Spring Reflections: Exploring the OWA's Archive

OWA
2 hours ago
4 min read

Founded in 1997, the OWA has years of content from our members! If you haven't logged in recently, here's a preview of what you're missing!

One Minute Inspirations

Member only content, must be logged in to read

Enthusiastically Introverted

Written by member Jennifer Trakhtenberg, April 15, 2025

Daring to embrace brave moments, I've boldly shown up more frequently, quieting the shy younger version of myself. Opportunities to network, inclusion in optical social gatherings, trips to new places — all exciting and in some ways a tad scary. As the talent officer of a thriving business, I meet, connect, scout, and present daily on behalf of the organization. How can this introverted, timid teen now be a visible vision leader? Read more

The Little Things Are the Big Things

Written by member Kristen Tischler, March 1, 2024

How is it already March? 2024 is flying by and life is as chaotic as ever. Trying to balance being a wife, a pregnant mom, a busy professional, and keeping the house in order . . . . I am running a million miles per hour just trying to get through each day. But aren't we all in our own way? We're overstimulated, overworked, and often operating on fumes. Where's the recharging station? Read More

Be a Sponge: Adopting a Learning Mindset

Written by member Erika Plank, April 1, 2023

"Mom, you know what?" "Mom, can I tell you something?" This is how 80% of the conversations with my son start these days, usually followed by a handful of facts he has learned about an animal, historical moment, holiday, public figure, or any other topic that is new that day. At six years old, his brain is like a sponge and he's so eager to share everything he learns! I'll be honest, I've even learned a thing or two from what he's shared. Read more

Time to Take Care of Me!

Written by member Katherine Cruz, March 1, 2022

As the business world around us changes daily — companies merging, buying, closing, and acquiring — it's not easy to stay focused when worrying in the back of your mind, "Will my position be eliminated?" So many thoughts causing so much stress . . . . "How will I handle it if my job goes away? What will I do? I'm too old to find another position . . . ." Read more

Blog Articles

Mindful Growth

Written by member Maria Petruccelli, May 23, 2025

Do you ever have a song pop into your head when you least expect it? I get that little explosion of memory, and sometimes, along with the song, I’ll suddenly think of someone I haven’t seen in years or recall a memory I couldn’t conjure up on demand if I tried. That happened to me last week, but instead of a song, it was a book: Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. The title struck me when I first heard it back in university, a time when I thought I was really learning the important stuff — getting ‘ready’ for adulting. Read more

What’s Shared At An OWA Past-Presidents’ Retreat? Friendship, Trust, Unbreakable Bonds And A Lotta Fun!

Written by member Marge Axelrad, May 31, 2024

It’s a privilege for me to let you know about something special that happened just over one month ago. It was the kind of event that simultaneously represented the past, gave a big hug to the present and signaled the power of what the OWA in the future can continue to represent for those who elect to take part in it. Read more

Podcasts

Yang Yang, Bausch + Lomb

May 5, 2025

In this episode, we are joined by Yang Yang, President, Vision Care at Bausch + Lomb, who shares her experiences throughout her 11+ years in the eye care industry, wisdom she learned throughout her career, and advice for others to grow their careers and leadership opportunities. Yang Yang also provides insights on mentorship, how travel can enrich your role, and her hopes for the future of eye care. Listen

The OWA’s Digital Marketing Committee

May 27, 2024

This month's visitors are three chairpersons from the Digital Marketing Committee, who provide us with insider knowledge on their committee's inner workings. Kerri Ann Raimo, Reagan Colpitts, and Kayla Ashlee detail how their committee serves the OWA by connecting authentically through digital channels, what members may not know, and how YOU can help improve the OWA's social presence. Listen

Newsletter Articles

The Quarantine Chronicles: OWA BOD's Share Survival Tips

May, 2020

The OWA's Board of Directors share their best, most supportive survival strategies for mind and body during the Covid-19 crisis and its time of social distancing and stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders. Fitness, reading, self-care, pet life, cooking, and family topics are discussed. Read more

First Annual Champagne Breakfast is a Success

Written by member Karen A. Michaelson, April, 2015

The Optical Women's Association kicked off Vision Expo East 2015 with their first annual Champagne Breakfast honoring women leaders. The sold out event was the perfect way to celebrate the accomplishments of our two star award honorees, Maureen Cavanagh and Amy Spiezio, and then wrap it all up with an intimate conversation with industry leader Holly Rush. Read more

OWA Introduces the Pyxis Award

March, 2010

The OWA is proud to introduce the Pyxis Award (pronounced pik-sis). Maintaining the celestial theme, Pyxis is a constellation in the southern sky and known as "The Compass". The Pyxis Award will be presented to a member of the OWA who actively participates in the organization and promotes the OWA throughout the optical industry, contributing to OWA's continuing growth. Read more