I am very excited to take on this new role as president of the Optical Women's Association. It is both an honor and privilege to lead the OWA, and I am grateful to work with such talented peers who are committed to the future growth of the OWA. I would also like to thank Heather Smith, past president, for her leadership and vision during her tenure.
I believe the OWA is at the tipping point as we continue to build momentum with new sponsors, new programs, and expanded membership opportunities. There is a tremendous opportunity for the OWA to reach new heights and enhance the value we offer to our members and sponsors.
We will continue to be steadfast in our approach to our mission and strategic plan of value, accessibility, engagement, and expansion, while building on the foundation that exists today.
Finally, I will rely on our board members and committee members to forge ahead with passion, commitment, and motivation to represent one of the best associations in our industry today.
Together we can accomplish great things!
Maureen Cavanagh
OWA President
Vision Expo West is always a special show. Somehow the lights seem just a little brighter, and the atmosphere more electric. Perhaps it's the darkness of the desert at night, or maybe, just maybe, there is a little magic to be found in Las Vegas. The OWA event lineup for this year's show is impressive, starting with the Connection Series Event, Girl Bosses, a panel discussion featuring a variety of incredibly talented and ambitious women (also the very first OWA event to be available via live-streaming); and topping off our time in Las Vegas with an exciting Networking Event gala filled with fun, laughter, and a raffle with dazzling prizes thanks to our many generous sponsors. Enjoy these special event "pre-VEWs", and we hope to see many of you there!
OWA Welcomes Two New Board Members
Christie Walker, Nominating Committee Co-Chair
The Optical Women's Association welcomes Debra Bulken of Luxottica, and Lorinda Fraboni of Walman Optical, as its newest board members.
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OWA Connection Series Event at Vision Expo West — Girl Bosses: Optical Industry Entrepreneurs
Tiara Claxton, Program Committee Co-Chair
If you've ever thought of being your own "Girl Boss", this OWA Connection Series event in Las Vegas is a must-attend. Even if you are not your own girl boss, you'll walk away with valuable insights that will inspire, inform and educate anyone in business, whether for themselves or others.
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OWA Networking Reception and Raffle Event at Vision Expo West
Lorie L. Lippiatt, OD, Professional Development Fund Committee Chair
The Annual Networking and Raffle Event will take place on the Red Carpet. Be sure to check out many of the fabulous raffle items given by our generous Professional Development Sponsors!
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OWA Connection Series: Join Us for a Live Stream of Girl Bosses: Optical Industry Entrepreneurs
Jenn Jackson, Program Committee Co-Chair
The OWA is excited to announce that we will be live streaming the Connection Series event Girl Bosses: Optical Industry Entrepreneurs at Vision Expo West. What's so great is that OWA members who aren't attending Vision Expo West can absolutely join us and benefit from this event through live streaming via the free Periscope app!
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Optical Women's Association (OWA) and the POWER OF ONE!
Lorinda Fraboni, Membership Committee Co-Chair
The OWA Membership Committee is launching a new campaign called the POWER OF ONE. We're asking each member to invite ONE person to join before Vision Expo West.
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A Tribute to Christie Walker
Katherine Allen, Communications Committee Chair, and Marge Axelrad
Attempting to orchestrate a proper sendoff to someone who has had such an impact on so many lives, an industry, and the OWA organization in particular, was truly challenging. Below are some words that we wanted to share with our membership and with Christie Walker to celebrate her amazing contributions.
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Welcome New OWA Members!
Michelle Schroeder, OWA Associate Executive Director
The OWA membership continues to grow! We are happy to welcome these 85 new members since the July 2016 newsletter.
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