OWA Full Circle Mentorship Program: A Successful First Year Comes Full Circle

As we wrap up the launch year of the OWA Full Circle Mentorship Program, we’re proud to celebrate a year defined by connection, growth, and the power of women supporting women. What began as a vision at the 2023 OWA Unplugged Retreat has transformed into a vibrant mentorship initiative making a measurable impact across the optical industry.

An Engaged Community: Over 30% Participation

One of the most energizing outcomes from our first year is the tremendous level of member engagement. More than 30% of the entire OWA membership participated in the program —an incredible testament to our community’s desire to learn, support, and grow together. This enthusiasm reflects the strength of the OWA culture and the shared commitment to lifting one another up.

Structured Support Across Three Career Stages

The Full Circle program was intentionally designed to meet members where they are by focusing on three key career stages: early career, mid-career, and late career.

Each stage brings unique insights and challenges, and our programming ensured that members found relevant support regardless of where they stand in their professional journey.

This year’s offerings included:

• Mentor Talks geared to early, mid, and late-career topics—providing actionable guidance, inspiration, and real-world strategies.

• Speed Networking events that helped members make new connections, expand their professional circles, and share diverse perspectives.

• A One-on-One mentoring program, matching Mentors and Mentees for personalized support tailored to career stage and goals.

Building Relationships That Matter

The Full Circle Mentorship Program brought together women from across the industry —some new to the field and exploring their paths, others seasoned leaders eager to share their experiences. The gatherings encouraged honest dialogue, strategic career thinking, and supportive connections that often extended well beyond the scheduled sessions.

Participants consistently shared how powerful it was to have space for genuine conversations, guidance, and encouragement within a framework built expressly for women in optical.

A Fun, Rewarding, and Impactful Year

While the program offered structure and strategy, one theme came up repeatedly from participants: it was fun. Events were lively, conversations were energizing, and the sense of community made it easy for members to show up authentically.

We learned so much in this first year — what resonated, what to grow, and how to continue offering a program that is both meaningful and enjoyable.

A Strong Foundation for Year Two and Beyond

This first year marks both a milestone and the starting point for what comes next. With strong engagement, clear demand, and valuable lessons learned, the program is poised to expand and strengthen in Year Two.

More opportunities, more connections, and more ways to support women in optical are already in development.

Our mission remains steadfast: to foster a thriving, empowered community where women can support, inspire, and elevate one another.

Thank You to Everyone Who Took Part

A heartfelt thank-you to the dedicated Full Circle Mentorship sub-Committee, whose creativity, leadership, and commitment shaped this successful launch year: Kristen Tischler, Jackie Janiec, Sarah Beth Mayton, Emilia Flamini, Karen Michaelson, and Co-Leads, Linda Laube and Carla D’Angelo.

Your passion and collaboration brought this program to life — full circle.

Here’s to Year One — impactful, energizing, and community-driven. And here’s to an even brighter Year Two.

Written by: Linda Laube