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OWA Member Spotlights

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Want to learn more about OWA's fascinating membership? Our members are amazing, and we want you to get the inside scoop on what makes them so great. Meet OWA's featured members!

And if you're one of our fascinating members, we'd love to spotlight you! Click here to login so that we can get you started.

Member Spotlight - Haley Argenziano

Haley Argenziano

Company: Marketing Associate at Thelios
Posted: 12/10/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't be afraid to ask questions, be open to learning new things!

Member Spotlight - Mary Ann Giorgio

Mary Ann Giorgio

Company: Content Specialists at VSP
Posted: 11/21/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Embrace mentorship and learn from those who have more experience than you.

Member Spotlight - Joyce Pokoy-Kurtulus

Joyce Pokoy-Kurtulus

Company: Principal at Visionary Insights
Posted: 10/9/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Learn something new every day and have fun doing it.

Member Spotlight - Kathie Sapnas

Kathie Sapnas

Company: Regional Sales Manager at Luxottica
Posted: 9/25/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't doubt yourself, keep your confidence and never give up

Member Spotlight - Gilda Mehraban

Gilda Mehraban

Company: Vice President, Corporate Accounts and Bus Dev at Zyloware Eyewear
Posted: 9/11/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Find women that you admire and follow their careers for inspiration

Member Spotlight - Ally Kamelhar

Ally Kamelhar

Company: Senior Content Specialist at Marchon Eyewear
Posted: 8/28/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the journey.

Member Spotlight - Emily Ferris

Emily Ferris

Company: Content/Social Media Specialist at VSP Vision
Posted: 8/14/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't grow up too fast. And be a lifelong learner!

Member Spotlight - Michelle Kelley

Michelle Kelley

Company: Director of Ophthalmic Services and Materials at Southern College of Optometry
Posted: 7/29/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Be courageous !! Life will knock you down, but keep getting back up.

Member Spotlight - Danielle Crull

Danielle Crull

Company: Am. Board of Opticianry Master-Certified Optician at A Child's Eyes
Posted: 7/15/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Trust your gut, you know more than you think you do. Don't let yesterday steal from today.

Member Spotlight - Lisa Asberry

Lisa Asberry

Company: Director at EyeMed Vision Care
Posted: 7/1/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Stay flexible. The journey won't always be glamourous, but being a servant leader will always enrich others.

Member Spotlight - Kristie Nguyen

Kristie Nguyen

Company: Optometrist at Dr. Kristie Nguyen PLLC
Posted: 6/15/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Network. Each person you meet could be someone who could change your life later.

Member Spotlight - Heather Harrington

Heather Harrington

Company: Optical Nomad, Field Rep for Studio Optyx and Woodys & Vice President of the Opticians Association of Colorado
Posted: 5/27/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Embrace Failure. Take Risks. Set clear goals.

Member Spotlight - Justine Brown

Justine Brown

Company: Customer Support Administrator at GPN Technologies
Posted: 5/13/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Keep traveling! Be kind to yourself, pursue any and all interests. It's OK if you fail, that means growth and experience.

Member Spotlight - Amanda Collaso

Amanda Collaso

Company: CEO & Founder of Bookkeeping for Optometry
Posted: 4/27/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Explore passions, gain diverse experiences. Don't rush career decisions. Embrace growth, stay curious. Your journey's just beginning!

Member Spotlight - Jennifer Valdez

Jennifer Valdez

Company: Senior Data Integrity Specialist at GPN Technologies
Posted: 4/12/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

It's okay to be nervous when you're trying something new. Give yourself the opportunity to grow professionally.

Member Spotlight - Cheryl Berger Sussman

Cheryl Berger Sussman

Company: Marketing Coordinator at Art-Craft Optical Company
Posted: 3/28/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Relax, you've got this :)

Member Spotlight - Holly Gough

Holly Gough

Company: Manager, Business Optimization at VSP Vision
Posted: 3/14/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Take opportunities as they come to you. You never know when you'll get another chance.

Member Spotlight - Lynne Becker

Lynne Becker

Company: CEO / Founder at Power of Patients
Posted: 2/29/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Pursue a career you are excited & passionate about. This way it never feels like work. But have a skill you can also fall back on, just-in-case....

