Individual Contributor Program
We Are Listening!
In response to many requests, the OWA is happy to announce the Individual Contributor program. This program provides the opportunity for ANY individual to support the OWA and its mission of enhancing and promoting the leadership role of women in the optical industry through networking, education, and peer support.
Your support will directly fund the new OWA Leadership Scholarship, an award granted to a board- nominated OWA member who has shown exemplary volunteer service in helping the OWA reach its goals. The recipient of this award will be granted an esteemed leadership experience (seminar, conference, workshop, etc.), including airfare, hotel, and registration.
As an INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR you will receive these benefits:
- A listing at your chosen level of contribution on a separate tab on the OWA website. (The company you are associated with may be listed if you wish.)
- Annual recognition in the OWA newsletter.
- First invitations to OWA "limited seating" events.
Duration of Recognition
Contributions are made for one year. OWA is a 501(c)(6) membership organization. Contributions in this category are not tax deductible as a donation but may be considered a business expense. Consult your accountant.
Contributions Over $1,000
Alessandro Baronti
Title / Company: CEO & President / De Rigo Rem
Why I Support the OWA
I am honored to sponsor the OWA's Leadership Scholarship. I contribute to this cause because I share in the mission of the OWA to empower and promote women in leadership within the optical industry. The entire industry is more successful when it is diverse and inclusive.
Jay Binkowitz
Title / Company: Founder / GPN Technologies
Why I Support the OWA
The OWA supports not only the future of optometry but sets the example for the respect and admiration all women deserve while empowering and mentoring the next generation to succeed. Nothing is more important than creating opportunities by paying it forward and honoring the past. The OWA family is a wealth of resources and caring individuals that want to make a difference in everyone's lives. The question for me is not why should you join the OWA but rather why wouldn't you?
Ed Buffington
Title / Company: CEO & President / GPN Technologies
Why I Support the OWA
I have been a big advocate for the OWA for many, many years! I have the utmost respect for the OWA leadership, their mission and the results they continually produce. Having attended many luncheons, meetings and other OWA events, the OWA empowers not only the active women members but all individuals associated with the OWA. I highly encourage everyone in the optical industry to attend, engage and join the OWA, it's worth your time and money!
Scott Jens
Title / Company: Chief "Why" Officer / Sandbox Stories LLC
Why I Support the OWA
Individuals who support the OWA can be confident knowing that their donations support the many energetic and productive endeavors of the many women members of the Association. And, with their impact being substantial, I'm thrilled to have been a participant donor.
Jamie Shyer
Title / Company: Co-CEO, COO / Zyloware Eyewear
Why I Support the OWA
I believe as industry leaders it is our responsibility to make both professional and personal investments to the growth of our industry. I know my annual contribution as an OWA Individual Contributor goes directly to programs to support our current and future leaders, which includes many of my team members as well. Without a doubt this is money well spent!
Contributions of $500 - $750
Bart Foster
Title / Company: Founder & CEO / BusinessOutside; Managing Director / Sanitas Advisors
Why I Support the OWA
OWA shares our passion to bring humanity back into the workplace. There is no such thing as a "personal you" and a "business you", there is just you. Together we are going to help women lead from the front through authenticity, building trust, and focusing on what's important — our people. We are excited to collaborate with the OWA to take the organization to new heights. Let's Make it Happen!
Daniel Rostenne
Title / Company: CEO / EyeCarePro
Why I Support the OWA
Credit goes to Lorie Lippiatt for inviting me to my first OWA event. Since then, I've attended as many as I can as a show of support for the women that have had a tremendous impact on our industry. The OWA reinforces the message that success comes from inside and I find that very inspiring.
Contributions of $250 - $499
Jay Binkowitz
Title / Company: President / AskJayB
Why I Support the OWA
The OWA supports not only the future of optometry but sets the example for the respect and admiration all women deserve while empowering and mentoring the next generation to succeed. Nothing is more important than creating opportunities by paying it forward and honoring the past. The OWA family is a wealth of resources and caring individuals that want to make a difference in everyone's lives. The question for me is not why should you join the OWA but rather why wouldn't you?
Talia Bruno
Title / Company: Senior Director of Key Accounts / De Rigo REM
Why I Support the OWA
When women become leaders, they bring talents, new views, alongside structural and cultural diversity to the companies they work for, resulting in more successful solutions. My contribution to the IC program allows me to empower our future leaders by investing in seminars, conferences, mentoring, and workshops. When supporting this program, we are directly ensuring women's long term career growth and providing companies with the next generation of rising talent.
Deb Bulken
Title / Company: VP of Sales, Eastern Region / EssilorLuxottica
Why I Support the OWA
I am committed to doing my part to create as many opportunities as possible for woman to excel and live their best lives. Being an Individual Contributor is one way of investing in the future of our industry by supporting our deserving members leadership journey.
Sue Downes
Title / Company: CEO / MyEyeDr.
Why I Support the OWA
As a female founder and CEO, I find it extremely important to invest in our future leaders and am proud to personally contribute to the OWA Leadership Scholarship each year. When we invest in individuals' development, we not only ensure women's continued growth in this world, but also allow the leaders within our field and the industry itself to move forward.
Liz Friedfeld
Title / Company: Head of Business Development / ClearVision Optical
Why I Support the OWA
The OWA is an amazing organization filled with passionate individuals dedicated to helping women succeed through personal development, networking, and mentorship. By donating to the individual contributors' fund, I am choosing to directly influence the advancement of women through scholarship and help provide the skills they deem most valuable. This program benefits the individual and our landscape: establishing more opportunities, more thought leaders, more role models, and more movement towards true gender equity. I'm thrilled to contribute.
Lorie Lippiatt, OD
Title / Company: Co-Chair, PDF Committee, VP / OWA
Why I Support the OWA
I contribute to the Individual Contributor program as I choose to support the OWA with an additional level of support. This support directly aligns with the mission statement of supporting the leadership role of women in the Optical Industry by providing Leadership Scholarship Awards to deserving women in the Industry.
Megan Molony
Title / Company: Sr. VP Merchandising / National Vision
Why I Support the OWA
The OWA does so much to honor, develop, empower and promote the women of our industry. The IC program allows me to support these efforts individually, above and beyond the support that my company provides.
Howard Purcell
Title / Company: President/CEO / New England College of Optometry
Why I Support the OWA
I have had the honor and privilege of working with some incredible leaders and innovators, many of whom are women. I have also observed the unique difficulties and challenges many women face in the workplace. It is clear to me the OWA is doing important and much-needed work to celebrate the current and future contributions of women in the optical industry while focusing on its mission of supporting and promoting the professional development of women involved in all facets of the optical industry.
To all our new INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS:
Thank you for your confidence in the OWA and your belief in supporting
the advancement of women in the optical profession.
