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!
U.S. Member Spotlights
Jennifer Caraway
Company: Consultant/Founder at Strategeyez
Posted: 9/3/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Failure is a good thing; don't fear it. Continue forward, and utilize what you learn from each experience. Trust your instincts. Treasure the relationships you build throughout your career; they will sustain you through much - personal and professional.
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Karen Michaelson, ABOC
Company: Owner, KARE Consulting/Eyes On Dementia
Posted: 7/15/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Same thing I told myself when I was 18. Map your future, have a plan knowing that it is not truly yours to decide. Be more confident in who you are at heart because that is what you will lead with. Ask all the questions!
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Ruth Angelica Alvarado Quintana
Company: Director Market Quality at EssilorLuxottica
Posted: 6/30/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Believe in your decisions even if you are not sure about it, and don't wait to feel "ready" — growth happens outside your comfort zone.
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Marilyn Bautista
Company: Senior Global Sales Operations & Logistics Manager at Zyloware Eyewear
Posted: 5/26/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Slow down-you don't need to figure everything out at once. Trust yourself; you're stronger / more capable than you think. Speak with confidence, stand by your work, and protect what you've earned. Choose support that empowers you, never diminishes you.
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Kristen Lukacs
Company: Senior Creative Manager at Zyloware
Posted: 5/2/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Don't take anything too personally — especially in the creative field — it's not about you. When you have a creative block, take a break, listen to something, read something, then go back to your project and start moving things around.
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Francesca Pucci
Company: District Director at Kering Eyewear
Posted: 4/16/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Trust your instincts and don't rush the plan. Speak up sooner, take more chances. Build relationships everywhere. Protect your energy. Stay grounded, kind and real.
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Britt Scott
Company: Business Development Lead at EssilorLuxottica
Posted: 3/24/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Stay curious and pay attention to what you're good at.
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Elena Jawitz-Blue, ABOC
Company: Owner of Myoptic
Posted: 1/17/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Don't underestimate yourself
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Alyssa Merdler
Company: Content Specialist - GCC at VSP Vision Care
Posted: 1/2/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Take the opportunity! Say yes. You never know where it will lead you.
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International Member Spotlights
Reagan Colpitts
Country: Canada
Company: Sales Director for North America at Pair Eyewear
Posted: 8/20/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: Don't wait for permission to take initiative. Thinking differently and approaching a problem from an angle nobody else is looking at is one of the fastest ways to stand out and add real value.
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Dr Pretty Basra
Country: United Kingdom
Company: CEO of Edwards and Walker Opticians and Founder of Skin Medicine Aesthetics Clinic
Posted: 8/6/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: If you have it in you, go with that feeling; the gut has so much to answer for. And I would rather you tried and failed than to live in the
what-if? for the rest of your life. Plus, at 18 you have your whole life ahead of you; it is not the end!
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Prativa Devkota
Country: Nepal
Company: Optometrist and GV-Nepal Country Director at GoodVision Nepal
Posted: 2/5/2026
What I'd Tell My 18-Year-Old Self: You have to believe in yourself before anybody else believes in you.
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