Member Spotlight - Rachel DeFriece

Rachel DeFriece

Company: Customer Support Lead at GPN Technologies
Posted: 2/15/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable - in this you will grow!

Member Spotlight - Linda Conlin

Linda Conlin

Company: Pro to Pro Managing Editor at Jobson
Posted: 2/1/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

The road can take you to many places. Believe in yourself and you'll get to your best place.

Member Spotlight - Ginny Mercer

Ginny Mercer

Company: Myopia Management Specialist at CooperVision
Posted: 1/18/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Accept positive comments graciously — Others see what I did not at that time.

Member Spotlight - Sylveena Krezmer

Sylveena Krezmer

Company: Education Services Coordinator at GPN Technologies
Posted: 1/4/2024

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Time is never wasted if you've experienced something new. Choose to be grateful everyday!

Member Spotlight - Jennifer Wicks

Jennifer Wicks

Company: Executive Director at the Ontario Opticians Association
Posted: 12/21/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't worry, there's room in life for a career you love, family AND music.

Member Spotlight - Brookelyn Sager

Brookelyn Sager

Company: National Key Accounts Manager at HILCO
Posted: 12/6/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Be Brave, Be Bold, and never be afraid to be your authentic self.

Member Spotlight - Robyn Campbell

Robyn Campbell

Company: Provider Communications Manager at EyeMed Vision Care
Posted: 11/22/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't stress about the small things or what could happen next. Life is too exciting to worry about things beyond your control. Enjoy the ride!

Member Spotlight - Kristy Stone

Kristy Stone

Company: Director of Member Education at PECAA
Posted: 10/25/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Do not be afraid to speak up or stand for what is right. If you feel in your gut something is wrong, listen to that. Know your limits-It's ok to say no!

Member Spotlight - Bonnie Whitfield

Bonnie Whitfield

Company: Senior Manager of Member Communications at The Vision Council
Posted: 10/11/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Look for a career where you can love most of what you do. No matter what, work hard and stay humble. Everything happens for a reason. Not every door that you try to open will welcome you, but the right ones will. Don’t be afraid to fail.

Member Spotlight - Madalyn Moeller

Madalyn Moeller

Company: Senior Recruiter at ClearVision Optical
Posted: 8/28/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Be happy you didnt grow-up when Social Media was a thing. Love yourself and be brave! There are going to be bad days but end on a positive note and recharge for the next obstacle. Lastly, failure doesn't exist if you keep striving towards your goal.

Member Spotlight - Tracy Vontélle Green

Tracy Vontélle Green

Company: Co-Founder, CEO at Vontélle, LLC
Posted: 8/14/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

If you didn't get "it" (whatever it is - job, bonus, partner), it's because it wasn't for you. Something better is coming! Always!

Member Spotlight - Kayla Groves

Kayla Groves

Company: Optical Business Advisor at PECAA
Posted: 7/17/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

It's okay to fail. Failure sets the stage for you to reach your goals.

Member Spotlight - Brandy Yeack

Brandy Yeack

Company: CPOA, Practice Manager, Vision Source Facilitator at Valley Eye Care
Posted: 6/19/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Go to Optometry school and become a doctor. Eye care is your calling.

Member Spotlight - Chiara Oliviero

Chiara Oliviero

Company: WW Online & Offline EMEIA Brand Protection Manager at EssilorLuxottica
Posted: 6/4/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Keep going, an obstacle is often a steppingstone!

Member Spotlight - Neggie Wright, ABOC

Neggie Wright, ABOC

Company: Marketing Associate - Events Planning at ClearVision Optical - Hauppauge, NY
Posted: 5/22/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

You can make a successful career based on what you are passionate about. It's okay to not take the

Member Spotlight - Allie Glick

Allie Glick

Company: CRM Manager & Marketing Operations Specialist
Posted: 5/8/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Identify your interests and find a career that's all about them!

Member Spotlight - Nicole Joli

Nicole Joli

Company: Internal Communications Specialist at Visionworks
Posted: 4/24/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

I would say, " Don't try to fit in the mold of what you think you should do or be. There are multiple paths to get where you want to go, but as long as you stay true to you and keep moving forward, you will get there. "

Member Spotlight - Lisa A. Fromm, ABOC, NCLEC

Lisa A. Fromm, ABOC, NCLEC

Company: Certified optician at St. Helens Eyecare dba Columbia Family Vision
Posted: 4/3/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

You are smarter than you think. Keep learning and doing all you can.

