Washington, DC, January 7, 2025 — The National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) presented Mayor Daniella Levine Cava with the inaugural Graham Award in honor of former US Senator, Governor of Florida and long serving member of the NCoC Board of Directors, Senator Bob Graham.
The award was presented by NCoC Board Chair Emeritus, Michael Weiser and former Congresswoman and daughter of the late Senator, Gwen Graham during the NCoC 2024 Annual Conference, Renewing Civic Health on December 10th. The conference was held at the Planet Word Museum in Washington, D.C.
Previously known as the Franklin Award–in appreciation of Ben Franklin and NCoC’s shared belief that “to provide benefits for the common good is divine,” the award was renamed in honor of Senator Graham and presented to an outstanding individual who is working to strengthen citizenship in America.
Elected in 2020 as Miami-Dade County’s first-ever woman mayor, Levine Cava has over 40 years of advocacy for South Florida families. As Mayor, Levine Cava has focused on building a more resilient and prosperous Miami-Dade. Her initiatives include combating gun violence, building a future ready economy full of opportunity, tackling the housing crisis, and preserving the environment.
NCoC was particularly impressed with the Mayor’s Thrive305 initiative and her commitment to participatory governance. Launched as the largest civic engagement effort in Miami-Dade’s history, Thrive305 invites tens of thousands of residents to share their voices through surveys, town halls, and collaborative workshops. This unprecedented community-driven effort informed the Thrive305 Action Plan, which prioritized affordable housing, transportation, public safety, and economic mobility—all issues central to improving civic health and quality of life.
“Mayor Levine Cava’s Thrive305 initiative demonstrates the power of putting citizens at the heart of decision-making,” said Weiser. “Her commitment to public service and dedication to Miami-Dade and all Floridians is remarkable and certainly aligned with Senator Graham’s legacy.
Past honorees of the award include Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Antonin Scalia, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Stephen Breyer, and United States Senators Robert Byrd and Lamar Alexander.
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About NCoC
NCoC is a congressionally chartered organization dedicated to strengthening civic life in America. We pursue our mission through a nationwide network of partners involved in a cutting-edge civic health initiative and our cross-sector conferences. At the core of our joint efforts is the belief that every person has the ability to help their community and country thrive. NCoC is based in Washington, DC. Contact: Cameron Blossom, cblossom@ncoc.org