Before thumbing through our virtual photo albums and watching videos of past events, make sure that you're taking advantage of all the opportunities to engage with OWA, network with other members, and develop professionally. Take a look at the OWA Calendar to find an upcoming event tailored just for you, such as OWA Reads, regional events, one of our Fireside Chat meetings, Vision Expo, etc.!
Announcing the launch of Full Circle, a sisterhood support system that focuses on listening, coaching, and development through mentorship! You're invited to the first meeting, which will focus on mentoring mid-career level ladies ranging from 35-45 years old.
We all need a "circle of support", both personally and professionally. September's Fireside Chat host, Jackie Janiec, will share her guidelines for getting the right people in your corner!
The OWA invites you to their annual Friday reception at Vision Expo West. EyeMed Vision Care is proud to sponsor the evening's refreshments, so don't miss this exciting opportunity to network, bid on some fabulous auction items, and win a raffle prize or two!
If you plan to be in Paris for SILMO, you're invited to a special OWA networking event to be held on the tradeshow floor at Paris Nord Villepinte! Graciously sponsored by SILMO, this is a great opportunity to meet up with fellow OWA members and international colleagues while enjoying champagne and hors d'oeuvres!
This year's Connection Series luncheon will feature guest speaker Amanda Shapiro and focus on leadership strategies that build strong connections, boost resilience, and spark creativity in fast-changing environments. Generously sponsored by VSP Vision, this event is a great way to meet colleagues and fellow OWA members while energizing your Expo experience!
You're invited to a private tour of the STATE Optical Co. and AO Eyewear factory in Chicago! This OWA regional event, hosted by Europa Eyewear, offers a great opportunity to learn about frame manufacturing while meeting or catching up with your OWA colleagues.
What profound event in your life made you stop, pivot, and redirect your life? Debbie Myres will be your July Fireside Chat host as we talk about the good and not so good things that made you totally rethink your direction in life!
Your input and collaboration are important and much needed to help shape the future of a mentoring program that will not only enrich our lives professionally, but unite us as colleagues, mentors, and friends.
Your input and collaboration are important and much needed to help shape the future of a mentoring program that will not only enrich our lives professionally, but unite us as colleagues, mentors, and friends.
Your input and collaboration are important and much needed to help shape the future of a mentoring program that will not only enrich our lives professionally, but unite us as colleagues, mentors, and friends.
OWA members and guests gathered for a very special "welcome to spring" event — an exclusive ranch tour of Little America Miniature Horses to see newborn minis in real life.
"It takes a village." Who are the people in your life who fill different roles? Your Fireside Chat host, Stephanie McCoy of EyeMed Vision Care, wants to hear your thoughts on the importance of building a strong network of support. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow OWA members and make some new friends! To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Thursday, May 16.
"It takes a village." Who are the people in your life who fill different roles? Your Fireside Chat host, Stephanie McCoy of EyeMed Vision Care, wants to hear your thoughts on the importance of building a strong network of support. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow OWA members and make some new friends! To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Thursday, May 16.
Encourage women to share stories about moments when they felt most true to themselves, vulnerable, and empowered by embracing their authenticity. Join host Barbra Dey in this Fireside Chat. To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Thursday, March 21.
Encourage women to share stories about moments when they felt most true to themselves, vulnerable, and empowered by embracing their authenticity. Join host Barbra Dey in this Fireside Chat. To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Thursday, March 21.
2024: She is working on three things right now— herself, her life, her happiness. She is ME!!!!! Join hosts Kathy Cruz and Mary Jones in this Fireside Chat that will get you started on your way to make 2024 a great year! To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Thursday, January 18.
2024: She is working on three things right now— herself, her life, her happiness. She is ME!!!!! Join hosts Kathy Cruz and Mary Jones in this Fireside Chat that will get you started on your way to make 2024 a great year! To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Thursday, January 18.
Take a moment for yourself and join fellow OWA members for a special yoga class, followed by a "wine down". It's a great opportunity to relax and meet some new friends before the holiday rush begins! Space is limited, so don't wait to RSVP!
Celebrate the start of fall with your OWA colleagues! You're invited to an in-person regional networking event at Eyemart Express in Dallas, TX. Space is limited so sign up now!
