CJC Insights is a strategic communications and public relations agency led by Chanel Cathey. It's our mission to create space for people and stories. We put companies and nonprofits on the map and reimagine brand stories. We are passionate about partnering with female founders and BIPOC / minority-owned businesses.
Our team powers brands by developing clear and engaging messaging frameworks and refining narratives. We guide you through the process of discovering your voice, finding your founder’s story, and establishing your goals. We work with all types of organizations, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
CJC Insights leverages this clarity of vision and direction to create communications and press strategies that work. We’re media relations experts who activate powerful press and industry relationships to build traction and momentum for your brand. We amplify your profile by securing high-impact speaking opportunities and event invitations. We prepare you for the main stage by providing media training to master your soundbites.
We are an extension of your team, forging deep relationships with founders and key players. Our team deeply understands our partners and provides honest feedback and counsel. We’re fixers who resolve problems and manage reputational issues.
I seriously recommend CJC Insights to female founders looking to amplify their brand presence, make a splash, or be recognized for their major business milestones. Chanel always delivers a smart press strategy, gives honest feedback, and has the connections and foresight to tell powerful business and lifestyle stories. I have no doubt that her guidance helped us land a Fast Company Innovation Award.
-Melisse Gelula, Co-Founder, Well+Good
CJC Insights has been a transformational powerhouse in the way my company has been viewed by the broader media industry, thanks to exceptional connections that have elevated my business to the next level.
- Kori Hale, CEO & Co-Founder, CultureBanx
CJC Insights helped us improve our messaging, secure relevant press engagements, strategically enter new markets, and think critically about our product roadmap. Without CJC Insights, Esusu would not be where it is today.
- Wemimo Abbey, Co-Founder, ESUSU
The better you are at your job, the more you need Chanel. She will expertly transform your accomplishments and value into a pitch that editors will pay attention to. She helps you organize your communication priorities into achievable steps. My experience working with Chanel is both enjoyable and effective; I leave every meeting we have with clear action items that drive results.
- Tammy Tibbets, Co-Founder and CEO, She's The First
Chanel Cathey is the Founder and CEO of CJC Insights, a strategic communications and public relations agency headquartered in New York City. She puts brands and thought leaders on the map and counsels businesses on communications and press strategies. She is a builder and storyteller with a passion for partnering with female founders and minority-owned businesses. Chanel is on the Advisory Board for the Wall Street Journal's Women in the Workplace Series, helping to curate national events and conversations around the future of women and work. She is a contributor to Fast Company and a member of The Female Founder Collective and the ForbesWomen Forum. Chanel was named to The Observer’s PR Power 50 List and received the 2020 ADCOLOR Change Agent Award for using her talents to enhance corporate cultures and create more inclusive industries.
Chanel was previously the Head of Corporate Practice at Hunt & Gather. She was responsible for managing global client partnerships and fostering innovative communications approaches for brands like McKinsey & Company, IBM, Well+Good, iFundWomen, WeWork, Upworthy, IMAX and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation.
Chanel was also the Director of Corporate Communications at Viacom. In this role, she managed internal and external communications strategy across an iconic portfolio that includes MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, Comedy Central, Paramount Pictures and more. She led strategic communications for ad sales, integrated marketing, data and insights, innovation, and corporate marketing. Chanel also spent time in media relations for ABC News and for Unilever.
She graduated from Fordham University and received her MPA specializing in Management and Policy from New York University. Chanel is on the Advisory Board for TheLi.st, an exclusive women’s community comprised of pioneers across media, technology, entrepreneurship, and business. She also co-chaired the Advisory Board for She’s The First, a nonprofit organization that advances educational opportunities for women and girls. She co-founded ELEVEN, a women’s leadership and empowerment network. Chanel served on the Board of Directors for the AIDS advocacy organization Lifebeat and is an active member of the Jackie Robinson Foundation Alumni Association.
We love hearing from you - please feel free to reach out with your thoughts, questions and general inquires.
