Celebrating Black Leaders in Legal Marketing: Elevating Voices, Building Legacies

By The LMA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Shared Interest Group, Tahisha Fugate, MBA, Myisha Aldridge, MBA, Diana Lauritson, MBA, M.S.
February 06, 2025 | 3-minute read

Marketing Management and Leadership Firm Organizational Structure and Dynamics

Business of Law

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Black History Month is a time to reflect, honor and celebrate the contributions of Black professionals who have profoundly impacted their industries and communities. Within the legal marketing community, Black leaders have not only shaped the trajectory of their departments but have also championed inclusivity, innovation and collaboration. Their leadership extends beyond their professional achievements, inspiring future generations to embrace authenticity, resilience and a commitment to collective growth.

Here, we highlight the contributions of three outstanding leaders: Tahisha Fugate, Myisha Aldridge and Diana Lauritson. Their journeys remind us of the power of leadership rooted in empathy, curiosity and the courage to forge new paths.

Nurturing Potential and Building Trust

Tahisha Fugate, MBA, Associate Director of Marketing and Business Development at Axinn, Veltrop and Harkrider, and 2024 LMA International Board of Directors Member-At-Large.

"Leadership is fundamentally about recognizing and nurturing the potential in others," Tahisha Fugate says. Her approach to leadership underscores the importance of creating environments that inspire trust and loyalty. Throughout her career, Fugate has exemplified this philosophy by championing the development of future leaders and prioritizing intentional growth.

Fugate believes true leaders leave a lasting legacy by helping others discover and cultivate their unique gifts. Her emphasis on compassion and confidence resonates in an industry where collaboration and trust are vital. By embracing new ideas and taking responsibility for her impact, Fugate demonstrates that leadership is not about competition but fostering opportunities for everyone to shine.

Leading with Authenticity and Advocacy

Myisha Aldridge, MBA, Senior Digital Marketing and CRM Coordinator at DLA Piper, and 2025 DEI SIG Co-Chair

For Myisha Aldridge, leadership is a journey of curiosity, adaptability and authenticity. "Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying curious, being open to feedback and embracing the lessons that come with new challenges," she says.

Aldridge’s experiences highlight the importance of mentorship and advocacy in leadership. Having benefited from incredible mentors who believed in her potential, she now pays it forward by lifting others as she climbs. Her commitment to fostering spaces where everyone can thrive serves as a blueprint for inclusive leadership. Aldridge’s approach underscores the transformative power of authenticity and collaboration in a field that often demands resilience and innovation.

Redefining Leadership With Empathy and Courage

Diana Lauritson, MBA, M.S., Senior Marketing and Business Development Manager at Hogan Lovells, and 2025 International LMA Board of Directors Secretary

Diana Lauritson’s journey in legal marketing has been guided by three core principles: empathy, communication and competence. Reflecting on her experiences as a Black woman in professional spaces, Lauritson shares that she once grappled with imposter syndrome. Over time, she learned to embrace her unique perspective, recognizing that her insights and experiences are invaluable.

"Leadership doesn’t have to conform to traditional molds," Lauritson says. Her path reflects authenticity, proving success is possible without sacrificing one’s true self. Lauritson also advocates prioritizing mental health, reminding others they can succeed without compromising their well-being. Her message to aspiring leaders is clear: embrace opportunities to grow and trust in your abilities to navigate challenges.

Legacies That Commit to Inclusion

Fugate, Aldridge and Lauritson's stories illustrate the multifaceted nature of leadership within the legal marketing community. Their contributions demonstrate that leadership is not defined by titles or accolades but by the ability to inspire, uplift and create meaningful change.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the legacies of these trailblazers and recommit ourselves to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in our industry. By amplifying the voices of Black leaders and learning from their experiences, we pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.

Share your thoughts on how we can continue to celebrate and support Black leaders in the legal marketing community. Engage with us on social media or join the conversation on Strategies & Voices.

Learn More About Marketing Management and Leadership with the Third Edition of the LMA Body of Knowledge

The content in this feature correlates with the Marketing Management and Leadership domain in the LMA Body of Knowledge (BoK). Dive deeper and access the latest edition of the BoK online.

The Third Edition of the LMA BoK showcases enhanced expertise across every domain, introduces new competencies in Client Services, Communications and Technology Management, features more advanced skills across all domains and broadens coverage of competitive and business intelligence skills. Plus, it emphasizes a stronger commitment to nurturing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entirety of the BoK. Learn more.

The LMA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Shared Interest Group

Tahisha Fugate, MBA
Axinn, Veltrop and Harkrider

Tahisha Fugate is an accomplished legal marketing professional with over two decades of experience in the AmLaw 100, where she not only advises attorneys on marketing and business development strategies to drive revenue but also shapes and leads high-performing teams. Fugate has built and implemented strategic marketing initiatives for practices across a variety of disciplines, all while cultivating teams that deliver results. She has a proven track record of creating a work culture that stimulates innovation, fosters collaboration and encourages professional growth.

Fugate’s leadership style is one that values both people and results. Her ability to blend strategic thinking with compassionate leadership has made her an instrumental figure in the industry. Beyond her role as associate director of marketing and business development at Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider LLP, Fugate has been actively involved regionally and nationally in the Legal Marketing Association (LMA) as a board member, thought leader and speaker. She has served as a board member for LMA’s International Board and co-facilitator for LMA’s Members of Color Member Resource Group. Fugate has been recognized by Insight Magazine among the list of 10 Most Inspiring Women in Business.

Myisha Aldridge, MBA
DLA Piper

Myisha L. Aldridge, MBA, is a results-driven legal marketing technology professional with a proven track record of optimizing CRM strategies and enhancing business development efforts for AmLaw 100 firms. What sets her apart is her diverse experience across multiple roles within the legal industry, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on law firm operations. She has successfully bridged the gap between marketing and business development, working closely with attorneys to drive strategic growth and client engagement.

Aldridge specializes in implementing data-driven solutions, streamlining processes and leveraging technology to maximize firm-wide efficiency. Her leadership extends beyond her professional role — she is an active contributor to the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), having served as chair and co-chair for the Charlotte LSC, a committee member for the 2024 Southeast Conference and currently as the co-chair for the DEI SIG. She has also shared her expertise through contributions to LMA’s Body of Knowledge, specifically in the technology and marketing sections, helping to shape industry best practices.

Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Aldridge continues to influence the legal marketing landscape with her strategic insight, thought leadership and commitment to excellence.

Diana Lauritson, MBA, M.S.
Hogan Lovells

Diana Lauritson is a results-driven senior marketing and business development executive with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in developing and executing strategic marketing initiatives that enhance brand positioning, drive business growth and optimize market opportunities. Known for her ability to leverage data-driven insights, Lauritson excels in refining marketing and business development strategies to support law firm objectives. She is also a motivational leader with experience building and guiding high-performing marketing teams while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration and accountability.

As a recognized leader in legal marketing, Lauritson serves as secretary on the International Board of Directors for the Legal Marketing Association. She is a sought-after speaker and contributor at industry events and an advocate for diversity in the profession.

Beyond her professional work, Lauritson is the creator and host of The Cosmopolite Collective podcast, where she explores culture, community and diversity through the lens of travel. She holds a Master of Science degree in negotiation and dispute resolution and an MBA in management.