Chanel Cathey is the Founder and CEO of CJC Insights, an award-winning consultancy and strategic communications agency that moves mission-driven brands forward with creativity, connection, and community. Founded in New York City in 2018, CJC Insights represents startups, nonprofits, and powerhouse clients nationwide in advocacy, technology, venture capital, private equity, and more. The agency has a proven track record of partnering with diverse founders to help them launch and scale businesses to unleash their potential.

Chanel’s work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast Company, Adweek, PR News, and more. A recipient of ADCOLOR’s 2020 Change Agent Award, Chanel and her agency have been recognized for reimagining brand stories and creating more inclusive industries. CJC Insights was named to the 2021 Forbes Next 1000 list, The Observer’s PR Power 50 List, and has consistently been awarded to The PR Net 100 honor list alongside many of the world’s leading PR firms. Additionally, Chanel was an adjunct professor at Fordham University and founding member of The PR Net’s BIPOC Mentorship Program, guiding a generation of college students seeking careers in marketing and public relations.

With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Chanel spent over a decade working in media relations and communications for iconic global brands like Viacom (Paramount), ABC News, and Unilever. As a contributor to Fast Company and Advisor for the Wall Street Journal’s Women in the Workplace Series, Chanel is passionate about curating content, conversations, and national events about the future of work, equity, and innovation. Chanel advises several startups and serves on the Boards of Directors for nonprofit organizations. She graduated with a BA from Fordham University and received her MPA, specializing in Management and Policy, from New York University.