Member Spotlight - Barbra Dey

Barbra Dey

Company: Consultant at Dey Ophthalmic Consulting
Posted: 3/6/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't be afraid to re-create yourself along your career path. It can be a windy road.

Member Spotlight - Cara Endriss

Cara Endriss

Company: Brand Marketing Director at National Vision Inc.
Posted: 2/20/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't be afraid to take risks if it means following your passion.

Member Spotlight - Jill Kielas

Jill Kielas

Company: Field Sales Rep - The House of Tom Davies
Posted: 1/18/2023

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Have confidence in yourself. Take the time to decide what you want from life.

Member Spotlight - Amanda Pope

Amanda Pope

Company: Senior Account Executive at Safilo
Posted: 11/22/2022

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Always think outside of the box!

Member Spotlight - Lauren Wosczyk

Lauren Wosczyk

Company: Senior Trade Marketing Manager at Thelios
Posted: 5/9/2022

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't be afraid to fail.

Member Spotlight - Ashlee Medart (formerly Queathem)

Ashlee Medart (formerly Queathem)

Company: Wholesale Manager, Independent Distribution Division, EssilorLuxottica
Posted: 3/17/2022

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self


Member Spotlight - Carissa Dunphy

Carissa Dunphy

Company: Founder, Optician Now
Posted: 2/17/2022

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Get all of your prerequisites out of the way as soon as you can!

Member Spotlight - Jill Fine

Jill Fine

Company: National Sales Director at Liberty Sport
Posted: 1/26/2022

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Don't be afraid of change! It's the best way to grow!

Member Spotlight - Shelley Logan

Shelley Logan

Company: Ontario Regional Sales at WestGroupe
Posted: 12/7/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Say YES to every opportunity presented - you never know where it will lead.

Member Spotlight - Mikki Collins

Mikki Collins

Company: Sales Representative at Morel Eyewear
Posted: 8/5/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Passion is the fuel for success.

Member Spotlight - Liz Friedfeld

Liz Friedfeld

Company: Head of Business Development at ClearVision Optical
Posted: 7/19/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Strut your bikini! Have confidence in yourself & your abilities. Take risks, learn and improve. Seek out job opportunities with supportive cultures and mentors that align with your values and allow the real you to shine bright.

Member Spotlight - Jennifer Stewart

Jennifer Stewart

Company: OD/Partner at Norwalk Eye Care and Chief Vision Officer/Co-Founder at Performance 20/20
Posted: 7/2/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Always set goals- and when you achieve them, set more! You are never to old to reinvent yourself and learn something new.

Member Spotlight - Nancy Gries

Nancy Gries

Company: Brand Owner at Coti Vision
Posted: 5/4/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

In every mistake there is potential for growth.

Member Spotlight - Phaedra Chernoff

Phaedra Chernoff

Company: Corporate Key Accounts Manager at L’AMY
Posted: 3/22/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

I would never let any person's negative opinions affect me or define me. Because this has happened and it stings for a long time. You need to hear it and let it go.

Member Spotlight - Manali Patel

Manali Patel

Company: Controller at The Vision Council
Posted: 3/2/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Work hard, time and tide wait for no man. Always be nice to everyone. Ask lots of questions.

Member Spotlight - Bidisha Rudra

Bidisha Rudra

Company: Senior Managing Director, Transitions Sales
Posted: 2/1/2021

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Believe in yourself and seek opportunities even if they are outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid of failures, because it is inevitable at some point in your life, but failure will also teach you to get back up and be more resilient for the future.

Member Spotlight - Katherine Lauver

Katherine Lauver

Company: VP of Business Relations at GPN Technologies
Posted: 12/4/2020

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Keep challenging yourself daily and never stop learning and growing! What seems hard now will float away with time as bigger, more exciting things are to come!

Member Spotlight - Tamara Sanders

Tamara Sanders

Company: Sr. Director, Managed Care at Essilor of America
Posted: 9/9/2020

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Always strive to find ways to better yourself! Grow with every opportunity, but never be content with the status quo. There are no limits!

