September 2014 Newsletter

Christie Walker, OWA President

It's hard to believe, but it's already been a year since I took office. With the end of my first term, I'm looking back to see what we've accomplished and what there is left to do. Being a list maker, I, of course, made a list, which I'm happy to share with you.

• Increased membership to 351, a 7.1% increase from this time last year
• Increased number of corporate sponsors to 26, a 24% increase
• Initiated "Meet & Greets" to provide local opportunities to connect with fellow members
• Developed Corporate "Meet & Greets" to reach out to fellow employees and invite them to join
• Revamped our POWW event with new name — Connection Series — and new date/time
• Added three new board members: Tiara Claxton, Jean Sabre and Barbara Wagner
• Revamped brand identity, website . . .

Looking forward to 2015, there's lots on the horizon. I've made a list of that as well!

• New event at Vision Expo East: The Pleiades Award will now be presented at a breakfast event, with the traditional party on Friday night to celebrate the winner
• More "Meet & Greets" in various parts of the country, More Corporate "Meet & Greets"
• Add more Connection Series educational opportunities
• Adding two new board members: Liz Segre and Debbie Myres
• Continue to reach out to women in the optical industry to become members
• Work with more businesses to become corporate sponsors

Hope you will be part of the growing list of 2015 initiatives ahead!

Keeping it short and simple,

Christie Walker
OWA President

OWA Board of Directors Appoints Two New Directors
Tiara Claxton & Barbara Wagner, Communications Committee
Last month, the OWA welcomed Liz Segre and Debbie Myres to its board of directors.
Read more . . .

Engage and Enjoy a Fun Evening at the OWA Annual Reception and Raffle
Have a Friend Join the OWA & Win Special Drawing!
Don't miss this year's OWA Networking & Raffle Event! A great opportunity to network with women and men in the industry; with wine, food, and fabulous raffle prizes!
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Seeing (Blind) Spots? Men and Women Working Together
Christie Walker, OWA President
The OWA's Connection Series: Connecting Members to Leadership Ideas (formerly the P.O.W.W. event) presents, "Seeing (Blind) Spots? Men and Women Working Together," at Vision Expo West on Thursday, September 18th from 12:00 to 1:30 PM. (Note new day and time for this annual event.) This 'lite lunch and learn' program features two men and two women from the optical industry who will discuss their business experiences of working together.
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Talking with Men Who Support the OWA
Robin Berger & Rene Shepherd
Throughout the years, a significant number of men in the industry have been involved with the OWA and our activities, from supporting the amazing networking events to joining the ranks of our generous sponsors. Their rich and meaningful contributions have prompted us to "give them a shout out" in this new newsletter series. This issue features interviews with four men who Connect, Inspire and Lead, promoting the leadership role of women in the optical industry.
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Weigh in! Take the One Minute Mentor Survey
Are you looking for some guidance or advice? The Mentoring Committee is here to help. Please take this brief survey which will help us provide that valuable content you are seeking.
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Interview with Jennifer Jackson — OWA Board Member & Multi-Committee Volunteer
Katherine Allen, Communications Committee Co-Chair
Jennifer Jackson lets us in on her experience of the OWA since joining, her industry background, and one memorable "grace under fire" moment of her career.
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Optical Women's Association Mixer Unites Women of VSP®
Kate Renwick-Espinosa, Digital Marketing Committee
On September 3rd, VSP hosted an OWA West Coast Mixer in Rancho Cordova, CA. Over 60 attendees enjoyed the camaraderie and networking opportunities with their peers and learning about the benefits of OWA membership.
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Passion On Fire — Do You Have It?
Karen A. Michaelson, ABOC
We all want to have passion in and about our life, but how many of us can say we are truly on fire about it? Or better yet do you know what your passions are and how to develop them and bring more into your life?
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2015 Pleiades Award Nominations!
Know an OWA member who's awesome in their efforts to develop the leadership role of women in the optical industry? Next month we'll ask you to nominate your candidates for the prestigious Pleiades Award which will be presented in March 2015 during Vision Expo East.
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OWA Meet & Greet — Long Island, NY!
Join OWA Board Director, Barbara Wagner, and other women in the optical industry for a great Long Island networking event on Thursday, October 9th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
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Welcome New OWA Members!
Dave Beebe, OWA Executive Director
The OWA membership continues to grow! We are happy to welcome these 18 new members since the June 2014 newsletter.
Read more . . .