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2015-2017 — Heather Smith

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Heather Smith

Dear OWA Member,

What an exciting time to be a woman in the optical industry!

I remember walking into the OWA's annual networking event at New York's Javits Center in 2011. My colleague brought me because our friend and colleague, Christie Walker, was receiving the Pleiades Award and we wanted to support her. I knew Christie because when I joined the optical industry in 2006 as VisionWeb's Marketing Coordinator, she supplied some of the content I gathered for our monthly newsletter. For several years, we exchanged monthly emails and that was that (or so I thought!). I always wanted to know Christie better so that I could learn from her. Yet, until I attended her Pleiades Award presentation, I let our monthly emails be the extent of our communication. Today, I call Christie a friend, mentor, and champion.

That event opened up a whole new world to me. After five years in the industry, and a few title changes at VisionWeb, I finally joined the OWA — and dove in head first. I joined the Program Committee, volunteered at events, and started saying "yes" to opportunities, even when I wasn't certain that I was ready for them. I started to develop a tribe by simply getting involved and trying to add value where I could. Before long, I was asked to join the OWA board, and given the incredible opportunity to launch the new Digital Marketing Committee. Shortly after, I was promoted to Director of Marketing at VisionWeb. I refuse to believe that chain of events was a coincidence.

Our tagline is "Connect. Inspire. Lead." I am proof that the organization does this. It connected me with people who help me see my own potential, inspire me to make the most of my career, and mentor me as I develop the leader within myself. As an OWA member, you too have the opportunity to take an active role in carving out your place in the industry by showing others what you can do.

You may hear talk about how I am the youngest OWA President, and while I am both honored and humbled to hold that title, it's not about me. What's most important to recognize is that the OWA is an organization that celebrates its ability to be diverse and progressive and inclusive, welcoming everyone with open arms. Stated simply, the Optical Women's Association walks the talk.

Our Board of Directors is comprised of an incredible group of women — diverse in role, experience, generation, and background. Each embodies the spirit of the OWA founding members and shares their commitment to promoting and enhancing the leadership role of women in the optical industry. As we gathered at Vision Expo West for our strategic planning meeting, the excitement in the room was palpable!

We want you to receive the greatest value from your membership. We want to deliver new programs, in new formats, so that we reach all our members throughout the year, and not only those who attend the major tradeshows. We want our members to feel more engaged than ever, and we want to make this the biggest network of women our industry has ever seen. I know that we can do it, and I know that you can play a role in making it happen.

I'm eager to share the ways we are raising the OWA to new heights this year. I invite you to join us if you aren't already a member, and I challenge you to push yourself and demand the most from your OWA membership.

Heather Smith

Heather Smith
President


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