This year, Fairfax Chamber of Commerce has nominated Mas Masa’s Business as their “Small Business of the Year” and nomination for the Spirit of Marin Awards.
We congratulate Mas Masa’s owners Ana Medina and Karina Carrillo for their commitment and hard work in the Fairfax Community.
At the heart of Más Masa are the visionaries behind it: Chef Karina whose culinary roots are deeply tied to her family traditions and honored through the restaurant’s menu, and Ana, the driving force behind its sustainability efforts. Drawing on her professional experiences supporting local farmers, Ana ensures that Más Masa is more than just a place to share a meal—it’s a hub for community connection and belonging, sustainable practices, and cultural pride.
Fairfax Chamber of Commerce honors Más Masa for its commitment to integrity, cultural pride, and belief that food has the power to unite, heal, and empower the community.
Each year, the Spirit of Marin Awards, presented by Bank of Marin in collaboration with the Marin County Chambers of Commerce, honor local businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding volunteerism and community service since 1993—now with over 400 honorees celebrated.
The luncheon recognizes the volunteer spirit and leadership of Marin’s businesses and local champions—“Connecting Community. Stronger Together” this year at the Spirit of Marin Awards Luncheon on Friday, September 26. View all the 2025 honorees here.
The Spirit Behind the Spirit of Marin Award
The Spirit of Marin Award was created as a way for Bank of Marin to honor two of its original directors, Jack Bucknum and Jim Dawson. Thanks to the inspiration of these tremendously community-minded gentlemen, we continue to honor others with a similar sense of commitment to their communities. The philosophy behind the award can best be explained by this quote from George Bernard Shaw, which Jim kept on a piece of paper in his wallet.
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatsoever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake, Life is no “brief candle” for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations.”