Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1250928
American meetings. And when those meetings get here, they will see we have already worked on the landscape. Our historical sites have an African- American presence full of minority exhibits." Coker Graham, who serves on several boards, is pleased to point out that over the years the CVB has expanded its focus to include Asians, Latinos, women and the LGBT commu- nity. She said the city has a lot to offer to "any- one" looking for a cool meeting destination. In 2019, several high profile organizations held their meetings in Philadelphia including Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Next year, the city will host BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha's annual spiritual conference, Delta Kappa Gamma (an educational sorority for teachers), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, considered the nation's oldest Greek organization established by and for African-American women. "First and foremost, Philadelphia is on the east coast, where it's prominent," said Coker Graham explaining why the city hosts numerous conventions. "We are in the heart of the north- east corridor. It's easy to get around. Everything is so walkable and accessible. There are so many things to see and do. We have popular attractions. We have a culture of art and history, which is what you don't get in other cities." Coker Graham was thrilled to point out how Philadelphia was recognized in Travel and Leisure magazine in 2018 as the Best Food City. The magazine called it "one of the US's most vibrant culinary landscapes" and "one of the more exciting destinations in the country right now." She is convinced that is one of the reasons why people are flocking to Philadelphia. Although she was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Coker Graham was also "born" to do exactly what she's doing. Her inter- est in the hospitality/tourism game started early. She knew even when she was young, just what she wanted to do. She pursued it at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, where she received a bachelor of science in Hospitality Management. Most of her hospitality experience came from working 21 years with Hyatt where she began her career in 1989 as a corporate management trainee at Hyatt Regency Columbus. Her rise to the top was strategic. She was on a mission. She was the assistant front office manager, front office manager, hotel assistant manager, assis- tant executive housekeeper, and general manag- er. Eventually, her experience and leadership tal- ent led her to Philadelphia. She started from the bottom now she's here! "I've had the opportunity to see the greatness of Philadelphia," she said. "We have taken our commitment to a whole other level. I am equipped to lead this team. I have broadened my experience which comes from having worked in Chicago, Columbus and Cincinnati." During her three years as president of the CVB, Coker Graham has helmed the bureau in a way that puts the city's best foot forward. For her, the focus is always "the customer experience". When she joined the CVB they were awaiting the opening of the new Philadelphia Convention Center, which Coker Graham said put Philadelphia, which has the 14th largest con- vention center in the country, on "another play- ing field." "From the Philadelphia fashion district to the gallery, to Market Street and all the great restau- rants popping up in our city, the use of tech- nology and innovation happening throughout the city, our collaborative spirit is coming together," said Coker Graham, a former Black Meetings & Tourism Apex Award recip- ient. Although it's known as the City of Brotherly Love, when you talk to Coker Graham it's quite evident that Philadelphia could easily be called The City Of Sisterly Affection. That's because she conversationally paints a picture of Philadelphia with its arms opened wide. She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to making sure the city lives up to the hype. "There is so much to do here," she said. "You can walk in Philadelphia. It's so easy to just get away and relax. When it's time to unwind, you can just sit and do your work. There are great spaces to do that. There is great food, Cherry Street Pier and so much more." With all that she does, Coker Graham still rebukes the notion that she's a workaholic that puts in endless hours. "I love what I do," she reiterated. "I understand what I do as a leader and what I have to do to give back. There are long hours but I'm willing. I don't see myself as a workaholic. I just don't see it that way." Coker Graham insists she's not all work and no play. She won't admit to being a workaholic, instead, she refers to it as being "efficient." "I like to think I am efficient and not a workaholic," she said. "I'm a hospitality/tourism fan. When you are passionate about what you do, it's not work." Some of her favorite things to do in Philadelphia include exploring different neigh- borhoods and places she hasn't been to in a while, also sitting in Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square, the Fairmount area, the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art because "the Rocky steps never get old." When she's not leading Philadelphia up the tourism ladder, Coker Graham has other inter- ests. She's been married to Daryl Graham for six years and is the proud mother of Alexandra, 19, who just finished her first year at Howard University. She has a love for most professional sports and considers herself a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. She recently started working out again and enjoys running – even in marathons. When it comes to travel her favorite destinations include Italy (Tuscany), Florida, New England, and London. When she's not on the road, Coker Graham enjoys reading and spending time with her family. One of four girls growing up in her household, Coker Graham is "big on family". "I love being with my family and I love what I do," she said. "There's a lot more to accom- plish. In short, the best is yet to come." B M & T ••• January/February 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21 "I'm a hospitality/tourism fan. When you are passionate about what you do, it's not work."