Student’s Advocacy Earns Her a Trip to the White House

Chloe Corrion, Class of 2017, is on a mission to make the world a better place. Chloe, a Child, Youth and Community Education major, PAL student and passionate advocate for others, has devoted much of her college years interning at several nonprofit organizations. She spent one semester as a mentor with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, one summer working at the local YWCA near her hometown of Bar Harbor, Maine and plans to land a final internship at a Boston nonprofit this spring. 

The highlight of her experiential learning, however, happened last summer when she interned for National Voices for Equality, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE), a bullying and suicide prevention nonprofit based in Miami, FL. Chloe's willingness to jump in and roll up her sleeves to do whatever was needed earned her the privilege to work closely with Jowharah Sanders, NVEEE's founder and executive director. 

NVEEE goes directly into schools to present anti-bullying workshops and give students the opportunity to discuss issues and current events that impact them inside and outside of the classroom. "During my time at NVEEE, I learned valuable skills that apply to every aspect of my studies, interests, and passions. Every summer, NVEEE brings people from all over the world together for the Peace Ambassador Leadership Summit (PALS) to share perspectives and ideas on how to help students during the many transitions they encounter." 

NVEEE's community outreach efforts and school workshops to more than 25,000 national participants scored them a special invite to the White House for a private "behind the scenes" tour during the National Anti-Bullying Week in November. Chloe was one of 30 NVEEE members selected to visit the White House because she was pivotal in the success of PALS, a place where high school students learn leadership and also deal with the impact bullying has had in their lives. During the exclusive tour, Chloe and other NVEEE guests had a chance to walk through the West Wing of the White House and also visited the Capitol Building, where Congress convenes. "To be able to walk through the same halls our past leaders walked in and sit in the room where federal laws are passed is an experience not a lot of people have, and I am grateful for the opportunity." The group was also honored by Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who is a Member of the Congressional Anti-Bullying Caucus. 

NVEEE leaders say they're truly mesmerized by Chloe's work ethic, character, and commitment. Upon graduation, Chloe hopes to land a job at a nonprofit working in the development office. It's no surprise her dream job is to be in a leadership position at a nationally-recognized nonprofit. With Chloe's determination and hard work, the odds of her being invited back to the White House someday are good. Who knows, maybe she'll even run for President.