Updates From OWA Adira Grant Recipients

OWA member-Adira grant recipients are sharing their stories — goals and aspirations, how they used their funding, and how they plan to continue building on the momentum created by the grant. Read on to hear from previous recipients.

Why Did You Apply for the OWA Adira Grant and How Did Receiving This Help You Achieve a Personal or Professional Goal, Break Through a Barrier or Support Your Leadership Journey—and What Changed for You Afterward?

I applied for the OWA Adira Grant to turn a long-standing idea into action: creating a high school outreach program to raise awareness about opticianry as a meaningful and accessible career. Receiving the grant gave me the support and encouragement I needed to move from idea to action. It’s helped me grow not just as a professional, but also as a leader and advocate in the industry with even more commitment to mentoring future opticians and helping grow the profession. -Judy Quinones, LDO, ABOC-AC, NCLE

My Father. He worked as an Optician until he was 93 and in a car accident. This split-second ended his career due to a traumatic brain injury and changed our lives instantly. After 5 years he is now in the late stages of dementia symptoms caused by the TBI. I applied for the grant because I wanted to start raising more dementia awareness for everyone as well as bring it to the surface in our industry. What changed was it made me realize there is a huge need and interest in raising awareness. While this is a big project, the Adira Grant gave me the last push to make it happen.

-Karen Michaelson, ABOC

What Inspired the Specific Way You Chose to Use Your Grant Funding, and How Did it Align With Your Greater Purpose or Mission?

I actually haven't used all my funding yet — I am using it to help me develop a platform, plan and re-brand my website and mission. I am truly using each penny in a thought-out way to make sure is utilized to create success.

-Karen Michaelson, ABOC

My work as an optician, educator, and advocate has shown me that many young people simply don’t know opticianry is even a career option. While teaching, I saw how many students were unsure about their future or didn’t know where to begin. I wanted to help change that by offering hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities that introduce them to our field early on. This ties directly into my goal of strengthening the profession by encouraging and preparing the next generation.

-Judy Quinones, LDO, ABOC-AC, NCLE

Can You Describe a Moment During Your Grant Journey When You Felt Most Empowered—and What That Taught You About Yourself?

I felt most empowered when the vision for the outreach program started coming together and I could clearly see its potential impact. That moment reminded me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers but believing in your purpose and moving forward with intention. It gave me more confidence in my voice and reminded me that taking initiative matters just as much as the final outcome.

-Judy Quinones, LDO, ABOC-AC, NCLE

SO many people have come up to me and have hugged me, thanked me and see the big need for this awareness campaign in our industry. I have had numerous conversations with people who are going through this with their loved ones and even staff in their office. Someone said to me "I do not know exactly what you are up to, but I see a fire and I know something is going on. I am here to support you and when you are ready to engage, let me know." This was pivotal because of who it was and the business and strategies she has built.

-Karen Michaelson, ABOC

What Were Some of the Challenges That You Experienced Along the Way, and How Did You Overcome Them?

I am my biggest fan and challenge; I have to get out of my own way. Imposter syndrome is real and while I still face it a bit every day, I am working through it. It is not what I do not know, it is what I know and commanding the room, conversation or situation to help people understand what dementia is NOT and how they can affect with positive actions. My heart is strong and it is leading the way and pushing my brain and thoughts aside to be able to accomplish every day. Also, realizing I cannot fix everything, do it all and to stay focused on a couple areas that really focus on awareness and feelings.

-Karen Michaelson, ABOC

Bringing any new idea to life comes with its challenges — balancing priorities, shaping the message, and making sure each step supports the bigger picture. One of the biggest challenges has been managing logistics — like coordinating with schools, finding the right contacts, and aligning schedules. I also had to find simple, effective ways to explain the value of opticianry to people who aren’t familiar with the field. I leaned on my network, asked for guidance when I needed it, and stayed focused on the impact I wanted to make.

-Judy Quinones, LDO, ABOC-AC, NCLE

Looking Ahead, How do You Plan to Continue Building on the Momentum Created by the Adira Grant—and What Legacy do You Hope to Leave Behind?

I plan to keep growing the outreach program by building new partnerships, developing more resources, and reaching more students and educators. I also hope to involve other opticians who are passionate about mentoring, so the impact can go beyond just me. My goal is to leave behind a legacy of awareness and access — a stronger pathway for future opticians who see this profession not just as a job, but as a way to serve others and a launching pad to a world of opportunity.

-Judy Quinones, LDO, ABOC-AC, NCLE

I joined forces with a gerontologist (which is another amazing story of how all this is transforming) and we launched the Dementia Lifeboat — an on line platform for EVERYONE! We have guest speakers, years of living, working and dementia awareness focus. Increasing exposure for the platform is crucial — I want a grass roots movement and to make a difference in this space. I do not need recognition; I need my voice to be heard so that the people that are dealing with dementia symptoms and those that work with them in eye care become dementia aware and develop skills to better serve. Basically, I need a mountain to stand on to spread this to as many as possible and bring them on board. With over 100 different causes of dementia symptoms, it is a terrible and increasing issue and the more that know about how to deal with what is happening will make the world better. I have never sought attention for years in the industry, things I have done or accomplished, that is not me. Now that is what I need to do — seek that attention in any way that I can to deliver this message to the masses anywhere and everywhere. Any platform, person, stage, room or corner that I can get in to and build this is what I want. I also have a book deal that I decided to write 5 years ago. The topic has changed and now I know what it needs to be. The story is coming to life and flowing which brings me great joy and hope that it inspires others.

-Karen Michaelson, ABOC

Learn more about how the Optical Women's Association recognizes and honors individuals who have made significant differences for women in the optical industry.