2024 Most Influential Women In Optical OWA Members

This year marks Vision Monday’s 22nd annual Most Influential Women in Optical report. The Vision Monday editors selected 40 women who are honored in five distinct categories: Executive Suite, Rising Stars, Mentors, Innovators and Above & Beyond.

These are women who are continuing to shape the face of our industry from every angle; they are ECPs, executives, sales and marketing professionals, teachers and so much more. But above all, they are women who have had and continue to have profound impacts on the lives and careers of those around them. And they change our industry for the better while doing it... Read Vision Monday’s #MIWO2024 Report

Check out these OWA members who are included in this year’s Vision Monday Most Influential Women in Optical report:

Above and Beyond

Women who have led the way in giving back to the industry, their patients, and their communities.

Kristy Stone

OWA Membership Committee

Director of Member Education, PECAA

Boca Raton, Florida

"Use all experiences as learning opportunities to help you meet and exceed your personal and professional goals. Embrace change and challenges, they help you more than you think. Above all else, be happy in what you do, let pride and passion drive you.”

Tammy Thurston

Director of Customer Service, North America, EssilorLuxottica

Northvale, New Jersey

“Never stop seeking an opportunity to learn. Creating and being the best version of yourself is to ensure you are ready for all opportunities.”

Bonnie Whitfield

OWA Connection & Enrichment Committee

Director, Member Services, The Vision Council

Baker, Florida

“I would advise other women who are trying to build their careers to remember that there will likely always be challenges to overcome. It’s important to never give up on your career goals. Additionally, always be willing to be a student. As an employee and a leader, you can always learn new things to improve, especially with rapid technological advancements.”

Executive Suite

Women who hold positions such as President, VP, CEO, CFO, CIO, or COO.

Kayla Ashlee, ABOC

OWA Digital Marketing Committee

CEO and Co-Founder, Spexy

Boise, Idaho

“My biggest accomplishment is building a culture and team with a reputation for being real, honest, approachable and human. Our authenticity is what sets Spexy apart.”

Becky Fritz

VP, Practice Operations, VSP Ventures

Rancho Cordova, California

“When you do have a seat at the table or the ability to influence, be sure to make space for others to join. Pave the way for future female leaders because there is room for everyone, and teams are made better with diverse perspectives. Above all, be authentic—there is only one you!”

Jennifer Trakhtenberg

OWA Communications & Website Committee

Chief People Officer, Co-Chief Operating Officer,ClearVision Optical Co, Inc.

Hauppauge, New York

“Every single day, I have the chance to share in people’s stories—helping them to be successful, to find a work home where they can thrive, and supporting leaders who genuinely serve others. I have the chance to direct meaningful actions to drive the success of moving our business forward.”

Rising Stars

Women who are ‘up-and-comers’ in their career and companies.

Crystal Anthony, ABOC

Sales Strategy & Planning Manager, Hilco Vision

Kewanee, Illinois

“Find a community that will push you past your comfort zone. Ask for opportunities and stretch roles—don’t wait for them to come to you.”

Premilla Banwait, OD, MPH, FAAO

VP of Clinical Programs, UnitedHealthcare Vison

Minnetonka, Minnesota

“I strive to use data, technology and innovation to develop clinical programs that can evolve with the changing times.”

Cira Collins, ABOC, NCLEC, MPH

OWA Membership Committee

Account Executive, Lafont

Portland, Oregon

“You may suffer from many things, but do not suffer from a crisis of imagination. Fan the flames of what you could do or who you could be. We need you to play bigger than you currently are. And when you finally become the person you want to be, tap others on the shoulder and point them toward their better selves.”

Melissa Parker

Director of Plexus Operations, VSP Vision

Rancho Cordova, California

“When it comes to professional development, find a mentor who has a skill or a strength you want to develop. Then do what they do.”

Mentors

Women who are team builders and developers of talent.

Mylene Emond

Eastern Canada Sales Manager, WestGroupe

Ville Saint-Laurent, Quebec

“Stay informed about what’s happening in the industry, network, seek out tools like training, be confident, seize opportunities, be yourself and don’t be afraid to stand out. Shine!”

Amanda Fruge

VP Sales, Premium Fashion & Luxury, Central Region, EssilorLuxottica

Houston, Texas

“Seek and live your passion, approach everything with an open mind, and believe in yourself. Be open to new challenges, take the step forward when given the opportunity, and never stop learning.”

Christina Jones

Director of Retail Chains & Key Accounts ECP, Hoya Vision Care

Lewisville, Texas

“With all the industry knowledge I’ve gained in my 30-year career, now I get to pay that forward into the new talent on my team as a mentor to each of them.”

Innovators

Women who have initiated new products, programs, or ideas marking success.

Kelly Cai, OD

OWA Communications & Website Committee

Co-Founder & COO, Barti Software, Inc.

San Francisco, California

“Transitioning from patient care to running a high growth software company in the industry has been exciting, challenging, and above all, a real joy.”

Susan Shafer

Director, Global Corporate Communications, VSP Vision

Rancho Cordova, California

“See an opportunity? Take it. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills or knowledge to be successful on day one. Instead, take all that worrisome energy, and: 1) apply it to learning what you ‘think’ you don’t know, 2) surround yourself with smart colleagues who empower you, and 3) focus on the possible right now, not everything that could be or might be.”

Jennifer L. Stewart, OD

OWA Membership Committee

Founder, Look New Canaan

New Canaan, Connecticut

“Find EVERY opportunity you can to connect, engage, ask questions, learn and network. So often the optometric/optical field can be a lonely space—but the real magic happens when you connect with others… I’m honored and thankful for all the friends and connections I have in all parts of the optical industry. It has made me appreciate how many people are out there working to help us be successful. Lastly, don’t do something the same way because that is how it has always been done. Listen to your gut, think differently, and take a chance! You never know what the outcome will be.”

Quotes and images from Vision Monday #MIWO2024