Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1543954
15 I n the pul- sating city of Miami, two powerhouse women are mak- ing waves in tourism at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). Carol Motley senior vice president of C o n v e n t i o n Sales & Services, and Connie W. Kinnard, senior vice president, Mul- ticultural Tourism & Development, are the two women leading the charge. Motley and Kinnard both bring unique strengths to the table. With 34 years of experi- ence, Motley drives citywide bookings, hotel partnerships, strategic sales leadership, industry connections, and long- term economic impact, while Kinnard, a 10-year veteran at the GMCVB and 30-year hospitality industry vet, brings com- munity relationships and cultural intelligence, focusing on promoting Miami's cultural side, a key part of the duo's win- ning approach. Together, they're shaping Miami's tourism future. Their collaboration is a masterclass in synergy. "Our collaboration works because it's intentional, strategic, and rooted in mutual respect," said Motley, a Washington, D.C. native. Kinnard agrees. "We work very well together," she said. "Our skills and our individual drive complement each other. We connect to all those different cultures and small businesses, support- ing conventions and connecting them to offerings through- out the communities." Motley, a proud mother of three adult children, highlights their shared vision: "Miami's strength lies in its authenticity and inclusivity." With their combined strengths, Kinnard and Motley are showcasing the city's vibrant culture and attrac- tions. This method is paying off, with initiatives like Art of Black Miami and Jazz in the Gardens highlighting the city's rich heritage. "There's so much to do year-round," Motley said. "Plus, we're the gateway to Latin America." "Come here to get away and relax," Kinnard said. "It has so many different expe- riences for a visitor, leisure, or conventions. We have the influ- ence of the Caribbean. Miami is a place that has diversity. It's unique. It has a variety of cultures and is a warm, welcoming, and beautiful destination. I'm thankful to be here." Kinnard's journey into hospitality began with a simple spark of interest. "I found it interesting," she said, recalling her early days working at Hardee's fast food while attending Tennessee State. "People will say, 'If you're in this, you are a people person, and you're ready to serve. I'm a people per- son. I like to be engaged. I started in the restaurant world, then moved into the hotel world, then rolled into CVB. I knew I wanted to make things happen." Kinnard, who now runs a department of six, brought her expertise to Miami in 2015, following a 19-year tenure at Nashville's CVB. At the GMCVB, Kinnard's responsibilities now include overseeing the VIC, a non-profit focused on scholarships, education, and talent development. While the VIC has its own executive director, Kinnard provides strategic leadership to ensure alignment with the GMCVB's goals. The thing about the industry that is appealing to Kinnard is that there is a hospitality track that can align with everyone's passion. "The industry is one you can grow in," she said. "You can do that and work your way up. Get those college degrees – all of it is a benefit. It's a spicy work life. It's lucrative as well. But it's all about the people." This people-focused approach has been a hallmark of her career, leading her from restaurants to hotels and eventually to the CVB. During her term in the industry, Kinnard has been encouraged by what she has seen regarding the status of women and people of color mak- M I A M I S P I C E A TALE OF TWO TOURISM T R A I L B L A Z E R S BY DARLENE DONLOE B M & T ••• March/April 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com