Member Spotlight - Beverly Bianes

Beverly Bianes

Company: Optometrist/Partner at Pack & Bianes Vision Care Optometry
Posted: 7/16/2020

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

It's not the destination, it's all about the journey. It is through the journey you'll learn who you are. Stay true to your identity.

Member Spotlight - Cha-Ling Delgado

Cha-Ling Delgado

Company: Senior Director of Key Accounts N.A. for Luxottica Wholesale
Posted: 6/1/2020

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

There is not one career path that you follow. Your choices along the way can open new avenues to explore and develop. I never would have thought that I could end up in NYC having grown up in SoCal.

Member Spotlight - Yvette Carranza

Yvette Carranza

Company: Consultant at Digital Vision, Inc.
Posted: 3/3/2020

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Never be afraid to try for any position! I almost missed the opportunity that led me to my career because I didn't throw my hat in the ring. (Thankfully a manager did it for me!) Never be afraid to share your ideas! It may be just what the project needs.

Member Spotlight - Randee Epstein

Randee Epstein

Company: VP - Human Resources Wholesale & Retail Corporate
Posted: 1/27/2020

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

"Don't downgrade your dream to accommodate your circumstances."

Member Spotlight - Stephanie Lucas

Stephanie Lucas

Company: EVP & General Manager of Member Solutions for Healthy Eyes Advantage
Posted: 11/17/2019

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Pursue your career with purpose but don't take yourself too seriously; let your personality and your passion shine through in all you do.

Member Spotlight - Trudi Charest

Trudi Charest

Company: Co-Founder at 4ECPs
Posted: 7/29/2019

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Start Your Own Business Earlier

Member Spotlight - Kerri Ann Raimo

Kerri Ann Raimo

Company: Senior Associate Editor / Social Media Curator for Eyecare Business magazine at Pentavision, LLC
Posted: 4/11/2019

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Be open and receptive to new possibilities. Trust your abilities and where they will take you.

Member Spotlight - Kelly Freitas

Kelly Freitas

Company: Senior Director, Customer Experience & Research at VSP Global
Posted: 2/22/2018

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Care more about what you think of yourself than what others think of you (slightly modified quote from Theodore Roosevelt)

Member Spotlight - Dr. Ginamarie Wells

Dr. Ginamarie Wells

Company: Sr. Director Client Services at Cleinman Performance Partners
Posted: 8/16/2017

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Always be kind, be thankful, be generous in a way that makes a connection to the world around you. But, also be smart, be safe, and definitely go for it!

Member Spotlight - Melissa Parker

Melissa Parker

Company: Supervisor at VSP Optics Group
Posted: 8/1/2017

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

To do what you love, continually learn and develop, be ok with making mistakes, trust yourself, listen more than you talk, be courageous, take chances and most importantly make friends along the way.

Member Spotlight - Debra Bulken

Debra Bulken

Company: Regional Sales Director at Luxottica
Posted: 5/10/2017

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

You will have plenty of time to "work", take this time to "experience!"

Member Spotlight - Lorinda Fraboni

Lorinda Fraboni

Company: IS Development & Operations Manager at Walman
Posted: 4/17/2017

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Always go the extra mile because not many do and you will stand out in the crowd! Be kind. Stand up for yourself. Speak your mind softly. Don't say NO and put parameters around your YES. Book time for things important to you. Work out and eat healthy.

Member Spotlight - Angelina Fifer

Angelina Fifer

Company: Public Relations Coordinator at VSP Global
Posted: 3/3/2017

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Trust yourself - even if you don’t have the skills yet, trust in your capabilities and willingness to learn.

Member Spotlight - Pamela Capaldi

Pamela Capaldi

Company: Director of Professional Services at Brien Holden Vision Institute
Posted: 2/1/2017

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Listen well.

Member Spotlight - Lorie L. Lippiatt, OD

Lorie L. Lippiatt, OD

Company: Optometrist/President at The Salem Eyecare Center, Inc.
Posted: 1/13/2017

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Go for it! Always look ahead and have confidence you can achieve everything you are passionate about.

Member Spotlight - Laura Dorris

Laura Dorris

Company: Director of Business Development & HR at Vision West, Inc.
Posted: 11/14/2016

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What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self

Surround yourself with people you admire and who inspire you. Stay curious, learn often, go the extra mile as often as you can and be kind to everyone you meet.


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