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Oriana Carey
Chief Executive Officer at Coalition for Children, Youth & Families
Oriana Carey is the Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families, a position she has held since November 2014. She has dedicated over 30 years to the human services sector, focusing on improving the lives of children and families affected by various systems of care. Oriana is known for her commitment to creating innovative programs and services that support children and their champions.123
Education and Early Career
Oriana earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1991 and subsequently obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1995. She is a licensed clinical social worker in Wisconsin.14 Before her role as CEO, she held several positions within child and family serving agencies, including Project Manager for the Wisconsin Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center, which she helped launch in 2005.13
Leadership Philosophy
In her leadership role, Oriana emphasizes continuous learning, self-reflection, and accountability. She believes that fostering a positive work culture—characterized by generosity, responsibility, and perseverance—is essential for achieving successful outcomes for families.4 A notable quote that reflects her approach is:
“Recognize that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others.”
This philosophy drives her initiatives at the Coalition, where she advocates for effective strategies that address the needs of families and professionals involved with their services.45
Oriana's extensive experience and dedication to social work make her a prominent figure in advocating for children's welfare and family support in Wisconsin.


