Kisha Woods, CEO

  • Portrait of Kisha Woods in a ponytail, wearing a black top and green earrings, against a gray background.

  • Kisha Woods, aka as Coach Kay, is the driving force behind Upgraded MindsetZ, LLC. As an award-winning Certified Life and Business Coach, she wears many hats, including motivational speaker, Author, 2X podcast host, community advocate, mentor, and multi business owner. Kisha empowers individuals with transformative coaching, education, media, and mentorship, equipping them with the tools to create a more fulfilling life and unlock their highest potential in both personal and entrepreneurial pursuits.

    Struggling with silent battles with her mental well-being throughout the years, March 2020 marked the beginning of a self-transformative journey to save herself, which she chronicles in her Amazon best-selling book, ‘From Havoc to Healing: 30 Days of Reconditioning.

    Kisha founded Upgraded MindsetZ in June 2020 and has evolved her organization into a supportive platform for individuals focused on personal and entrepreneurial growth and development. She co-founded UPM Suites in West Peoria, IL. UPM is a hub of small businesses that provide a dynamic blend of resources, services, and products designed to support your personal growth, well-being, financial planning and empowerment, to entrepreneurial support needs.

Certifications

  • Life/Business Coach

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy

  • NLP

  • Mental Health Awareness

  • Mindfulness

  • Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid

  • NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator

Community Roles

  • President - NAMI Tri-County Illinois

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters

  • Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

  • Peoria Civic Leadership Academy Graduate

  • Job Partnerships Peoria Fresh Start

  • Member - NAACP Peoria

Awards

  • 180Lyfe Entrepreneur of the Year 2024

  • Peoria Community Votes 2024

  • West Peoria Best Mindset Coach 2023-2024

  • Marquis Who’s Who

  • Outstanding Community Service 2025 Juneteenth Fest

Professional Affiliations

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Motiational Speaking | Guest Appearances

Kisha is a dynamic speaker whose insights resonate with a diverse range of audiences. She addresses impactful topics that foster growth, motivation, and transformation. Her presentations illuminate the journey of understanding personal values, setting intentions, and aligning actions with purpose, enabling individuals to embrace their authentic selves.

Kisha tackles often taboo subjects, fostering open conversations and promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding, which encourages individuals to celebrate their uniqueness. Drawing from her extensive experience, she inspires budding entrepreneurs by sharing invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of launching a business, translating ideas into reality, and cultivating resilience in the face of adversity.

Whether headlining podcasts, sharing her expertise at networking events, or engaging in panel discussions, Kisha captivates audiences with her depth of knowledge and infectious passion for personal and professional growth. Inviting Kisha to your next event means bringing a catalyst for change who empowers your audience and contributes an authentic and vibrant personality.

Person in pink jacket speaking into a microphone at a table.