Role:Director of Government Relations

Background: Cortez L. Carey brings firsthand knowledge of both the foster care system and Capitol Hill to his role as NFYI’s Director of Government Relations. A former foster youth from Pennsylvania, Cortez previously served as Director of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, where he developed deep expertise navigating congressional culture and child welfare policy.

Before his time in D.C., Cortez spent years as a professional child welfare advocate in Pennsylvania. Seeking new challenges and opportunities, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, spending three years in South Dakota and deploying overseas to Qatar — experiences he credits with broadening his perspective and deepening his sense of humility.

He holds degrees from the Community College of Allegheny County, the Community College of the Air Force, and PennWest Clarion (formerly Clarion University of PA), and earned his Master of Social Work from Howard University.

At NFYI, he works to connect individuals with lived experience in foster care with Members of Congress and legislative staffers who are committed to strengthening the child welfare system together.

Hobbies/Passions: “I enjoy creating meals for my ‘framily’ while listening to HBCU Band 5th Quarter Battles: It’s therapeutic”. I also enjoy underground R&B and Indie music concerts/festivals as well as brunch on Sundays and a fresh pair of sneakers!”

Fun Fact: Cortez is a self-taught barber. He utilized a close friend and Youtube University to hone in on his technique.