The OWA invites you to their annual Friday reception at Vision Expo West. EyeMed Vision Care is proud to sponsor the evening's refreshments, so don't miss this exciting opportunity to network, bid on some fabulous auction items, and win a raffle prize or two!
Join us for another memorable Connection Series luncheon as we welcome guest speaker Shannon McKain. Shannon's five-step "RALLY Mentality" plan can help anyone define and defeat perceived limitations, whether self-imposed or the result of circumstances. Sponsored by VSP, this event is a great way to enhance and energize your Expo experience!
You're invited to the first-ever OWA Town Hall Meeting — we want to hear from you! Please join us and meet your OWA board members, get current on OWA activities and initiatives, and introduce yourself to your fellow members.
Whether professionally or personally, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries can help us strengthen those relationships, avoid unhealthy connections, and improve our overall well-being. Join host Kathy Cruz for the next Fireside Chat and learn what you can do to avoid emotional exhaustion and burnout. To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Tuesday, August 29.
Whether professionally or personally, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries can help us strengthen those relationships, avoid unhealthy connections, and improve our overall well-being. Join host Kathy Cruz for the next Fireside Chat and learn what you can do to avoid emotional exhaustion and burnout. To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Tuesday, August 29.
For those of you who were unable to join us at Vision Expo East, here's another chance to meet and connect with your fellow OWA members! Host Karen Michaelson invites you all to get to know each other outside of your professions at the next Fireside Chat. To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Tuesday, May 23.
For those of you who were unable to join us at Vision Expo East, here's another chance to meet and connect with your fellow OWA members! Host Karen Michaelson invites you all to get to know each other outside of your professions at the next Fireside Chat. To better accommodate our members' various time zones, this event will be held at two different times on Tuesday, May 23.
You're invited to an in-person regional event in Lake Forest (Irvine area), CA. OWA sponsor Eyeporters will be hosting this special evening that will include an apparel and eyewear fashion show. Space is limited so don't wait to sign up!
The OWA invites all optometry students to an ice cream social at Vision Expo's Career Zone (show floor location TBD)on Saturday, March 18, 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Meet some of our incredible members and learn how the OWA can be a valuable resource as you begin your optical journey!
Here's another great opportunity to connect with your fellow OWA members! Host Mary Lanning of Zyloware invites you to discuss and learn more about goal-setting strategies, tracking your progress, and the accountability needed to reach those milestones.
Here's another great opportunity to connect with your fellow OWA members! Host Mary Lanning of Zyloware invites you to discuss and learn more about goal-setting strategies, tracking your progress, and the accountability needed to reach those milestones.
The OWA invites you to their next Fireside Chat, the virtual series that evolved from OWA's Advisory Groups program. Start your new year off in the best way — with your OWA friends and colleagues! You'll enjoy the chance to re-connect with old friends and meet some new ones.
You're invited to an OWA regional event in Cincinnati, Ohio, hosted by OWA President Deb Bulken of EssilorLuxottica and Nelly Bonniol of EyeMed Vision Care. Reframe. Refocus. Reveal the Real You. will feature special guest speaker Beth Conger, Certified Professional Leadership Coach.
Join your OWA colleagues in sharing the favorite holiday traditions you treasure every year with family and friends. Take this time to personally connect with old friends, make some new ones, and jumpstart your holiday spirit! All are welcome, so bring a friend!
The OWA is excited to announce an in-person regional event in New York City. Luxury Optical Holdings will be hosting a special Evening of Optical Poetry, with featured poet Peggy Robles-Alvarado reading original poems relating to the empowerment of women. Space is limited so sign up now!
The OWA is excited to announce an in-person regional event in the Kingwood area of Houston, Texas. OWA members and Vision Source hosts Donna Mikulecky and Tami Franklin invite you to "come taste a new way to achieve success" with special guest Dr. Michele Andrews, Vice President of Professional and Government Affairs for CooperVision.
Join author Trudi Charest and fellow OWA members virtually as we discuss Trudi's book, The Digital Sales Rep. If you are in outside sales, inside sales, or managing a team of salespeople, you'll want to read this book!
