining the Marion County Recorder’s Office as Executive Assistant and community affairs coordinator.
Beyond her professional work, Cori is deeply committed to civic engagement and community leadership. She serves as Board Treasurer of The Amor Moment and Board Secretary of the Indiana Democratic African American Caucus. She is an alumna of the Indiana Democratic Party’s Emerging Leaders Project.
Her commitment to service extends throughout her community involvement. Since 2019, Cori has volunteered with Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana as a Wish Granter and also volunteers with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. She currently serves as Miss Circle City Indy 2026 and People’s Choice Queen, using her platform to encourage community involvement, empower young women, and highlight the importance of service and civic engagement. Her experience in pageantry has strengthened her public speaking, leadership, and ability to connect with diverse communities.
As a survivor of childhood abuse, Cori brings a deeply personal commitment to improving child welfare systems and creating opportunities for children and families to thrive. Through public service, philanthropy, and community leadership, she is dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive Indiana.