phoenix / scottsdale

chapter Officers

Officer of Development
Marcus Hemphill

Officer of Communications
Koleka Kahoohalahala

Officer of Membership
Julia Jakkaraju

Officer of Events
Tom Demeter

For information or to contact the Phoenix/Scottsdale chapter, please email us at phx@millennialsintravel.com

OFFICER OF DEVELOPMENT

Marcus Hemphill - Arizona Biltmore

Marcus began a career in sales and entertainment with Wells Fargo Arena & Iowa Events Center in 2015 upon graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Marketing. In 2017, Marcus refocused to hospitality sales at the Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Airport. Since joining the Arizona Biltmore in 2019, Marcus has flourished as the Leisure & Entertainment Sales Manager and was instrumental for his contributions to the Group Sales team in achieving #1 in Revenue for all of Luxury Hilton Americas Hotels in 2021.

OFFICER OF communicationS

Koleka Kahoohalahala - Aqua-aston hospitality

With over 23 years of dedicated experience, Koleka is a seasoned leader in luxury hospitality sales, honing her expertise at some of the world's top resorts.
Her career boasts a diverse background, encompassing leisure, wholesale, group, 3rd party planning, villa residences, and luxury condo markets.
Koleka is deeply committed to building enduring customer relationships and crafting unique, unforgettable experiences. Beyond sales, her mission is to leave a profound impact on everyone she encounters, all while perpetuating and sharing the Aloha Spirit.

OFFICER OF MEMBERSHIP

Julia Jakkaraju - Hartling Group

Julia was born and raised in Germany where she also studied hospitality management. She interned and worked in Namibia, UK, and San Francisco where she began her hotel career. A passionate traveler and avid reader, she finds joy in exploring diverse cultures and immersing herself in the tranquility of nature. During the pandemic, Julia relocated to Phoenix. Her favorite things to do here are trail running, playing pickleball, and trying all the amazing restaurants in the area. As the Director of Sales for the Hartling Group in Turks and Caicos, Julia blends her passion for hospitality with her love for travel and serving the industry.

OFFICER OF eventS

Tom demeter - tropic arrow travel

Tom was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Minnesota. Tom took his passion for leisure and entertainment to the sports industry where he worked with the Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Bucks, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Tom eventually decided to turn his love of travel into a career by starting his own travel agency, Tropic Arrow Travel. Through his 15+ years of experience in the sports and travel industries, he has developed an outstanding reputation for going above and beyond when it comes to group sales and hospitality – skills that come in handy when helping individuals and groups create amazing vacations to tropical destinations.