As a Global Marketing Director, she built a reputation of positive influence within multi-functional and highly matrixed organizations, improving both the performance of brands as well as the caliber of teams across marketing disciplines and agencies. She has stepped away from the work-force for the past 10 years to focus on raising her three children, developing within them a sense of Armenian identity, responsibility and community.

Ms. DerOhannessian devotes the majority of her philanthropic efforts to Hovnanian School. When asked what initially drew her to this school and to this role, she said: “Being Armenian is a blessing. But in this day and age, being Armenian amongst other Armenians every day, socializing, studying, and speaking in Armenian every day, that is more than a blessing. That is a miracle. And that is Hovnanian School.” She went on further to explain: “The decision to choose Hovnanian School is a certain sacrifice. But my expectation is that my kids, and your kids, and all our kids – of course they will excel in high school and beyond because of the distinct educational foundation and personalized attention they received at Hovnanian School. But more importantly, my expectation is that, because of the immersive Armenian experience that they get at Hovnanian School every day, that they will make their own sacrifices and contributions to realize our collective mission to preserve and elevate our Armenian community, institutions, and causes, here and in Armenia, today and into the future.”

Lena DerOhannessian married Dork Alahydoian, a digital subscription specialist, in 2010. The couple has three children, Zabelle, Vem and Vyke, who are students at Hovnanian School.