Stewart was born in Chicago, Illinois, and attended Catholic school for her primary and secondary education.
With her Fulbright award, Stewart spent a semester abroad in Finland to learn about the Finnish education system.
[5] Upon choosing to campaign for the Rhode Island House of Representatives, Stewart began putting up political signs more than 30 days before the election.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island sued the city on her behalf, arguing that durational limits on the posting of political signs were unconstitutional.
The city settled with Stewart and another political candidate and agreed to pay attorneys’ fees and compensatory damages.