You're invited to OWA's second Fireside Chat, a new virtual series that evolved from OWA's Advisory Groups program. In the upcoming months, we'll discuss a variety of topics designed to help our members grow professionally and personally while networking and meeting new friends!
The OWA is happy to host their annual Friday evening reception once again during Vision Expo West. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to network, bid on some fabulous auction items, and win a raffle prize or two!
The OWA is pleased to announce that Trudi Charest, author of The Digital Sales Rep, will be the featured speaker at the Connection Series luncheon event, which is sponsored this year by VSP. Joined by a panel of industry experts, Trudi will lead a discussion centered around sales and the future state of the optical industry.
You're invited to OWA's first Fireside Chat, a new virtual series that evolved from OWA's Advisory Groups program. In the upcoming months, we'll discuss a variety of topics designed to help our members grow professionally and personally while networking and meeting new friends!
Join us virtually as we discuss The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. This timely and hopeful book reveals how small shifts in our mind-set and habits can produce big gains at work, at home, and elsewhere.
Erin O'Malley understands the connection between strong leadership, engaged teams, and loyal customers. Please join us as we welcome her back to talk about her formula for "creating connection out of chaos"!
Life is filled with obstacles and challenges but prepare to be inspired by the evening's special guest speaker, Chantal Petitclerc, Canadian wheelchair racer, gold medalist, and world record-setter.
Join us virtually as we discuss Stop Overthinking: 23 Techniques to Relieve Stress, Stop Negative Spirals, Declutter Your Mind, and Focus on the Present by Nick Trenton. Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness, so don't get stuck in a never-ending thought loop!
OVERWHELMED? What you need is LESS: less stress, less stuff, less worry! The OWA invites you to a virtual event featuring special guest Kappi Helms, the driving force behind Declutter With Me, a simplifying service that helps clients push the "reset" button on a busy life.
For students only! The OWA invites all optometry students to learn more about opportunities that exist for them after graduation. A special panel of three industry professionals will share insights and advice for pursuing a career in optical!
Revisit the OWA's 2022 International Women's Day Celebration with an inspiring presentation from Judge Karen Ackerson Gauff.
The OWA invites you to a special virtual event: Membership Appreciation Night. We are grateful for our members, and Shenna Jean, featured guest speaker, development coach, and podcast host, will focus on the life-changing practice of gratitude. What a great way to begin 2022!
Join us virtually as we discuss Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering the People Around You by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss. A 2021 OWA business book selection, Unleashed provides radical advice for the practice of leadership today.
The OWA is inviting you to a special Denver virtual membership event: Craft a Mindset of Possibility with Gratitude. Moving into the holiday season is a great time to reflect on this past year. Vision coach and guest speaker Shenna Jean will share thoughts on gratitude along with some tools to help you make your dreams a reality. Let's close this year with kindness and patience, and look to next year with a new spirit of hope and peace!
Get a jump start on the holiday season with some crafts, cookies, and cocktails designed to make your festivities unique and memorable!
Join Advisory Group Leads Paula Blomquist and Cha-Ling Delgado as they lead us through a new and exciting discussion.
Join Advisory Group Leads Kathy Cruz and Karen Michaelson as they lead us through a new and exciting discussion.
Join Advisory Group Leads Emilia Flamini and Kathy Rismiller as they lead us through a new and exciting discussion.
You're Invited to Elevate, a Virtual Event Celebrating the 2021 OWA Award Recipients and Featuring an Encore Presentation of Keynote Speaker Dr. Connie Mariano!
You're invited to a special Pacific Northwest virtual membership event on Thursday, October 14, at 6:30 p.m. PST, featuring a panel of women from a variety of roles in the optical industry. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from their career experiences, especially during the recent COVID upheavals!
OWA Reads meets quarterly to discuss the latest book selected by the group. Each meeting features a different member host.
The OWA is excited to announce the next OWA Canadian Virtual Networking Event to be held on Wednesday, September 29, at 11 a.m. EST. Shelley Logan will share some exciting OWA updates, and special guest speakers Dr. Trisha Beal and Dr. Beth Lennox will address Three Ways to Maintain or Refine Office Culture Pre- and Post-Pandemic.
The Optical Women's Association Hosts One Event at Vision Expo West! The annual Thursday Connection Series luncheon was back in-person with special guest, Dr. Connie Mariano, author of The White House Doctor. In spite of continuing pandemic restrictions, attendees were excited to see each other face to face once more!
