Member since February 2026
Kemisha Swan, affectionately known to many as Mimi, is a beacon of hope whose life serves as a powerful testament to the triumph of the human spirit. Her journey began under the weight of immense adversity; following a tragic accident that forever altered her path, Kemisha entered the foster care system at age seven, where she remained until she was twenty-one. These early challenges meant she didn't begin her formal education until the age of eight, entering the second grade with a world of catching up to do. However, fueled by an internal fire and the support of her foster parents and key mentors, Kemisha defied the odds. She became the first in her family to graduate from college, eventually earning her master’s in social work from Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU).
Today, Kemisha has transformed her lived experience into a multifaceted empire of healing and excellence. As the founder and owner of CC Swan Phoenix Therapy, she provides a sanctuary for transformation, offering specialized one-on-one mentoring, clinical therapy, and innovative alternative therapies designed to help others rise from their own ashes. Her entrepreneurial spirit also shines through as the creator of the award-winning Miss Swan’s BBQ Sauce, a brand that brings people together through flavor and heart.
As a published author and a sought-after speaker, Kemisha travels extensively to share her powerful testimony, inspiring audiences everywhere to shed their limitations and pursue their highest potential. When she is not leading her businesses or advocating for others, she finds her greatest joy in the simple, beautiful moments of life. She is a devoted mother to her two children and believes deeply in the importance of soul-filling self-care—whether that is relaxing at the spa, listening to the smooth rhythms of old-school R&B, or savoring a Caramel Latte from Starbucks. Kemisha’s life is a reminder that no matter where you start, your story has the power to change the world.
Resilience, foster-care, Overcoming-Adversity, Transformation, Breaking-Cycles, Social-Work, Trauma-Informed, Mental-Health, Mentorship, and all things Empowerment
I often recall a pivotal moment at Great America with my two children that shifted my entire perspective. I had boarded a roller coaster confident that my "cute wig" was secure; however, the moment the ride took off, so did the wig. In that instant, I experienced a profound "Aha" moment—a spiritual awakening that I recognize as a "kiss" from my ancestors and the universe. That experience led me to loc my hair and step away from the masks we often wear to fit societal expectations. It was my personal invitation to live authentically.
My commitment to social work and breaking cycles is forged in the fire of lived experience. Having navigated the complexities of foster homes and group homes, I encountered many people who played a part in my story; yet the most significant figure in my journey—the one who truly never gave up—is myself. Through every challenge life threw my way, I learned that falling isn't a failure, but a prerequisite for rising stronger.
I often recall a pivotal moment at Great America with my two children that shifted my entire perspective. I had boarded a roller coaster confident that my "cute wig" was secure; however, the moment the ride took off, so did the wig. In that instant, I experienced a profound "Aha" moment—a spiritual awakening that I recognize as a "kiss" from my ancestors and the universe. That experience led me to loc my hair and step away from the masks we often wear to fit societal expectations. It was my personal invitation to live authentically.
My commitment to social work and breaking cycles is forged in the fire of lived experience. Having navigated the complexities of foster homes and group homes, I encountered many people who played a part in my story; yet the most significant figure in my journey—the one who truly never gave up—is myself. Through every challenge life threw my way, I learned that falling isn't a failure, but a prerequisite for rising stronger.