As someone deeply committed to preserving Miami’s history, researching and sharing our local stories is essential to understanding who we are and where we come from. Preserving Miami’s history isn’t just about honoring the past; it’s about ensuring that the lessons, triumphs, and struggles of those who came before us inspire and guide our community for generations.
“Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Experience
Iris Guzman Kolaya is a writer and researcher based in Miami. As a former print and broadcast journalist, she’s covered a wide range of issues and events, from local politics to education policy. After moving back to her hometown of Miami, she reconnected with her passion for local history. Iris has worked extensively with local municipalities, non-profit organizations, and private homeowners to uncover the stories behind historic places and properties, bringing their rich histories to life through meticulous research and engaging storytelling.
Through her writing and advocacy efforts, Iris is dedicated to preserving Miami’s historical spaces and sharing South Florida’s vibrant past. Her work has appeared in various scholarly journals, and she is the co-author of El Jardin: Creating the Modern Mediterranean Villa. Currently, she is working on a book about the development of Coconut Grove at the turn of the 20th century.
Iris serves as the president of the board of Dade Heritage Trust and is a member of the HistoryMiami board. She holds a degree in Communications from the University of Miami and recently earned a master’s in history from Florida International University. She lives in Coral Gables with her husband, Tim, and their two teenage daughters, Alexandra and Sienna. You can follow her historical adventures and musings on Instagram at @305Historian.