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Despina, who was profiled in the September - October edition of Strategies, truly worked her way up to the very top, starting as a legal secretary and advancing to become the Chief Marketing Officer of leading law firms, including Jones Day, Morgan Lewis and Latham & Watkins, in addition to her current position at BakerHostetler.

Despina co-chairs LMA New York’s CMO SIG. She is a past president of the Metro New York chapter. She also served two terms on the LMA International Board of Directors. She has mentored literally dozens of LMA members throughout her career.

The Hall of Fame was Despina’s latest major honor from LMA. She was awarded the Susan Benjamin Legacy Award from the Metro New York LMA for lifetime achievement given to a long-standing member who has left a distinguishable mark on the chapter. Many of you have heard her speak at legal marketing events, including our most recent CMO Forum this spring.

Despina’s notable contributions extend well beyond the legal marketing profession. She has founded a nonprofit organization, Philoxenia, Inc., to provide funding for organizations that feed the hungry and care for the homeless. Despina also leads a community outreach program to feed the homeless. She has captured those experiences in her book, Last Night’s Soup Run, with the proceeds from sales going to the care and feeding of the homeless.

If you missed the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, or would like to see it again, here is Despina’s induction speech. You can view the entire ceremony by clicking here.