Corinne Boyd Riley was born in Piedmont, South Carolina, and graduated from Converse College in 1915. She began her career in educational policy, serving as a field representative for the South Carolina State Text Book Commission. During World War II, Riley contributed to military-related activities as part of the Civilian Personnel Office at Shaw Air Force Base. Riley's career trajectory included a significant transition to public service, highlighted by her election to the Eighty-seventh Congress, where she made history by competing against another woman in a congressional election.

Corinne Boyd Riley's political career is marked by a blend of progressive milestones and calculated strategic choices. Her involvement in educational policy and military administration during World War II suggests a multifaceted approach to public service. Notably, Riley's participation in the first known congressional race between two women in South Carolina underscores her pioneering stance on women's rights. Her brief but impactful congressional service hints at a pragmatic yet ideologically nuanced approach, balancing regional interests with broader legislative goals.