Meet Rachel O’Kelley | Student, 2e Advocate, and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel O’Kelley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The O’Kelley Lab first started as a way to acknowledge outliers or different thinkers and educators that were making a difference, which then evolved into a grassroots effort by my family to make a difference for individuals and families who are 2e or neurodiverse by sharing resources and innovative ideas. Currently we are advocating for 2e individuals by traveling with and screening our documentary “O’Kelley Legends: 2e Behind the Scenes”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Despite being a full-time student, I try to find time to pursue my creative passions. Over the pandemic, I was able to start two different part-time businesses, one tutoring students that were having issues during Covid with executive function and socialization, and the other was designing fabric and sewing masks with my online Etsy store. Along with that, I produce shorts and features, as well as work on my own writing and creative projects. I feel very fortunate that my parents are in the film industry, so I was exposed to it at a very young age, which gave me the opportunity to produce my first film when I was 12. I think something that sets me apart from others in my field is that I’m still in highschool and already producing my own projects. A lesson I’ve learned along the way is just to trust the creative process and not let expectations hold me back. The O’Kelley Lab is a family operation, and it’s constantly changing as we develop and grow, our story is focused on learning new things and finding innovative solutions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A place in LA I love to take people to, is the 626 Night Market that happens during summer at the Santa Anita Racetrack. It’s a lot of fun and such a unique experience, with lots of good food and fusion! If they’re looking for an old Hollywood feeling, El Coyote is a family-friendly fun place we love to go to. The grove and farmers market are a lot of fun as well, and a place we always bring LA visitors. Aside from food, the new Academy Museum is a great visit, especially for people visiting LA, to get a closer look at the behind the scenes and history of amazing films.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think being a twice-exceptional student who was fortunate enough to be identified early and receive many interventions/services early on, I would say I’m grateful to all of the service providers and educators who I’ve been lucky enough to have as a part of my journey. I also want to acknowledge the non-profit organization SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) who is our non-profit partner with our documentary. As well as the mentors and parents highlighted in our documentary.

Website: www.theokelleylab.com

Instagram: @the_okelley_lab

Twitter: @the_okelley_lab

Facebook: @theokelleylab