Dear OWA Member,
Fifteen years ago, I had only been in the optical industry seven months when I was asked to help create an organization for women. I was so lost and overwhelmed by all the industry acronyms — AOA, AAO, OAO (They sounded like the song the Wizard of Oz guards sing on their way to the witch's castle.) — I wondered why they would want me. I felt like I had fallen into the Land of Oz and I didn't have any ruby slippers to get me safely home. While I didn't know AR from UV, or a PAL from a Flat Top 28, I did understand the importance of having a nurturing place for women to come together, help one another, and share experiences. I remember thinking, "If I need this kind of organization, then others probably need it, too." So I jumped in with both feet and have never looked back. Because I was such a newbie to the industry, for many years I stayed in the background, being a worker bee on various committees. Through the years, I volunteered to take on numerous tasks, worked on a number of committees, and finally joined the board. This year I take the reins as president. Heaven help us all!
As one of the founding members of the Optical Women's Association, I've been along for the entire trip, and to quote The Grateful Dead, "what a long, strange trip it's been." From being called "the old broad's association" to some other unpleasant names, to being a well-respected organization within the optical community, the Optical Women's Association has grown, blossomed, and continues to evolve. This year, we have an influx of new board members who are already bringing fresh ideas and energy to the association. Being one of the "old broads," I really appreciate their enthusiasm and can-do attitude.
One of the first things you'll notice going forward will be a refreshment of our brand. After 15 years, we felt we needed a bit of a facelift. So the rebranding committee has been hard at work polling members and non-members to find out what people think about who we are and what they want us to be. The first result of this new project is a change to our tagline from "Women of Vision" to "Connect. Inspire. Lead."
Our purpose is to CONNECT you with other women, and men, in the industry who can help you in your career. We do this through our events, workshops, and mentoring programs. We strive to INSPIRE you with programs that showcase the accomplishments of other women; our One-Minute Inspiration e-blasts; our monthly subscription to FastCompany; and our annual inspirational book. We hope to LEAD by example and help you do the same. You'll notice the new tagline popping up all over the place, soon to be followed by a new look and feel to our website and all of our marketing materials. The rebranding will be a visual change, but there are other changes in store as well, including new ways to connect, be inspired, and to exercise your leadership skills, so stay tuned.
After 15 years, I've finally stepped up to take a leadership role. I would not have been able to do this without the nurturing support of the women of the Optical Women's Association. I encourage you to join our ranks and see how becoming a member of this amazing organization can change your life as well.
Christie Walker
President