Join us as renowned Equinox Premium Fitness Experts* explain how their Three Pillars of Fitness (movement, nutrition, regeneration) can help you unlock your daily potential!
Join Advisory Group Leads Pamela Capaldi and Kathy Cruz as they lead us through a new and exciting discussion.
Join Advisory Group Leads Emilia Flamini and Kathy Rismiller as they lead us through a new and exciting discussion.
Join Advisory Group Leads Paula Blomquist and Cha-Ling Delgado as they lead us through a new and exciting discussion.
OWA Reads meets quarterly to discuss the latest book selected by the group. Each meeting features a different member host.
Hosted by: OWA Membership Committee
Join us for Food for Thought's recording of the LIVE May 6th event with four optical "Celebrity Chefs" in celebration of Mother's Day and the women we love everywhere. It's a party not to be missed!
Join the Professional and Personal Development Advisory Group for our April Zoom Meeting. This session will start to shine a light on YOU! Are you an introvert, extrovert or ambivert? In order to network out in the world — beyond yourself — you need to know yourself. The articles this month provide some intriguing thoughts on the subject which I hope you enjoy in preparation for our discussions.
Join the Finance Advisory Group for our April Zoom Meeting.
Join the Sales & Marketing Advisory Group for our April Zoom Meeting.
Revisit the OWA's 2021 International Women's Day Celebration with an inspiring presentation from Erin O'Malley.
Connect, Inspire, Lead — these are the core values of OWA. In recognition of International Women's Day, Power Hour sits down with OWA President Robyn Crimmins and members Janna Neal (Vice President of Operations for Zyloware), and Trudi Charest (Co-Founder of Marketing 4ECPS), about how OWA inspires and supports its members.
OWA's virtual ELEVATE event — An Evening to Celebrate the 2020 OWA Award Recipients and "Master the Art of Hello" — celebrated 2020 Pleiades Award honoree Millicent Knight, OD, Pyxis Award honoree Jean Sabre, and Visionary Award honoree Sheena Taff. Our featured keynote speaker was Paula Calise, 2020 Founder and Principal at Linked Executive Search.
The OWA hosted yet another regional in Canada, this time is Mississauga, Ontario, on March 5, 2020. The event was held at ROI Corporation and was hosted by Trudi Charest and Shelley Logan. Optical professionals across the area were treated to a fun evening . . . .
The OWA hosted its first regional in Ontario, Canada on Nov. 14, 2019. Trudi Charest, co-founder of Marketing4ECPs and member of the OWA Membership Committee, along with Shelley Logan, Westgroupe Sales Manager for Ontario and Western Canada, were the hosts for the event . . . .
IDOC hosted an OWA regional in conjunction with their 2019 National Conference on October 11. They boasted a record attendance of 117, including optical leadership from The Vision Council, manufacturers, and local businesses. Guests were treated to an evening of . . . .
OWA boasts record attendance at both Las Vegas events: the Thursday Connection Series luncheon, featuring Brave Leadership author Kimberly Davis, and the Friday evening networking, raffle, and auction event.
Brave Leadership draws from years of working with leaders across all industries and the latest research in psychology, sociology, business, and the arts. In this provocative and inspiring session, Kimberly Davis will bridge traditional how-to with a personal development approach to demystify what it takes to be the brave leader you were born to be.
The OWA held its second San Diego regional event on August 8th at SportRx. Hosted by regional lead, Alana Whitaker of Luxottica, the happy hour event enabled over 55 local optical industry professionals to connect, network and learn more about the OWA . . . .
The OWA held their first-ever Canadian regional event in Calgary, Alberta, on June 6, 2019. Trudi Charest, RO, co-founder of Marketing4ECPs, and member of the OWA Membership Committee, hosted the evening, which boasted 50 attendees!
The first-ever Optical Women's Association (OWA) Regional Event in Denver, held June 4, 2019, featured an exciting VIP networking event at Von Miller's Celebrity Bowling Bash, a fundraising event for Von's Vision — which provides vision screenings . . . .
