The Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni whose lives and work reflect Wellington’s mission, values, and lasting impact beyond campus.
(Columbus, OH) — February 25, 2026 — The Wellington School is proud to announce that Dorina Yessios ’92 has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, a prestigious honor recognizing alumni whose professional achievements, leadership, and service reflect the School’s mission and values.
Currently a Partner at A&O Shearman, Yessios serves as U.S. Co-Head of Energy, Natural Resources & Infrastructure, leads the firm’s digital infrastructure practice in the U.S., and is also a prominent member of the firm’s Latin America group. Yessios has built an internationally recognized career as a leader in energy and infrastructure, with a focus on finance and cross-border development throughout the Americas.
With nearly three decades of experience, she has advised debt providers and equity investors on transformative energy and infrastructure initiatives spanning digital infrastructure, AI, renewable energy, transportation, and other infrastructure and natural resources across the Americas and globally. Her practice includes billions of Dollars’ worth of data center financings, landmark green financings, award-winning renewable energy projects, and desalination and other water projects. She has been instrumental in major infrastructure initiatives, including the redevelopment of Terminal 1 at JFK Airport and strategic AI infrastructure partnerships involving large-scale data center developments. Her contributions have earned A&O Shearman recognition for various transactions by the likes of IJ Global and LatinFinance and have earned Dorina accolades from Chambers and Legal 500, underscoring her influence on landmark transactions that advance sustainable development and critical infrastructure across the Americas.
In addition to spending time advising clients, Dorina takes a proactive role in supporting the development of current and former members of A&O Shearman’s energy and infrastructure team through mentoring. And one of her favorite activities is spending time with her husband, Konstantinos, and two children Ariadni and Achilleas.
“Dorina embodies the spirit of a Wellington education: intellectual curiosity, purpose, and a commitment to making meaningful contributions in the world,” said Head of School Eliza McLaren. “Her career reflects not only extraordinary professional distinction, but also the values we hope our graduates carry with them: responsibility, global perspective, and leadership in service of others.”
A member of the Class of 1992, Yessios was deeply engaged in the Wellington community as a student, earning multiple academic department awards, serving as senior class president, and competing in varsity basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis. She is also a member of Wellington’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Following graduation, she earned an A.B., cum laude, in International Affairs and Public Policy from Princeton University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
Reflecting on the recognition, Yessios shared, “I am deeply touched to receive this recognition from Wellington. From the classroom to the athletic field, I learned here that leadership is about being comfortable in your own skin and not being afraid to ask why or challenge the status quo and about teamwork. Wellington gave me the opportunities, tools and confidence to pursue a career that went beyond my wildest high school dreams. I hope my path can inspire current students to dream big. I am truly grateful to all my teachers, coaches and fellow classmates who have made Wellington such a wonderful, welcoming community.”
Yessios will be formally recognized during Wellington’s Alumni Celebration on Friday, April 17, held on campus. The program will begin at 6 p.m. and bring together alumni, families, and members of the Wellington community to celebrate alumni achievements and connections. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by April 8.