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.
Contribution of: $1,000 & Over
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.
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!
Contribution of: $500 to $749
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?
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?
Bart Foster
Title / Company: Bart Foster Founder & CEO / BusinessOutside; Founder / 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 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!
Contribution of: $250 to $499
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.
Debra 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.
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.
Katie Lauver
Title / Company: Chief Revenue Officer / GPN Technologies
Why I Support the OWA
As a female in the optometry industry, there is no organization I would rather support than the OWA. The OWA promotes the growth of women through their mission: to connect, inspire and lead. With luncheons, networking events, workshops, inspirational articles, podcasts and awards produced each year, the OWA shows women in this industry that with hard work and mentorship, anything is possible. I'm proud to be an individual contributor of the OWA, as I know my contribution will go to support the females in this industry to reach their goals. An organization filled with powerhouse women and amazing resources, there is an opportunity for everyone to rise up and become the leader they want to be. The OWA has a huge place in my heart, and I'm happy to support their efforts with my contribution.
Lorie L. 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.
Matthew MacDonald
Title / Company: President / EyeMed
Why I Support the OWA
The OWA's commitment to supporting, developing, and celebrating women continues to be such a positive beacon in the optical industry. What truly captivated me is how the OWA balances celebrating the incredible women leaders in the optical industry while also challenging the status quo to create an even brighter future. Through their members, they provide networking, education, and peer support to thousands of women each year. As an individual contributor, I am proud to support the OWA and honor the talents, passion, and diversity of the women empowering amazing eyecare.
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.
Contribution of: $150 to $249
Ric Peralta
Title / Company: Optician, Sole Creator / OpticalJedi
Why I Support the OWA
The optical industry is driven by amazing women, often behind the scenes. My hope is to draw more of these women to join this amazing, empowering group to connect them to a community of like-minded individuals.
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.