Millennium Magazine_2ndEd

286 MILLENNIUM-SECOND EDITION A rva Moore Parks, a native Miamian, historian, preservationist and community leader, has authored, co-authored, edited or contributed to more than 30 books and documentaries, including an account of the city of Miami’s official history: “Miami: The Magic City.” She also served as the first woman president of HistoryMiami. During her six-year tenure as chair of the Coral Gables Preservation Board, she helped preserve some of the city’s most important landmarks and established relationships with members of the Merrick family. Widely honored for both her writing and activism, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by Barry University and was named an Alumna of Outstanding Distinction by both the University of Florida and the University of Miami. She was inducted into the Florida and City of Coral Gables Women’s Hall of Fame. The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce named her the Robert B. Knight Citizen of the Year and presented her with the first George Merrick Award of Excellence. The Florida Historical Society honored her as the Caroline B. Rossitter Outstanding Woman in Florida History. She recently spent 18 years as pro bono acting director and chief curator of the new Coral Gables Museum and two years as chair of the board. Her most recent book is the award-winning “George Merrick, Son of the South Wind: Visionary Creator of Coral Gables.” With a genuine love for her hometown, Ms. Parks has realized that there is no better place to live for those attempting to build successful futures. Throughout her career she has been encouraged by her mentor, Tom Wood, and now she provides the same guidance to women, advising them to always promote their talents. Ms. Parks was one of the first four women to be on the Orange Bowl committee, and that in turn led her to be an early female member of the University of Miami’s board of trustees. She was on the board of directors for the Florida chapter of the International Women’s Forum from 2005 to 2009, president of the Florida chapter from 2003 to 2005, and a foundation board member from 2003 to 2005. ARVA MOORE PARKS HISTORIAN, AUTHOR Arva Parks & Company Miami, FL