The OWA offers a wide variety of programs to our members. Through these programs, we create an environment where members can build relationships, stay connected, and share experiences and professional advice about the industry. We invite you to participate in any of the programs that interest you and we hope to get to know you better!
Providing networking opportunities is critical to the fulfillment of our overall mission. We are proud to host several events throughout the year that provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information among all levels of the industry. Some events are regional, while our signature events take place each spring in New York alongside Vision Expo East and each fall in Las Vegas alongside Vision Expo West.
Each year, we recognize and honor individuals who have made significant differences for women in the optical industry through our Pleiades Award, Pyxis Award, Emerging Leader Award, Pinnacle Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award. The recipients of these awards are visionaries in our industry and are committed to fostering development of the leadership roles of women.
Our Connection Series Workshops provide forums for OWA members to gather and network while gaining access to information geared toward moving them along their career path. Launched in 2005 — originally as the OWA Professional Optical Women's Workshops, or POWW — this popular event has become an OWA "signature series" overseen by the OWA Events Committee.
Hosted by Carissa Dunphy, ABOC, and Tatiana Stewart, our monthly chats feature influential optical leaders sharing their insights and stories on trending topics that matter. Subscribe to the podcast and listen each month to our latest episode.
The OWA's Fireside Chats are designed to connect OWA members through different business disciplines: Finance, Sales & Marketing, and Professional Development. Each group will meet on a quarterly basis to discuss relevant topics within each discipline and receive monthly communications from the Fireside Chat Leads.