Keely Cat-WellsFounder

United States - Los Angeles, California

While in hospital, Keely founded C Talent. Acquired by in 2022, under her leadership C Talent represented Disabled talent which had an artist roster with a combined reach of over 50 million people. C Talent has placed talent in projects for brands like Nike, HBO, and Disney, and represented Academy Award and Emmy-nominated talent.

Following the acquisition, Keely founded Making Space, a talent acquisition and learning experience platform for companies to train, access and retain prequalified Disabled talent. With the goal of bridging the education-employment gap and creating a more equitable and accessible future of work.

In collaboration with Disability Rights Advocate Sophie Morgan, Keely co-founded Making Space Media, a division of Making Space. They produce film, TV, and promotional content that centers the Disabled voice. Making Space Media has secured a first-look deal with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine.

Keely’s expertise has led her to participate as a Disability subject matter expert in discussions with notable figures such as President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She has had the privilege of serving on the Advisory Board for Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and currently holds positions on the Board of Directors for No Barriers and 2Gether.

Keely played a key role as a youth leader in the inaugural Mental Health Youth Action Forum, hosted by MTV in collaboration with the Biden-Harris Administration and leading mental health nonprofits. Selena Gomez, First Lady Dr Jill Biden, Surgeon General Dr Murthy and President Joe Biden were in attendance and conversation. The forum took place at the White House, driving mental health awareness to action through storytelling and media.

Keely became a laureate of the Youth Activist Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This summit celebrates remarkable young individuals driving sustainability and human rights advancements.

Keely has received numerous awards and honours. Among these is The Diana Award, established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. It is renowned as the most prestigious accolade a young person can achieve for their humanitarian or social action endeavors. Other accolades include Forbes 30 Under 30 , AdWeek Young Influential and recognition as a ‘most powerful executive in the creator economy’ by Fast Company.

In alliance with entities like the International Paralympic Committee and UN Human Rights, Keely is a founding member of #WeThe15.