The 2025 Arva Award was presented to Cecilia Stewart in recognition of her unwavering dedication to historic preservation and community advocacy. Named in honor of renowned Miami preservationist Arva Moore Parks, this award celebrates Stewart’s meaningful contributions to safeguarding Miami’s cultural heritage.
Since 2017, she has served on the County Historic Preservation Board, playing a vital role in preserving significant sites, including the Historic Hampton House and the Lemon City Cemetery, where she also served on the Board of Directors. Through her compelling photography, Stewart has documented and amplified the rich history of Overtown, bringing long-overlooked stories to light. She continues to work with local government officials to advocate for both preservation and improved quality of life in her community.