Kimberlee Swig

Kimberlee (Kim) Swig was born and raised in New Orleans as one of six children in a close-knit family. After her mother passed away when Kim was 11, she stepped into a caretaking role at a young age. After graduating from Loyola University, she began working at a travel agency, where she developed a deep love for exploring the world.

Her professional journey led her to a sales role at the Fairmont New Orleans, and in 1989 she moved to San Francisco to become Director of Sales at the Fairmont there. It was also at the Fairmont where she met her future husband. They married in September 1990 and had three daughters, all now grown and living in San Francisco. Kim currently lives on the Peninsula. Her husband passed away in 2000.​

​

Her involvement with the San Francisco Advocacy for the National Museum of Women in the Arts (SFA for NMWA) began when Lorna Meyer Calas invited her to join the founding board. Kim was drawn to the mission because of her strong interest in education and women’s issues, and she has brought great value to theorganization through her marketing expertise. As an early member, Kim discovered a growing passion for art and was particularly struck by the lack of opportunities afforded to women compared to men in the art world. Over time, she has become an avid supporter of women artists, collecting works by WtW artists Julia Goodman, Davina Semo, and Amy Tavern. She is especially drawn to the work of Southern California-based artist Pae White, who works in ceramics and a variety of media.

 

​As a mother of three daughters, Kim feels deep frustration that women continue to fight for equality in the workplace. Having faced sexism herself early in her career, she learned to stand up for herself—and she brings that same passion to supporting women in the arts.

 

Kim has also been a dedicated supporter of education. She has funded scholarships at her daughters’ high school and at three colleges, and she is particularly proud of supporting four-year scholarships for students at Eastside Prep in East Palo Alto—a school that provides transformative opportunities for first-generation students. Kim also served on the board of the California College of the Arts for six years, co-chairing the annual gala to raise funds for student scholarships.

 

In addition to education, she supports organizations close to her heart, including Make-A-Wish—out of gratitude for her daughters' health—and several melanoma research programs. Kim values time and shared experiences above all else, focusing on creating meaningful memories. She is currently fulfilling a travel bucket list she began at age 20, often exploring the world with her daughters and sisters by her side.

 

Kim is inspired by the growth and impact of the SFA for NMWA under Lorna’s leadership. She enjoys not only the opportunity to support talented local women artists but also the camaraderie and shared love of art that the group has cultivated.

​

Profile written by Mary Mocas, SFA Member