Celebrating All Women
As the vision of the OWA evolves and expands, we maintain the focus of the OWA's founding principles and core mission.
Founded in 1997 as a nonprofit, the Optical Women's Association is committed to supporting and promoting the professional development of women involved in all facets of the optical industry.
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We work diligently to create visibility throughout the eye care community in an effort to raise the level of awareness of the multifaceted roles and contributions made by women in our industry. These efforts are supported by the programs offered by our organization, which include networking events, the annual award programs, our membership directory, professional optical women's workshops, webinars, and mentoring tools.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower women in the optical industry through networking, education, and peer support. We strive to create a community where women can connect and collaborate to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a more diverse and inclusive optical industry where women have equal opportunities for leadership and success.
The History of the OWA
Plans for what would become the OWA began at a Vision Expo meeting in 1997. A small group of women gathered who were all searching for more support and other women who were building their careers in the optical industry.
Read more about the history of OWA, our past presidents, and a number of articles by / about these wonderful optical women.
Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Megan Molony
OWA Member Since: 2016
Board / Committee Position: President
Company: Europa Eyewear
What I Love About OWA:
I love the OWA for providing a network of powerful women, that all support the mission of promoting the leadership role of women in our industry. It has been a privilege to work with, be inspired by, and learn from such an amazing group of distinguished professionals.
Janna Neal
OWA Member Since: 2018
Board / Committee Position: Vice President, Connection & Enrichment Committee Co-Chair
Company: Zyloware
What I Love About OWA:
The OWA is a "community" that promotes enhancement, leadership, and togetherness. Being surrounded by such passionate women who want to offer their support and mentoring is amazing. I am honored to be part of such an uplifting organization.
Erika Plank
OWA Member Since: 2016
Board / Committee Position: Secretary / Treasurer, Membership & Welcome Committee Co-Chair
Company: VSP Vision
What I Love About OWA:
The OWA reinforces just how much opportunity there is for women in optical. Being part of a community that spans every part of the optical industry provides connections with leaders and professionals from other companies and career paths, opportunities to learn and grow together, and a channel to champion and support each other's success.
Lorie Lippiatt, OD
OWA Member Since: 2004
Board / Committee Position: Immediate Past-President, Nominating Committee Chair
Company: Lorie Lippiatt, OD (Retired)
What I Love About OWA:
I love being part of an organization that promotes the leadership roles of women in Optical. As President of a small female-dominated business, I enjoy and utilize the resources the OWA provides in my own company.
BOARD MEMBERS
All terms are 2-year terms effective September through August.
Reagan Colpitts
OWA Member Since: 2020
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Digital Marketing Committee Co-Chair
Company: Pair Eyewear
What I Love About OWA:
I love being part of the OWA because it fosters a strong community of support where women can connect, grow, and uplift one another. The resources the organization provides are unmatched, and it’s refreshing to see such a strong focus on the development of women in business, backed by so many leaders across the industry.
Kerri Ann DeCindis
OWA Member Since: 2016
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Digital Marketing Committee Co-Chair
Company: BroadcastMed
What I Love About OWA:
I love how the OWA is always striving to be of the greatest support to its members and to the industry as a whole. When one of us thrives, we all thrive, and it's been a pleasure to be on this journey to witness so many women in the industry succeed!
Cha-Ling Delgado
OWA Member Since: 2014
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Sponsor Relations Committee Co-Chair
Company: EssilorLuxottica
What I Love About OWA:
​I love our OWA mission of elevating and promoting women in optical leadership. This endeavor is never finished despite groundwork laid by our founding members. I am privileged to participate side by side with other amazing women in service to our community. I look forward to contributing and making a meaningful impact to our cause.
Carissa Dunphy
OWA Member Since: 2021
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Communications & Website Committee Chair
Company: PECAA
What I Love About OWA:
The OWA's passionate members come together to support one another and strengthen the optical industry. The organization's network makes it easy to connect with inspiring women, gain new perspectives, and build relationships that can have a lasting impact both personally and professionally. The camaraderie, encouragement, and opportunities the OWA provides are what make it such a special organization, and one I am proud to be part of.
Cathy Firman
OWA Member Since: 2017
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Events Committee Chair
Company: GPN Technologies
What I Love About OWA:
What I love about the OWA is the spirit of collaboration - a community where women in our industry lift each other up instead of competing against one another. There's something special about how the OWA was built to provide opportunities for women to come together and celebrate each other. I value how the OWA shines a light on talented women doing great work who haven't been recognized yet. This allows these "hidden gems" a way to excel and gives the rest of us the privilege of watching them shine.
Nancy Gries
OWA Member Since: 2018
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, International Expansion Committee Chair
Company: Coti Vision
What I Love About OWA:
I love the OWA for the unique energy and support it brings to women in the optical industry, providing both career development and personal encouragement. It has created an inclusive meeting place where women can connect, collaborate, and grow together. As we expand internationally, our community is enriched by the contributions of women from diverse cultures and countries, broadening our perspectives and strengthening our collective impact. This global vision inspires me, as it opens doors for women worldwide to network, develop, and elevate their professional careers.
Susan Ludwick
OWA Member Since: 2021
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Connection & Enrichment Committee Co-Chair
Company: US VisionMed Partners
What I Love About OWA:
OWA is an amazing association of strong optical women with diverse backgrounds, experience, and skills. After more than 25 years of history, this group "stood the test of time", yet continues to shift and evolve with new blood and new tools to support the changing needs of our industry.
Christina Perraud
OWA Member Since: 2016
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Sponsor Relations Committee Co-Chair
Company: MyEyeDr.
What I Love About OWA:
Becoming an OWA member has not only allowed me to connect and learn from women with such varied backgrounds, but has also allowed me to pay it forward and support new female leaders looking to grow within the industry.
Joyce Pokoy-Kurtulus
OWA Member Since: 2020
Board / Committee Position: Board of Directors, Events Committee Co-Chair
Company: Visionary Insights
What I Love About OWA:
The OWA creates a welcoming community that brings together women from all backgrounds and stages of their careers, offering support professionally and personally. I love the opportunity to learn something new every day through collaboration with women in areas of the industry I might not otherwise encounter. Most of all, the OWA provides invaluable connections across the industry that inspire growth, development, and lasting relationships.
Carol Wilbur
Position: Executive Director
Company: Madeleine Crouch & Co.