Spotlight on Dena Stewart, CEO of Alive On South Beach

and Business Partner at SyndicatedNews

By SyndicatedNews | SNN.BZ

In the vibrant heart of Miami Beach, where creativity meets community, Dena Stewart stands out as a multifaceted force of inspiration. As the CEO of Alive On South Beach and a dedicated Business Partner to SyndicatedNews at SNN.BZ, Dena has woven a tapestry of art, education, and media that uplifts and connects people worldwide. We had the pleasure of sitting down with her to learn more about her remarkable journey, her unwavering qualities, and the passion that drives her forward. Here’s our in-depth interview.

Hi Dena, thanks for joining us today. Can you give us an overview of your background and how you got to where you are today?

Absolutely, thank you for having me. My journey has been a beautiful evolution of reinvention and purpose. I started my career as a teacher and textbook editor, then moved into executive-level employment management. But those roles felt unfulfilling, so I turned to painting as a self-taught artist. I developed my unique style and achieved some incredible milestones, like having my work featured on a UNICEF Christmas card and being named an Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund. I even secured exclusive gallery representation and participated in prestigious group shows.

In 1987, my husband Stewart Stewart—a talented publicist, actor, and artist—and I relocated from New York City to Miami Beach. Together, we co-founded the Center for Folk and Community Art (CFCA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing social issues through our “Telling Stories Through Visuals” methodology. We’ve tackled topics like bullying, prejudice, civility, and the experience of growing older. In 2011, I dove into videography and editing to launch “Alive On South Beach,” a series of video episodes that showcase the events and activities making Miami Beach a premier tourist destination. These episodes are proudly affiliated with SyndicatedNews at SNN.BZ, reaching audiences around the globe.

Beyond that, I’m a writer and founding member of the Women Writers Group of South Beach (WWG) since 2008. I’ve published books like “Inner Peace…It Isn’t Out There!” and “The Book of Story Rhymes,” and contributed to anthologies. Our group meets weekly, and I’m currently working on “Musings” in rhyme. I also serve on the Miami Beach Commission for Women, advocating for and celebrating women’s achievements. It’s all about using creativity to inspire and educate.

What inspired you to start Alive On South Beach, and how does your partnership with SyndicatedNews at SNN.BZ enhance that?

Alive On South Beach was born from a desire to capture the energy and essence of Miami Beach in a way that promotes it as a cultural hub. Since 2011, I’ve produced and edited video episodes highlighting local events, art, and community happenings. What makes it special is our affiliation with SyndicatedNews at SNN.BZ, where I’m a Business Partner. This partnership allows our content to be distributed worldwide, amplifying the stories we tell and connecting Miami Beach to a global audience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these videos inspire tourism and foster a sense of community.

We also have an online store on our website selling my original paintings, prints, and fun products like tote bags and T-shirts featuring our art. Plus, we accept tax-deductible donations through CFCA to support our projects. Right now, we’re fundraising for “What It Feels Like to Grow Older – Part II,” an intergenerational documentary using cutting-edge technology—building on Part I, which aired on PBS over 30 years ago.

You’ve worn so many hats—artist, educator, producer. What qualities do you think have been key to your success?

Perseverance is at the top of the list. Life throws curveballs, but I’ve learned to pivot and keep moving forward. My creativity has been my guiding light; it’s allowed me to learn new skills like videography on my own and turn ideas into impactful projects. I also credit my supportive partnership with my husband Stewart—we’ve been together for 53 years, and his collaboration has been invaluable.

Having trustworthy friends and access to a telehealth therapist for those tough days helps maintain balance. Daily physical exercise keeps me energized, and I believe deeply in the value of our work—whether it’s educational, inspirational, or entertaining. Confidence in asking questions, changing directions when needed, and surrounding myself with positive influences has made all the difference. I’m resilient, empathetic, and always optimistic about using art and media to make the world better.

Can you share some challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them?

The road hasn’t always been smooth, especially with fundraising for CFCA. As a small nonprofit, securing grants has become tougher in recent years, even for established organizations like ours. We’ve received support in the past, but now we’re exploring options like a GoFundMe Nonprofit account to raise at least $50,000 for our latest documentary.

Overcoming these hurdles comes down to resourcefulness and community. My role on the Miami Beach Commission for Women has opened doors to advocacy and networking. Producing series like “It’s Just a Conversation”—Zoom interviews with creative professionals—has also been a way to inspire others while building connections. It’s about staying adaptable and focusing on the mission: encouraging people to pursue creative paths and addressing social issues through visuals.

As a writer and artist, how do you infuse your wonderful qualities into your work?

My work is a reflection of my passion for storytelling and empowerment. Through WWG, I nurture a space for women writers to grow, which embodies my qualities of mentorship and collaboration. In my books and rhymes, I explore themes of inner peace and self-discovery, drawing from my own experiences of resilience and joy.

As CEO of Alive On South Beach, I bring empathy and vision to every episode, highlighting diverse voices and events that unite people. My partnership with SyndicatedNews at SNN.BZ allows me to extend that reach, sharing uplifting content that promotes positivity. Qualities like my optimism, creativity, and dedication to social good shine through—whether it’s fighting prejudice via CFCA or celebrating women’s accomplishments on the Commission.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or creatives?

Believe in your vision and don’t be afraid to learn as you go. Surround yourself with supportive people, stay physically and mentally healthy, and remember that perseverance pays off. Ask questions, be willing to change course, and use your creativity to solve problems. Projects like mine succeed because they’re worthwhile and touch lives—focus on that impact, and the rest will follow.

Lastly, how can our readers connect with you and support your work?

I’d love to hear from you! Visit my website at https://denastewart.us for videos, art, and more. Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/write2dena/, Facebook at https://facebook.com/dena.stewart.1232, LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-stewart-AliveonSouthBeach, Twitter at @IAmDenaStewart, and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cfcavideos.

Support us by purchasing art or products from our store, or making a tax-deductible donation via the DONATE button on the site. Every contribution helps fuel projects like “Alive On South Beach” and our documentaries.

Dena Stewart exemplifies the power of passion and persistence. Her wonderful qualities—resilience, creativity, empathy, and a commitment to community—continue to inspire those around her. Whether through her art, videos, or advocacy, she’s truly alive with purpose on South Beach and beyond.