Blending Creativity and Culture at Amazon

August 28, 2025

When you think about a company as massive as Amazon—1.6 million employees across nearly every corner of the globe—it’s hard to imagine how culture, connection, and belonging are built at that scale. For Corry Yokley ’04, it’s her everyday challenge—and her passion. As Senior DEI Manager, she shapes the way Amazon communicates its values, celebrates its people, and fosters inclusion worldwide. It’s a role that demands equal parts creativity, strategy, and cultural sensitivity—and one that traces its roots back to an unexpected spark she found at Bradley University.

“The unique combination of design, art history, and creative writing courses created a holistic foundation that taught me to think both critically and creatively,” she said. “What I value most from those early days was the freedom to experiment and push boundaries—something I’ve carried throughout my career.”

When she first arrived at Bradley, law school was her plan. But after discovering the graphic arts program, she was hooked. “Something sparked inside me. The blend of creativity, problem-solving, and visual communication opened up a whole new world I hadn’t even considered before.”

Art history professor Sarah Glover also played a pivotal role. Her passion for the subject inspired Yokley’s fascination with architectural design and the stories embedded in art and structure. “What started in her classroom as learning about flying buttresses and Gothic arches evolved into a deeper appreciation for how design can tell stories and shape experiences,” Yokley explained.

That appreciation deepened when she saw Apple’s iconic iPod campaign. “Seeing how a single creative concept could be so impactful and versatile—that’s when I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do,” she recalled.

At Amazon today, Yokley develops brand guidelines and marketing campaigns that resonate across cultures and geographies. She also brings a distinct leadership philosophy she calls her “collaborative compass.” This approach blends direction with shared ownership. “Some days I’m the mentor, other days I’m the student, and often we’re all co-creators working toward shared goals. In today’s evolving workplace, this flexibility drives stronger results and more engaged teams.”

 

Living and Learning in Luxembourg

For the past 13 years, Yokley has lived in Luxembourg and it has expanded her worldview. “It’s been like attending a master class in global perspectives,” she said. Exposure to diverse approaches to color, form, and storytelling has pushed her to adopt a more inclusive, nuanced creative lens.

Outside of work, Yokley channels her expertise into community leadership as a board member of LABEL (Lux Afro-Black Excellence Leaders), an initiative empowering Afro-Black communities in Luxembourg and beyond. “It’s about creating pathways for representation and leadership that inspire future generations,” she said.

 

Advice for the Next Generation

Yokley encourages students and young professionals to embrace global experiences. “Global exposure isn’t just about travel—it’s about immersing yourself in different ways of thinking and living. Studying or working abroad can be transformative, not just for your career but for your life. The world is too vast and fascinating to experience from a single vantage point.”

From her first design courses at Bradley to her work shaping global culture at Amazon, Yokley’s journey proves the power of curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to step beyond the familiar.

—Emily Potts