Set to take place Wednesday, Oct. 22, the annual Women of Achievement (WOA) dinner spotlights six commendable, career-driven people nominated by the community and given awards through the Century City Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council (WBC).
For more than 25 years, the WBC has recognized inspirational women within the Century City circle to publicly acknowledge their commitment and dedication to professionalism and overall excellence.
The six professional career women were selected on the basis of a devotion to make the community stronger, a dedication to raising awareness/funds for non-profit and charitable organizations, and a commitment to mentoring others in their respective careers.
This year, the exemplary six women are: Cameron Benson of Watt Plaza, Gina Browne of Feldman Browne Olivares LLP, Cathy Campfield of Universal Protection Service, Sherry Cefali of Duff & Phelps, Deborah Marcus of Communities in Schools, and Janet Neman of the Charles Dunn Company.
In this edition of Century City News, Gina Browne, Cathy Campfield, and Janet Neman offered their insights regarding their work in the community as well as the WOA awards.
Gina Browne of employee rights firm Feldman Browne Olivares (FBO) initially heard news of her WOA award “in the middle of a very hectic week,” as she was in the middle of trial and going about a casual day when she was surprised by the Century City Chamber staff.
Browne’s career aspirations were initially rooted in law: prior to beginning law school, FBO offered her an employment opportunity as a law clerk. After taking on a permanent position after graduation, Browne has devoted herself to protecting the rights of workers in California, committing herself to her clients, and ensuring that their voices are heard.
“Through our practice, we represent employees in employment disputes, including those involving discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination in violation of public policy, and violations of the various medical, disability, and pregnancy leave and accommodation laws,” Browne explained.
Cathy Campfield of Universal Protection Service has joined the prestigious WOA category after years of attending the event herself.
“I have always admired all the women who were given this award,” Campfield said. “I am truly honored to be a part of this exclusive group.”
As one of the largest providers of security services in the country, Universal’s mission is “to provide clients with the best possible security solutions, personalized customer service, and unmatched value.”
Campfield’s role as the Director of Clients requires that she maintains relationships with her clients and ensure that they are provided with high-quality service. She first joined Universal in 2003 after 15 years of experience in the security industry.
Janet Neman of Charles Dunn also focuses on providing her clients “with the highest standard of integrity” as she represents “one of the region’s largest full-service commercial real estate firms.”
As a career woman who holds volunteerism and charity work as personal values, the fact that Charles Dunn treats every client with the highest standard of integrity falls in line with what she regards as important.
Neman has worked with Charles Dunn for more than two decades and accredits its market-specific expertise, diversity, and family-like environment as some of the reasons it “ended up being the perfect fit.”
Neman expressed her gratitude toward her company as well as the Century City Chamber of Commerce.
“Charles Dunn has always encouraged my growth and fostered an enivronment which allowed me to continuously develop my skills. To be recognized by Charles Dunn Company and the Century Chamber of Commerce for such an honor is astounding and I am truly grateful,” Neman said. “I hope to inspire other professional women in the industry.”
Nomination forms for the WOA awards were submitted both online through email and the Century City Chamber website as well as in-person at the Century City Chamber office, which were then reviewed by the WBC.
The Women of Achievement dinner is expected to draw more than 300 business professionals and civic leaders from the greater Los Angeles area.
Ticket prices are $195 for Chamber members, $225 for non-members, $1,450 for a Chamber table of eight, and $1,750 for non-member tables.
For more information, call 310.553.2222 or visit centurycitycc.com.
