Las Vegas is a city known for magic, and this year's OWA events certainly had their fair share of magical moments. There is always something special about this group of women and our wonderful supporters coming together to support the goal of enhancing the leadership of women in the optical industry. As the OWA continues to grow and flourish, we can't help but look back to our founding members and all of the support they have had along the way. The success of the OWA is a fabric woven together with passion, vision, connection, inspiration, an unyielding belief in our mission, and just a touch of the magic that is Vision Expo.
You may click on any photograph to download a high-resolution version. There are two albums below: one for Girl Bosses: Optical Industry Entrepreneurs, and a second album for the Networking Reception and Raffle.
The OWA's Connection Series event "Girl Bosses: Optical Industry Entrepreneurs" featured Moderator, Christie Walker; Dr. Ann Rea Miller (Visual Eyes); Corianna Dotson and Brianna Dotson, founders of the sunglass brand Coco and Breezy; Corinne McCormack, founder of Corinne McCormack, Inc.; Jessica Butler (Eye Power Kids Wear); and Kristin Ellsworth (Peeps Eyewear).
This diverse panel of optical girl bosses shared their stories and insights based on the featured book #GirlBoss.
With over 100 attendees, every seat was taken at the OWA's Connection Series event, and the event was streamed live.
Corinne McCormack said that "People think you have to be young to start a business and that isn't true. There are no rules. Create your own rules and game and follow your heart."
Coco and Breezy shared that "being and entrepreneur is about how you turn a negative into a positive"
Christie Walker was presented with a gift to commemorate her retirement and years of service to the OWA. She will be missed!
The photo booth was a popular stop during the Friday Night Networking Reception and Raffle. Check out #OWAlovesvegas for more photos.
Raffle ticket sales were at an all-time high, in part because of our new membership drive!
Congratulations to all the raffle prize winners!
OWA board members had a chance to capture the moment. Not pictured: Katherine Allen.