Cory L. Thames

📈 President, @thames_strategy |🎙️Host, In My Own Words | 📚Author, Every Kid’s A Superhero | 🦍 AΦA 🤙🏾 | 🦾 Defying the odds 💪🏾| 🚀 Chasing my dreams 🙌🏾

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

🗣🗣🗣 Excited to announce that I’ve launched my own public affairs firm, @Thames_Strategy! Be sure to follow my page for more updates! Stay tuned! #BornToLead

[Thames Strategies, LLC @Thames_Strategy]

Welcome to Thames Strategies - a full service public affairs firm specializing in government affairs, grassroots community engagement and coalition building, DEI, and political strategy. Check out our website today to learn more! Link in bio. #ThamesStrategies

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

🚨 Homeowners Relief in Action! 🚨

Commissioner @BridgetGainer breaks down the $15M Homeowner Relief Fund giving $1,000 payments to those most burdened by property taxes. 🏡

🎙️ Out now — VONtv and YouTube links in bio.

#InMyOwnWords #HomeownerRelief #CommunitySupport

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

🗣️ EP5 of In My Own Words is OUT NOW! 🎙️🔥
Join Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer & Jessica Caffrey as they discuss how the Cook County Land Bank is reclaiming vacant properties & revitalizing communities. Link below 👇🏾!
https://t.co/1MivlkxnJa

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

On the next episode of In My Own Words, Jessica Caffrey highlights the Land Bank’s upcoming Developer Awards — honoring those revitalizing properties, hiring locally, and growing Cook County’s economy.

🎟️ For tix: Land Bank website or Eventbrite.
🎙️ Streaming TONIGHT 🔥

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

🚨 Cutting Through Red Tape and Rebuilding Communities 🚨

On the next episode of In My Own Words, Commissioner Gainer shares how proactive government is helping return 2,400+ vacant properties to the tax roll and back into productive use.

🎙️ Streaming Friday. Don’t miss it 🔥!

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

On the next episode of In My Own Words, @CCLBA Executive Director, Jessica Caffrey, talks about “lifting as we climb” — empowering Black & Brown developers to transform their communities while hiring young people and creating real career pathways.

#InMyOwnWords #LandBank

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

On the next episode of In My Own Words, I sit down with Commissioner Bridget Gainer and Jessica Caffrey to talk about how the Cook County Land Bank is helping bring long-blighted communities back to life — and why this work matters.

🎙️ Streaming this Friday. Don’t miss it 🔥.

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

Reflecting on 2025—a year of highs and lows, joy and growth. Through it all, God kept me. Every smile was a reminder of gratitude. Stepping into 2026 confident, claiming happiness, prosperity & success for me, my family & friends. Cheers to the amazing year that lies ahead 🥂🎉!!

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

Last Friday’s South Shore Chamber Holiday Party was a moment of reflection. After 9 years on the board and 7 as Chair, I’m proud of the impact we’ve made for our organization and the South Shore community. Excited for all that’s coming in 2026. Happy Holidays 🎅🏾🎄!

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

A quick day trip to explore Michigan’s wine country 🍷🍇🥂 #ｓａｔｕｒｄａｙｖｉｂｅｓ

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

As a student at SIU, I worked 2–3 jobs, hustling from class to work to the dorm, building a grit and resilience that has served as the foundation throughout my career. I can’t wait to come back for Career Week to share my journey — truly a full circle moment. #SIUC #SalukiPride

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

Loved having Lt. Gov. @JulianaStratton on the show 🎙️🔥! #InMyOwnWords

[Juliana Stratton @JulianaStratton]

Seven years ago, I joined @JBPritzker’s ticket with one request: to be a true partner in governance. He said yes without hesitation, and we’ve been delivering for Illinois together ever since.

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

🗣️ “The wisdom is in the room.”

Lt. Governor @JulianaStratton on why community voices—those who live, work & raise families there—must shape policy.

🎙️ Watch her full convo on In My Own Words now: VONtv, YouTube, Roku, Apple TV & Amazon Fire.

#InMyOwnWords #JulianaStratton

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

🚨 NEW EPISODE 🚨

In the latest episode, I sat down with Illinois Lt. Governor & U.S. Senate candidate @JulianaStratton to talk leadership, equity & her vision for Illinois’ future.

Now streaming on VONtv, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV & YouTube 🎥👉🏾: https://t.co/7ynHcyViyQ

[Juliana Stratton @JulianaStratton]

It was great to join my friend @CoryThamesIL to share more about my journey from law school to the Lieutenant Governor's office and everything in between!

Listen to our whole conversation: https://t.co/70lThVI9V7

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

📢 NEW EPISODE! 📢

Lt. Gov. @JulianaStratton recalls being told the court line she stood in was “for lawyers only”—fresh out of law school.

That moment still drives her to break barriers + stand tall for people, proving your presence matters.

🎙️ Watch now on VONtv + YouTube!

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

Add to that an expanded child tax credit 👶🏾💵 — and you see how Illinois is building a more equitable future for moms, babies & families. Don’t miss this powerful convo.

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

✨ Breaking barriers in maternal health ✨
On the next In My Own Words, I sit down with Lt. Gov. @JulianaStratton to talk about the groundbreaking Birth Equity Initiative she led under Gov. Pritzker’s administration. 🎙️ Streaming THIS FRIDAY on VONtv, YouTube & more!

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

From opening a South Side birthing center 🏥 to expanding coverage for doulas, midwives & lactation consultants 🤰🏾🍼 — the initiative is tackling maternal health disparities head-on.

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

On the next In My Own Words, I sit down with IL Lt. Gov. @JulianaStratton to discuss the weight—and honor—of being the first Black Lt. Gov & why it’s about creating a future for many more. ✨
🎙️ Stream Fri: VONtv, YouTube, Roku, Apple TV & Amazon Fire
#InMyOwnWords

[Cory L. Thames @CoryThamesIL]

🚨 NEW EPISODE 🚨

This Friday on In My Own Words, I sit down with @LtGovStratton 🎙️🔥!

From law ➡️ politics ➡️ now aiming for the U.S. Senate, she shares her inspiring journey & leadership lessons.

Watch the full episode on VONtv + YouTube!

#InMyOwnWords #Illinois