In celebration of Women's History Month, Becker showcases the inspiration, philosophies, and expertise of the women attorneys and lobbyists who help elevate our firm and client service.

For over 30 years, Rosa de la Camara has served as general counsel to invested affiliates of community associations – Boards of Directors, unit owners, managers, state and local policymakers – throughout Florida. Her expertise includes analysis of issues and recommended course of action, drafting governing documents, prosecuting violations, attending administrative hearings, and organizing elections. She has a particular interest in Hotel Condominiums and is well-versed in the unique legal issues faced by these entities. Rosa is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

What woman inspires you and why?

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, now Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Her devotion to the poor and needy knew no boundaries. On a worldwide scale, the missions she founded have served the neediest of all persons; she vowed to dedicate her life to serving "the poorest of the poor". Her lifelong dedication to serving the most marginalized resulted in her canonization in 2016 which is very meaningful to me as a Catholic. But the most inspiring part of this woman is that she suffered bouts of great personal darkness and spiritual insecurity and still continued her mission. Only after her death did we learned that she had doubts and questioned her faith during many years while she worked tirelessly for her community, which makes her devotion to the downtrodden even more astounding.

If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. I have a slight fascination with the British royal family. I'm intrigued by the history she has lived through as the longest reigning British monarch. I admire that she is a woman who, despite living a life of luxury, has fully dedicated her life to religious and civic duty oftentimes at significant personal cost. Under her reign, over 20 countries in the Caribbean and Africa were decolonized and gained independence. She's been married for 74 years to the man she fell in love with at 13. I think she would be an incredibly interesting dinner companion.

What advice (professional or personal) would you give your younger self?

Relax, stop stressing and over-analyzing everything. You got this, you can do it. The nighttime scary stuff will go away with the sunrise. Have courage, don't doubt your instincts so much as they are usually right. Also, sleep more.

What led you to the practice of law and/or to your specific area of law?

I always had a vague interest in law as my father and grandfather were lawyers but had never seriously considered it. After undergrad I went to work for an airline and was having a great time traveling the world. But I always knew that it was temporary. A close friend was taking a law school admissions course and encouraged me to sit for the LSAT with her. On a dare, I took the test and did well enough to get accepted to the one school to which I applied. I hated my first job out of law school. After one year, I quit the job, shelved the law career. and flew to Europe for the summer to figure out my next steps. Upon returning, I got aggressively recruited by a headhunter to work for a "condo firm" and after three decades, I'm still here.

What has living through a global pandemic taught you?

We are resilient, strong and adaptable creatures, and we can take whatever curveball life throws our way. It's taught me to slow down, to enjoy my home and to enjoy my own company. I tend to live my life rushing and running, and can feel like I am riding the nuclear bomb like Slim Pickens in Dr. Strangelove. But I have definitely slowed down and I love it. I stayed home for months, going absolutely nowhere. Eventually I ventured out slowly and selectively – I should have discovered this pace a long time ago!

Originally Published by Becker & Poliakoff, March 2021

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