Victoria Collia-Bowman
Victoria Collia-Bowman is a seasoned Senior Event Coordinator with nearly 13 years of experience in the hospitality and event management industry. She has been a key member of the team at the Gramercy at Lakeside Manor since 2013, overseeing banquet functions, coordinating staff schedules, and ensuring flawless execution of events across multiple locations. With a passion for creating unforgettable events, Victoria has developed a personal style of customer service that sets her apart from the rest. She believes in building a personal relationship with each and every client, ensuring that their individual needs and preferences are met. Known for her highly organized and hands-on approach, Victoria excels in leadership, customer service, and creative event design, consistently delivering exceptional experiences for clients. Her journey into event coordination began unexpectedly after transitioning from retail management at Bed Bath & Beyond to working at a local nightclub. Thrust into her first private event, she quickly discovered her passion for orchestrating gatherings and managing teams. Over the years, Victoria has honed her expertise in staffing, payroll management, event logistics, and client relations, achieving measurable results such as significantly increasing the venue’s numbers from 2023 to 2025. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising from Katherine Gibbs School and has completed online certification in event planning, further solidifying her professional foundation. Beyond her career accomplishments, Victoria is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She organizes an annual breast cancer fundraising event every October to benefit Breast Intentions of New Jersey and actively contributes to charitable initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys vacationing, skiing, beach trips, attending Sporting Events with her husband (Especially New York Knicks games), Concerts and spending quality time with family and friends. With a lead-by-example philosophy, Victoria continues to inspire her teams while pursuing her passion for creating memorable, impactful events.
• Certified in Event Planning
• Katherine Gibbs School - A.A.
• Breast Intentions of New Jersey
What do you attribute your success to?
I definitely attribute my success to my bosses Kosta and Demetri because this is not what I wanted to do at all. I always wanted to work in fashion, but back when I graduated, Younger me was so shy and found the big world of fashion very intimidating. They asked me to help work an event at one of their nightclubs and I fell in love. They literally threw me into the wolves. With the help of their 2 right hand women Lisa and Susan who pushed me to pursue events, I found my niche.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to ask for help. You are not Superwoman, as much as you try to be. It is ok to let go and deligate to others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
What I would say to my younger self entering this industry, "Stop doubting yourself and don't overthink. You're more talented than you give yourself credit for". For somebody coming into this industry now I would say "You have to have a lot of patience and thick skin. This industry is not for the weak. You have to be on point at all times; there are no second chances to fix your mistakes. You can’t offer a refund or redo someone's big day". Also, " Be respectful of other vendors, you are all here for the same reason. To make someone's day unforgettable".
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field is the need for resilience and the ability to handle pressure—I’ve learned that having “tough skin” is essential to navigate the demands and fast pace of this industry. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities, particularly in entrepreneurship and international expansion. I’ve considered launching my own event business and am especially interested in coordinating events abroad, in Europe, to broaden both my professional reach and impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For work - Integrity, growth, reliability, loyalty, and honesty. Know your worth and do not settle.
For Personal - Loyalty, dependability, caring, understanding, and sense of humor. Try to maintain a good work-life balance.