On June 5, Mario Camara was recognized as the 2014 Individual Citizen of the Year by the Century City Chamber of Commerce. Award recipients of the Individual Citizen of the Year are nominated based on the commendable contributions and positive changes they have brought to the Century City community, which inevitably involves possessing inspirational qualities and serving as a role model.
Camara undoubtedly fits the bill for this coveted award, from both his academic and professional achievements to his noteworthy character traits.
His high level of humility is apparent from the get-go, as he initially responded to the news of his win by assuming that it was “somebody trying to pull [his] leg.”
After graduating from UCLA Law in 1973, Camara immediately began his practice at his current firm, Cox, Castle, & Nicholson.
This year marks his 41st year with the same firm, which is telling of his diligence, consistency, and work ethic.
With its main office in Century Park, Cox, Castle, & Nicholson is in the business hub of the Westside, immersed in a retail/commercial environment.
This location has made it convenient to be in the proximity of and collaborate with many like-minded, service-oriented professionals.
“The first offices were in downtown Los Angeles, but the original founders of the firm thought [Century City] was a great location because most of their clients were development entities,” Camara said.
To this day, Cox, Castle, & Nicholson specialize in representing those in the real estate industry, including the likes of the late renowned developer Ray Watt.
Outside of his primary profession, Camara is also active in the Century City Chamber and formerly served as the president of the Board of Directors.
Even with both his prestigious occupation and community involvement under his belt, Camara directs the bulk of the attention to his peers when asked to elaborate on receiving the award.
“Century City is full of people who do a lot for the community,” Camara said. “There are so many firms and individuals that contribute to the quality of life in Los Angeles as a whole, not just for the immediate community.”
His deep appreciation for his community was what made him so shocked to be announced as the award winner.
“It stops you in your tracks, especially in the context of people who do so much.” he said. “You don’t do it to get an award; you do it because you think it’s the right thing. I’m honored to be worthy of recognition.”
Younger generations are soon to continue reshaping the professional world that is Century City. Camara describes himself as “supportive” of the endeavors of up-and-coming lawyers and business minds and encourages them to be involved with the community-at-large.
“Interacting with people with different opinions gives you an open perspective,” Camara said. “That’s what’s best: keeping an open mind and an open heart.”
Steering clear of ignorance and remaining open-minded are vital pieces of advice for young professionals, but Camara emphasizes what he believes is the most important underlying objective of the workplace.
“With expertise and success comes a responsibility to help others,” Camara said.
The Century City Chamber of Commerce also chooses a Corporate Citizen of the Year, with CBRE as this year’s award recipient.
The 32nd annual awards dinner was held at the Beverly Hilton, with Los Angeles City Controller Ron Galperin as the keynote speaker.
For more information, visit centurycitycc.com.