Dallas, Texas, was the site of another OWA regional event, this time on June 4, 2019. Hosted by regional lead Sunny Yarrish of Essilor of America, the evening centered around the theme of "The Power of Community". Special guest speaker Britt . . . .
The OWA held a regional networking Thursday night in New York City (at the Safilo showroom). Great attendance, great networking, and a panel discussion on retail.
OWA members and guests gathered to celebrate the OWA's "Star Birthday" — 22 years on the 22nd — of supporting and promoting the professional development of women involved in all facets of the optical industry!
The OWA celebrated three remarkable women and their impact on the optical industry on March 21 during Vision Expo East at the OWA Champagne Breakfast.
The last OWA regional event of 2018 was held in Philadelphia, PA on December 20. Hosted by Eye Designs, the attending women embrace the holiday spirit by wrapping donated gifts for a very special local family who had just lost their . . . .
The OWA hosted its first San Diego Regional Event on November 30, 2018 and featured an evening focused on leadership, a discussion of the OWA business book selection "Earning It", networking, and creating handmade ornaments . . . .
The OWA held a regional event in Rancho Cordova, California, on October 4, 2018, hosted by VSP. A strong leadership panel consisting of Robyn Crimmins (VSP Optics), Tiffanie Burkhalter (VSP Global), Heidi Pham-Murphy, O.D. (Eye Designs . . . .
Enjoy these photos from the Networking Reception and Raffle.
Author Joann Lublin was the featured speaker at the 2018 Connection Series event — Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World at Vision Expo West on Thursday, September 27th.
Philadelphia was the site of the July 26, 2018 OWA Regional Event hosted by Luxottica and held at Eye Designs. The evening featured a networking program as well as a tour of the Eye Design facility. All current and potential . . . .
Sunny Orlando was the site of the first OWA regional event in Florida, held June 12, 2018. Hosted by Angela McCoy of MyEyeDr, breakfast at the Orlando Marriott Lakeside was the center of this "Meet, Greet, & Eat" networking morning.
The OWA held its third Dallas, TX, regional networking event on June 6th, 2018, hosted by Nouveau Eyewear. All current OWA members, and potential new members from the surrounding area, were invited to meet other seasoned professionals . . . .
The annual OWA Star Award Cocktail Party & Networking Event welcomed members and supporters to the fantastic second floor at the Eventi Hotel during Vision Expo East to enjoy great food, a slick jazz combo, and introduce the new honorees' "Charity of Choice" program.
The OWA celebrated three remarkable women and their impact on the optical industry on March 16 during Vision Expo East at the OWA Champagne Breakfast.
The Idea Foundry in Columbus, OH was the place to be for the state's first ever OWA event on November 30, 2017. Stacey Curcio, VSP, hosted the "Connection & Inspiration"-themed evening which featured speakers Dr. Lorie Lippiatt . . . .
The Optical Women's Association (OWA) held a regional meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 28, 2017. All current OWA members and potential new members from the surrounding area were invited to meet other seasoned . . . .
The Optical Women's Association (OWA) held its second regional networking event in Dallas Texas, on November 16, 2017. All current OWA members and potential new members from the surrounding area were invited to meet other seasoned . . . .
OWA Regional Event + Accessories Council hosted an evening of connection, inspiration, and leadership at the Thale Blanc on October 5, 2017.
Throughout the OWA's 20th Anniversary year, our events have shared the common theme of celebrating the OWA's founding in 1997 and have certainly had their fair share of celebratory moments.
Based on the OWA book selection Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, moderator Erinn Morgan, editorial director of Eyecare Business magazine, along with five specially chosen panelists, will expand on the four EQ skills . . . .
The first OWA New York regional was held June 22, 2017, in New York City. Hosted by Silhouette at the Silhouette Gallery, attendees were treated to a panel discussion on Social Media, moderated by Marge Axelrad . . . .
A wonderful OWA networking event was held at the Vision Council May 20, 2017, and was hosted by several OWA members who work for MyEyeDr. Many attended from The Vision Council, Marchon, Luxottica, MyEyeDr. and AOA.
On March 9, 2017, Dallas/Fort Worth-area members of the Optical Women's Association joined together for a social networking event. Maureen Cavanagh, President of the OWA and Jean Scott, a founding member of the OWA shared their . . . .
