Lorinda Fraboni of Walman Optical Company is Recipient of OWA's First PYXIS Award

Audrey Pavia (Tura LP), OWA Communications Committee Member

Minneapolis, MN — Lorinda Fraboni, one of the original thirteen founding women of the OWA (1997) is a most deserving recipient of the OWA's first Pyxis Award. The Pyxis award is presented to a member of the OWA who actively participates in the organization and promotes the OWA throughout the optical industry, contributing to OWA's continuing growth. The recipient of the Pyxis Award is exceptional in her commitment to support and develop the OWA. She helps set direction of the organization by her actions and inspires by her leadership.

Lorinda, currently the IS Manager at Walman Optical Company in Minneapolis, MN has been with the company since 1974, yes 36 years!

Her career developed from lab rat to programmer to IT Manager of Lab Operations and Data Warehouse. Her specialties include project management, employee relations, organizational communication and workflow processes.

Lorinda has dedicated years of serving the optical industry in a variety of ways including; Chairperson of the Employee Suggestion Program at New Visions; OWA President from 2006-2008; active OWA Board member for eleven years and is currently on the Membership Directory Committee.

Here's what Lorinda told us when we asked what the OWA means to her:

• "The OWA is a place to meet and rub elbows with successful women (and men too)."
• "The OWA is an opportunity to mentor those with less experience and be mentored by those with more experience."
• "The OWA is a great place to meet wonderful people and make friends. I meet great new people each year and have become very good friends with so many of them."

Lorinda says she is inspired by meeting people and sharing experiences as well as mentoring others. Starting new and exciting projects is a source of inspiration for her as evidenced by her track record as a founding Mother of the OWA and her career path at Walman Optical. She talks about enjoying working with people to figure out a more efficient way to do things. Lorinda attributes the people she works with as the people who "inspire and teach me so many things about myself and inspire me to strive to do a better job every day and make Walman a better place to work".

Lorinda is married to Doug Schlauderaff, Executive VP of Walman and VP General Manager of ImageWear by Walman. Not only is she married to Doug, she also includes Doug on her special list of people that inspire and support her. Lorinda and Doug have two children who are both very creative and involved in arts and music.

When asked what advice Lorinda would give to other women considering a career in the optical industry, her sincere reply was "There is no short-cut to success in any field. You must work smart and hard, continue your education no matter what level you are at, network, network, network, and be a mentor to others. I believe that what you give to others in life will come back ten-fold so give of your time (and money, if you have it) as generously as you can."

Lorinda believes women influence the delivery of eyecare products and services by their natural ability to multi-task. They are team players who promote cohesiveness and inclusive management styles. They build strong business relationships and are committed to people and their company. Women, given the opportunity, are able to become great leaders and mentors in their organizations.

Lorinda exemplifies the very woman she describes, balancing her family life and demanding career to be a great leader and mentor. She has made the OWA a better organization with her active contribution and leadership. Thank you and congratulations Lorinda!

Back to: March 2010 Newsletter

The OWA would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support and belief in our mission to advance and promote the leadership role of women in the Optical industry.