 | THE SPECS:
Company: SSH Real Estate
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Property Type: Office Specialist
Year Built with SIOR: 2011
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OVERVIEW - Why She’s the Real Deal
With a previous career in the nonprofit sector, Cathy served in several prominent leadership positions, including CEO of an arts service organization and deputy director of an urban think tank. Cathy has also taught and lectured at various colleges and universities including University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and University of the Arts.
Cathy is an active community and civic leader. In addition to serving as president of the SIOR Philadelphia Chapter in 2014, she participates on numerous boards and committees focusing on issues such as education, hearing loss, and the arts. Behind the scenes, Cathy supported elected officials with the development of the Avenue of the Arts, Center City Philadelphia’s arts district and the establishment of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, the City’s public funding mechanism for arts and cultural organizations. She’s more than just an SIOR.
HIGHLIGHTS - Get to Know Cathryn
SIOR Report: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Cathryn Coate, SIOR: I used to be a cook and was the first woman to be hired in the kitchen for the Magic Pan restaurant chain’s Denver location. That experience absolutely prepared me for the mostly male world of commercial real estate.
SR: Describe the perfect day.
CC: Two hours of work; taking a long walk on the beach, preferably in New Jersey or Tortola; reading a good novel; and having cocktails or dinner with friends - outside, of course!
SR: What has been your 15 minutes of fame?
CC: I was featured in the July 1972 issue of National Lampoon Magazine.
SR: Coffee or Tea?
CC: One and a half cups of freshly ground French roast coffee in the morning and Tazo “Passion” tea throughout the day.
SR: What three things would you bring with you on a desert island?
CC: Phone; my dog, Sparky; and a surfboard. Maybe I could finally learn to surf!
SR: What’s something that recently made you smile?
CC: My middle daughter, Mariel Capanna, is a painter. In early September, all of her work (14 paintings) sold to collectors at the Independent Art Fair in New York City. Then the following week she started a teaching fellowship at Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.
SR: Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter?
CC: I live in a four-season climate and while there’s something to look forward to all year round, I would have to say winter because I have a wood burning fireplace in my loft/condo.
SR: If you could travel in time, would you rather meet ancestors or descendants?
CC: That’s a tough one. I’d love to get the “real stories” from ancestors, but would be more curious to see how descendants fared.
SR: What are some causes you care about?
CC: Poverty, climate change, equal education opportunities, the arts… just to name a few. It’s a long list!
SR: Who would you want to play you in a movie and why?
CC: I asked a few friends and colleagues, and the general consensus was Meryl Streep. She can be smart and tough (Devil Wears Prada, Iron Lady, Silkwood); funny and real (Julia & Julia, Heartburn, It’s Complicated) and a survivor (Music of the Heart, Out of Africa, Kramer VS Kramer).
SR: What’s been your favorite job and why?
CC: Besides being a broker (!), working in an independent bookstore. My job was basically to read all day and recommend books to customers. I loved the interaction.