A self-proclaimed “base kid,” Dimitra Capas (Class of 1995) looks back at her experience at ACS Athens as fundamentally formative, not only for her professional path as a successful lawyer, but also for the path that she has carved out as a woman and mother. 

“If it wasn’t for ACS Athens building this foundation of who I am and equipping me with the skill to rise above whatever life threw at me, I don’t think I would have been able to sail against the waves,” she notes.

While at ACS Athens, Dimitra showed her talent for adaptability and critical thinking early by participating in Model United Nations and debate as would be expected of a future lawyer, but also taking part in theater and athletics, all while holding herself to the highest academic standards. 

This combination caught the attention of an Ivy League university during her senior year. The elation of being admitted darkened for Dimitra when she was unable to attend the prestigious institution. A dark cloud had rolled over the usually vivacious, outspoken and energetic teen, and Ms. Daley, Dimitra’s English Literature and drama teacher at the time, noticed. 

One day, Dimitra remembers, Ms. Daley took her aside and said, “you can’t give up on life just because one thing happened. You are up for a scholarship and if you continue this way, you will lose it. Don’t give up.”

Ms. Daley’s words bolstered Dimitra and gave her strength to look at the situation differently during her senior year, and importantly, they have stayed with her to this day, serving as an encouraging reminder during challenging times. 

“At that young age, you need to be surrounded by people who care about you and make you feel safe,” Dimitra recalls thinking back on her time as a student. “At ACS Athens, we had a caring and supportive environment surrounded by teachers and counselors who cared, and that made a tremendous impact.”

In addition to supportive teachers, Dimitra credits ACS Athens for preparing her by encouraging students to think critically and creatively, as well as introducing her to cultural diversity. Having learned to relate and connect with people from different cultures was a strength that Dimitra leaned on when she started her collegiate career at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and then on to the University of Florida. 

After graduating from the University of Florida, Dimitra was drawn to pursue a career in law at Queen Mary University of London where she earned her LLB degree in just two years on a fast track program available to Summa Cum Laude graduates and then proceeded to obtain an LLM from the Centre of Commercial Law Studies. 

In 2006, she joined esteemed firm Norton Rose Fulbright when a female partner noticed her cover letter, and she remained at the firm for nearly 12 years serving as a senior solicitor in the shipping litigation team. Although Dimitra had the option to become a partner at the firm, years of laser focus on her legal career left her lacking a more balanced life so she decided to “change sails” - figuratively, and almost literally.

In 2018, Dimitra joined The North of England P&I Association, a global marine insurer now known as NorthStandard after being the first P&I club to merge with another and creating one of the world's largest providers of mutual maritime cover.

“There are various fields where you can succeed,” Dimitra underscores. “Those that are really successful rarely do the obvious. I went from an English Literature degree in Florida to a qualified Greek lawyer and solicitor advising Greek ship owners and charterers on all aspects of shipping disputes.”

Dimitra also is passionate about her growing expertise in decarbonization given the worldwide focus on sustainability and sits on the Club's specialist Navigating Decarbonization Team.  

Most importantly, this shift enabled Dimitra to adapt to her new role as a mother.

“I have always been incredibly passionate about my career, but above all, we are human beings, and we also need to find ways to live our life, too. After all, we only live once.”

Looking back, Dimitra realizes that her strength and passion for her career and for raising her daughter was inspired from having dynamic and bold female teachers, starting at ACS Athens, with Ms. Daley, Ms. Elmore, Ms Delinikos, Ms Pazartis, Ms. Lorandou, Ms Spilliot and so many more. 

Dimitra hopes young women (and men!) will take one lesson with them as they leave ACS Athens.

“You have the power to choose your path; to ride the waves or crash onto shore. Just like Ms. Daley encouraged me, don’t give up. Tap into the lessons of thinking outside the box from ACS Athens and apply them as and when necessary in real life. Put theory into practice. And always remember - this is your life, and you get to be the captain of your ship.”

Dimitra Capas will be one of the panelists at the 2nd ACS Athens Global Alumni Insights Session on March 27, 2024. We invite all alumni to attend the event and join the small networking reception afterward. This unique opportunity allows students to connect with and learn from alumni, fostering a community beyond the panel discussion.