MEET Dejia Felicity Swindell
“I am not just running for the people, I am the people.”
I am a daughter of Fulton, a working mother who turned challenges into purpose, and an entrepreneur who grew from the grassroots. My story mirrors the lives of so many families in District 5 striving, sacrificing, and building with resilience.
My path began at the Atlanta University Center, where I balanced the demands of higher education with the realities of managing tuition and responsibilities outside the classroom. Those years taught me discipline, determination, and the importance of creating opportunities not only for myself but also for others. It was during this time that I first began stepping into leadership roles that shaped my commitment to service.
Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Dejia Felicity Swindell- Smith of Southwest Atlanta Dejia Felicity, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Normal? What is normal these days? My days tend to flow between purpose, people, and a little bit of beautiful chaos. A “normal” day for me is a blend of purpose, people, and preparation. I usually start my mornings early before the world wakes up grounding myself in prayer and gratitude, then getting my daughter Denim ready for her day. She keeps me laughing, balanced, and reminded of why I do what I do.
Once the day officially starts, it’s full steam ahead. Between leading projects through my marketing and PR agency, Felicitea Digital Lab, and being out in the community as a candidate for Fulton County Commissioner, no two days are ever the same. Some days, I’m strategizing campaigns and mentoring young professionals. Other days, I’m walking neighborhoods, listening to residents share their hopes for change, or connecting with local organizations to collaborate on solutions that make a real impact.
What’s consistent, though, is the heart behind it all: service, integrity, and the desire to create opportunities for others. Every task, meeting, or conversation is rooted in that mission. So, while my days are often long and sometimes chaotic, they’re also deeply fulfilling. I get to build, lead, and serve and that’s exactly where I’m supposed to be right now.
Entrepreneurs & Community Builders
"Empowering small businesses and future leaders."
As a business owner and strategist, I’ve poured both personal and professional resources into helping small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive. Through my agency, fellowships, and mentorship, I’ve worked hands-on with founders, students, and creatives to equip them with tools for growth. My journey has shown me that true progress in Fulton means ensuring our local businesses and innovators don’t just survive — they scale, succeed, and reinvest back into the community.
Pageants & Leadership Development
"Shaping my voice early on through service and representation."
From Miss 1909 at Clark Atlanta University, to Miss Capital City USA, to serving as Miss Black Metro Atlanta and Miss Black Georgia USA, my journey in pageantry has always been rooted in more than titles, it’s been about advocacy. I used each platform to champion cultural impact, social empowerment, and representation for communities often overlooked. These experiences instilled in me that leadership means accountability, and that every crown or title is really a call to open doors for others, amplify voices, and leave a legacy of service.
Cheer, Youth & AUC Involvement
"Committed to youth, schools, and community engagement."
From my years cheering and serving at Clark Atlanta University, to co-founding alumni initiatives and mentoring students, I’ve lived the importance of teamwork, resilience, and youth development. My work with young people and schools has centered on giving students opportunities to shine — whether through leadership roles, athletics, or cultural programming. The lessons learned from these experiences fuel my commitment to ensuring Fulton’s youth always have safe, supportive spaces to grow into leaders themselves.
Speaking, Media & Professional Engagements
“From local stages to national platforms, my journey has been rooted in sharing knowledge, amplifying voices, and building spaces where community and business intersect. I’ve had the honor of speaking, teaching, and mentoring through conferences, festivals, and fellowships, always with the goal of creating pathways for others to rise.
Whether through Meta’s We The Culture Network, Truist Foundation’s Fellowship Summit, BET Experience, or community events like Grind Pretty Fest and We Are The World Festival, I’ve remained committed to showing up, not just as a speaker, but as an advocate for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. These opportunities reflect my ongoing dedication to using my expertise in PR, marketing, and community development to inspire and equip others for impact.”
Senior Services & Program Leadership
"Building dignity, joy, and connection for our seniors."
I began my work with Clayton County Senior Services as a Program Aide, where I assisted day-to-day programs and built meaningful relationships with seniors who quickly became like family. Through dedication and innovation, I was later promoted to Special Programs Coordinator, where I developed and led programs that blended education with enrichment.
From teaching seniors how to use smartphones, set up email accounts, and stay connected in a digital world to organizing health workshops, social gatherings, and large-scale events like cultural festivals and the Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show, my work was rooted in ensuring seniors felt both supported and celebrated.
Along the way, I gained as much as I gave. Seniors hold an incredible wealth of wisdom and were always willing to share lessons, stories, and encouragement that shaped how I see leadership today. And if I’m being honest, I probably ate my weight in Piccadilly during my time at the center, a small reminder that the laughter, the meals, and the community moments mattered just as much as the programs themselves.