Introducing Making Space and Ascend Fellowship Program

What is Making Space?

Making Space is a talent acquisition and learning platform founded by Keely Cat-Wells that is dedicated to creating more inclusive employment opportunities for disabled professionals.

The platform connects job seekers with:

• Meaningful career opportunities

• Free educational resources

• Professional development programs

• A supportive community of disabled professionals

• Employers committed to inclusive hiring

Making Space also works with employers to help them build more accessible and inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Benefits of Making Space

Making Space offers many benefits for disabled professionals looking to grow their careers. Participants have access to remote job opportunities, educational resources, networking, and career development programs.

Remote work can increase flexibility, independence, and accessibility by reducing barriers such as transportation challenges or inaccessible work environments.

Through Making Space, professionals can:

• Build new skills

• Gain valuable work experience

• Expand their professional network

• Increase confidence

• Connect with employers who value inclusion

What is the Ascend Fellowship Program?

The Ascend Fellowship Program is Making Space's six-month career readiness and professional development program designed by and for disabled professionals.

The fellowship helps participants:

• Build confidence when communicating their strengths, goals, and accommodation needs

• Explore career paths that match their interests and abilities

• Develop lasting relationships with other disabled professionals

• Strengthen professional skills through courses, discussions, keynote speakers, and networking

The program is completely virtual and part-time, allowing participants to complete coursework on their own schedule while engaging in occasional live sessions and community discussions.

My Experience

I discovered Making Space a few years ago through Google and Instagram. Since then, I have followed both Making Space and its founder, Keely Cat-Wells, and regularly explore the job opportunities posted on the website.

While it has been challenging to find positions that perfectly match my background in fashion, graphic design, digital marketing, content creation, and virtual support, I believe Making Space is an outstanding resource for disabled professionals looking for meaningful employment, professional development, and networking opportunities.

I was excited to be accepted into the Ascend Fellowship Program, joining more than 60 disabled professionals from across the United States. The six-month virtual program began in June 2026 and will conclude in November 2026.

One of the highlights so far has been connecting with fellow participants through Slack. I have met several professionals with Cerebral Palsy and many other disabled professionals, including individuals who use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). Learning to use Slack has helped me become more confident communicating professionally in an online workplace.

I hope this fellowship will help me continue developing my skills and eventually lead me to a remote career that aligns with my creativity, strengths, and communication style.

Participating in the Ascend Fellowship has been an incredible honor, and I highly recommend both the fellowship and Making Space to anyone looking to connect with the disability community while growing personally and professionally.

To learn more about Making Space, visit www.making-space.com.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Stay tuned!

With love,

Marisa Conners 

Remote Blog Intern @ CorMission