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Named one of People Magazine’s ‘Most Beautiful People’ and a finalist in the premiere season of ‘America’s Next Top Model’, you can’t deny Katie Cleary’s enviable beauty.
Also an established actress and animal rights activist, Katie Cleary is the founder of PEACE 4 ANIMALS, a non-profit Animal Welfare Organization that protects all animals against harmful human interference around the globe through public awareness and education as well as rescuing, rehabilitating and finding homes for domestic animals.
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Please tell us about you? Describe yourself in 3 words?
Strong, Driven & Passionate
Tell us about your organization Peace 4 Animals?
Peace 4 Animals was founded in 2012 and is a leader in the animal welfare community in Los Angeles. Peace 4 Animals has raised tens of thousands of dollars for many animal welfare organizations around the world in support of the most crucial animal issues, such as saving the tiger from extinction and the ivory trade. Peace 4 Animal’s vision is to see a world that lives in harmony with all animals and works to protect them against harmful human interference. Peace 4 Animals helps to rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for domestic animals and also educates the public on the importance of rescuing animals from your local shelter rather than buying them from breeders or pet stores. We also strive to increase awareness to put an end to abuse and neglect and teach people how to respect all of our planet’s species.
How did you get involved in this project?
I started rescuing and rehabilitating animals when I was a young girl with my mother and volunteered at many different animal shelters. I produced my first charity event after graduating from college that raised funds for ten different animal charities in Chicago. I began modeling and acting as a young age and always wanted to use the voice that the entertainment business gives me as a platform to raise awareness for animal welfare and environmental issues around the globe.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the positive effects of my work saving and protecting the lives of many different species around the world. It is also knowing that one person can make a positive difference to be a voice for the voiceless.
What do you think is missing for more people to get the message and help?
It is the fact that saving animals and our natural world starts in your own back yard. Many animals are ending up on the endangered species list and becoming extinct because of greed, money and a lack of education, which is leading to a big problem on our planet and in our ecosystem. This will, in turn, affect us on a catastrophic level if we don’t do something to change it now.
Any other celebrities are supporting your organization?
Tipi Hedren, Ric O’Barry (Oscar Winner – The Cove) Alison Eastwood, Nikki Reed, Joanna Krupa, Russell Simmons, Esai Morales, Adrian Grenier and many other animal advocates who are involved in entertainment.
Tell us about “Give me Shelter”?
In our film “Give Me Shelter,” we expose the most important animal welfare issues worldwide. We shed light on what is happening with orangutans, tigers, rhinos, elephants, wolves, horses, whales, dolphins and expose the black market trade of endangered species, puppy mills, seal clubbing, the fur industry, the ivory trade and many more of the most crucial issues our planet is facing today.
How did you come up with the idea of doing it? We know this will be soon on Netflix, right, that’s big news for exposure.
I woke up one morning and had an epiphany about what I can do that will be most effective to reach the masses and educate the public about what is really happening with the rest of the species on our plant. The name “Give Me Shelter” was the first title that came to mind and I picked up the phone to call my best friend Kristin Rizzo to ask if she wanted to direct the film. She said she absolutely would and “Give Me Shelter” began. The film took us three years to make and Netflix just picked it up to premiere on May 15th.
Now about your fashion side, who are you’re favorite designers?
Valentino, Herve Leger, Stella McCartney and Roberto Cavalli
What does fashion mean to you? Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Fashion is a way to express myself. What I wear tells a story about who I am. I like to be feminine, sexy and sophisticated with an edgy flare. I really like Blake Lively’s style.
How would you explain your fashion style and what items in your closet can you not be without.
I try to wear outfits that are stylish and classy with a little edge and sex appeal. I love jewelry, especially rings and bracelets. You can never go wrong with a great pair of the perfect fitting skinny jeans, heels and a great clutch when you’re on the run!
You are a busy girl, can you tell about all the projects that you are currently working on?
One of the projects that I am currently working on is the Environmental & Humane Education Amendment together with Judie Mancuso of Social Compassion In Legislation. My goal is to teach children environmental conservation with a class in all schools, grades K-High school. It would teach children the importance of protecting our wildlife, endangered species and our natural world. Our film “Give Me Shelter” is being released on Netflix on May 15th and I am working on publicizing the film so enough people will get to see it around the world. This will help educate the public and raise enough awareness to save more lives of animals. I am working on a book adaptation of “Give Me Shelter” as well. My goal is to expand my Peace 4 Animals organization and build our World Animal News network to be the next CNN for animal welfare issues.
How do you keep fit?
I like to run, hike with my pups, practice yoga and box in my spare time.
How is a normal day in your life? You are an Activist, a Fashion Model, an Actress, Producer, Writer, wow, when do you have time for yourself?
I juggle many projects concerning animal welfare, ranging from trying to pass animal welfare legislation to rescuing and rehabilitating animals from shelters, to acting and modeling. It’s all a matter of being focused and organizing your time to be able to prioritize what’s most important. Finding time to relax with my animals is important. I try to take at least one day a week off to unwind and spend time outdoors hiking and relaxing at the beach.
You’re a busy women, do you have any time for relationships right now?
I attend a lot of charity events with people that have the same interests as me in animal welfare. It is hard to make time for dating right now, but if the right person comes along then I am open to giving it a try.
Describe your ideal man? What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
My ideal man is someone who is strong-willed, trustworthy, loyal, has a passion for something greater than himself and of course has a great sense of humor. He has to be an animal lover, athletic and adventurous. He is also someone who believes in God and is confident in who they are and what they want.
A perfect Sunday would be hiking in the mountains with my pups and spending a relaxing day soaking up the sun at the beach in Malibu or going paddle boarding.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I have ever been given is to follow your passion and purpose in life to make a difference and never give up on your dreams!
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
My animals, my family and my faith in Jesus.
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Something people don’t know about you?
I went to college on a track scholarship for high jump and was also a sprinter.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself living part time in South Africa and having a rescue and rehabilitation center there for endangered species.
Favorite song? Why?
My favorite song is Frank Sinatra’s High Hopes because it signifies that where there is a will, there is a way to accomplish your dreams and passion in life.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @KatieCleary11 and @Peace_4Animals
Twitter: @KatieCleary @Peace_4_Animals & @WorldAnimalNews @GiveMe_Shelter.
Please visit Peace4animals.net, worldanimalnews.com and Give-Me-Shelter.com for more information on the projects that I am working on.
My favorite films are: The God Father, Gladiator and Blood Diamond.
Music: I love hip hop, R&B and classic rock.
My favorite food is: Truffle pasta and NY style thin crust pizza.
My favorite place I have visited: Would have to be Bora Bora in Tahiti and Maui.
My favorite quote is: “What ever God brings you to he will bring you through.”
Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have 4 dogs and 3 cats at the moment, but I am always rescuing and finding homes for animals that I pull from the shelter. It is so rewarding because they know that they have been rescued and thank you every day for it.
Restaurant: I love the restaurant Nobu in Malibu
Sports Team: I will always be a Chicago Bulls Fan
Book: The Bible is the book I live by.
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