MIAMI — Today, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce announced that it will honor Cesar L. Alvarez, Senior Chairman of global law firm Greenberg Traurig P.A., with the 2026 Sand in My Shoes® Award, Miami’s most prestigious community leadership award.
The award will be presented during a celebratory dinner on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Jungle Island from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Alvarez previously served as Greenberg Traurig’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as CEO, Alvarez and his partners expanded Greenberg Traurig’s operations from eight offices with 325 lawyers to more than 36 locations and 1,850 lawyers. He established Greenberg Traurig as one of the Top 10 premier law firms in the country and expanded its operations around the world.
Established in 1981, the Sand in My Shoes® Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to Greater Miami, reflecting a commitment to making our community the best possible place to live, work, and play.
“I am grateful and honored to join the outstanding roster of Miami’s leaders who have received the Sand in My Shoes Award,” Alvarez said. “My father taught me that as immigrants and refugees we have a responsibility to leave the community better than we found it. This recognition reminds me how blessed I am for the opportunities that this community provided my family and to be part of the growth and success of Greenberg Traurig.”
"Cesar has been a pillar of this community for decades,” said Alfred Sanchez, president and CEO of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. “As a Cuban immigrant who came here as a teen, his story is a perfect example of the American dream. We have all benefited from his leadership, and his devotion to giving back to our community is unmatched.”
About the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is the proud champion for the Greater Miami Business Community and serves as a catalyst for solutions to the problems that businesses face. Founded in 1907 as the Miami Board of Trade, today’s Chamber represents more than 400,000-member company employees and is heralded for its legacy of leadership in economic development, and its unwavering commitment to improving the Miami-Dade community. Our members drive a business agenda at the federal, state and local levels. We are dedicated to building the best environment for business in the Americas and committed to improving the economic vitality of South Florida. Our advocacy efforts are focused on four main priority areas: Education & Workforce Development, Resilience, Transportation, and Workforce Housing. For more information, please visit www.miamichamber.com.