The results of the October 2024 Leadership Scholarship nominations are in! The  Leadership Scholarship Award  recognizes OWA members who have served the OWA with their dedicated committee work and strong commitment to growing leadership roles for women in the optical industry. These grants are used for professional and personal development of the recipients who were nominated by other OWA members. Many thanks go to our OWA  Individual Contributors , whose donations help make these scholarships possible. Congratulations To The 2024 Recipients: Mikki Collins , OWA Digital Marketing Committee (Safilo)   Judy Quinones , OWA Membership Committee (LensCrafters) Bonnie Whitfield , OWA Connection & Enrichment Committee (The Vision Council)   The OWA’s Platinum Sponsors are also eligible to select an exceptional female employee who shows promise, dedication, and drive to also receive a Leadership Scholarship. Additionally, Scholarship Recipients Through Platinum Sponsors: Natalie Ekmekchian , Brand Associate (De Rigo REM)  Jill Eldridge , Regional Sales Director (ClearVision)  Shellie Fahy , 3Os Regional Sales Manager (Safilo)  Meghan Jeffords , National Accounts Manager (Advancing Eyecare)  Kaitlin Jenkins , Global Sales Operations & Logistics (Zyloware)  Ally Kamelhar , Senior Content Specialist, Eyewear Communications (VSP Vision)  Patty Ledford , Data Integrity Manager (GPN Technologies)  Jenni Makher , Manager, Commercial Strategy & Business Development (Thelios)  Nicole McCentee , Director of Key Accounts (EssilorLuxottica)  Cristina Mystkowski , Director of Business Development (EssilorLuxottica)  Janetta Porter , Senior Director of Contact Lens Merchandising (National Vision)  Johanna Showfety , Senior Vision Care Territory Manager (Bausch + Lomb) Valued at up to $2,000 each, these grants will be used to provide professional mentoring opportunities to each recipient. This continues to promote and support the OWA’s founding principles of connecting, inspiring, and leading women in the optical industry. Congratulations, awardees!

What does it really mean to network? Is it keeping your social media profiles up to date and accepting new connections? Is it pushing away your shy side and introducing yourself to someone at a function? In truth, networking encompasses a lot of things, and if elevating your career is important to you (and if it’s not, stop reading!), networking in the eye care industry, or any industry, can open new doors and opportunities. Networking the right way, however, takes time and a well thought out plan. Find Your Yoda Whether you work for a large frame manufacturer or a small optometrist office, there is probably a co-worker you admire--that person who shies away from petty gossip and wants to help and mentor less experienced co-workers. Internal networking can build life-long friendships and bring opportunities. The Yoda in the office is one who teaches and encourages you to be mindful, patient, and to learn from others’ successes and failures. Ask And You Shall Receive We all know that person who joins every Facebook group or goes to that next self-help seminar — and that’s not a bad thing. For mindful people, self-improvement is a journey that lasts a lifetime, but finding external organizations, like the OWA, that believe in helping women in the optics industry succeed, makes it all the better. The Optical Women’s Association has live and virtual events , including Fireside Chats , that meet you where you’re at and are a  great opportunity to "gather, network, and grow—personally and professionally”. You’d be surprised at how many powerful women CEOs and board members who are willing and excited to talk with you. Pro-tip for meeting people: everyone likes to talk about themselves, have a handful of questions in your back pocket and ask someone about their career journey: How did you get into the optical industry? As a female leader, what have you learned? What would you go back in time and tell your early career self? Have those go-to questions ready so you can learn from others and when you listen, not only will you learn, but you’ll probably be remembered by someone who could one day advance your career. If funds are a concern, speak up! Most larger companies and many smaller companies are willing to pay for events and classes that help their employees grow professionally. Grow Socially, The Right Way LinkedIn can be a very useful networking channel if you know how to use it — people participate on LinkedIn for different reasons. Some people use it for thought leadership and some read and write about topics they are passionate about. Connection requests can be tempting but accepting them every time can lead you down a digital rabbit hole. Only accept connection requests if they are a valuable person to have in your network. Ask yourself, "how will this connection benefit me and my career?” Be purposeful in your connections or your feed will be cluttered with posts that have nothing to do with you or your industry. Facebook still has a strong presence and is a favorite among opticians. Joining other professionals on closed Facebook or LinkedIn groups or starting a group of your own can also be of value. Like any social platform that comes along, you should be selective. Instagram is a good place to grow your professional brand and connect with the optics community. Going old school doesn’t hurt either — most cities, big and small, have a Chamber of Commerce — which is another great way to network and find people with similar career interests. Volunteer It’s often hard to carve out time to volunteer to industry trade organizations or local charities, but volunteering is a natural way to grow connections because it’s built on a common purpose. Find a cause you care about, and you’ll find there are thousands of organizations that can use help. When you volunteer, you meet people who share your passion and that’s a connection worth much more than a few hours of time every month. If you don’t know where to start, Volunteer Match  is a good place to find opportunities in your local town. Network With A Purpose Someone smart once said, "the opposite of net-working is not-working.” This of course is not entirely true, but if growing your career is important to you, networking is essential. However, it’s not one avenue or one space. Start early and be open-minded to different opportunities and events. If you’re a student, make alumni connections on social media, and you’ll find you have more in common than you think. Networking with a purpose will pay off in the long run, and one day you may find yourself as a CEO mentoring someone brave enough to introduce themselves to you. Written by M.A. Giorgio

Knowledge-sharing fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing us to learn from one another's experiences and insights. This exchange of information not only promotes personal growth but also contributes to the collective intelligence of a community and provides inspiration for one's future.   As someone who values both learning and sharing, I decided to gather leadership advice to share with OWA Connects readers — from whom I look up to — those I learn from and admire on a daily basis. This panel of executives has extensive experience in the eye care industry, and across various pillars of a business — not to mention, these four leaders hold a combined 28 years of OWA Membership!   Meet the executives, who I am proud to call my own, from Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA):   Stephanie Lucas, Chief Marketing Officer Sara Campbell, Executive VP of Membership Laura Dorris, Executive VP & General Manager of Strategic Sales Diane John, Executive VP & General Manager of Marketing   On Skills… Looking back, what most prepared you for your role as ‘chief’? A number of factors contributed to my preparation for a leadership role — actively working to understand all aspects of my business environment and not just my area of responsibility, developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence, and generally remaining curious and open-minded — but my single biggest influence was observing and learning from leaders I had along my career path. I am grateful to have worked under excellent leaders, some of whom became mentors. Watching their decision-making processes, communication and interpersonal styles helped me craft my approach to assuming a leadership role. -Stephanie Lucas As people evolve in their eye care career, what areas of expertise do you see that have the most need ? As people grow in their eye care careers, having strong interpersonal communication skills is key. Eye care professionals need to explain complex ideas about eye health and treatments in a way that everyone can understand. This helps patients feel more comfortable and informed about their choices. Being able to communicate well with doctors, teammates, and vendors ensures that everyone is on the same page and provides the best care possible. Cultural competence is increasingly important. Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds of patients and coworkers clearer understanding and fewer misunderstandings as well while strengthening relationships and creating a positive work environment. Good communication helps build trust and makes sure that everyone feels valued and understood. Developing strong communication skills can really help eye care professionals connect with patients, work better with their teams, and grow in their career. -Sara Campbell On Change… How have you learned to embrace change and what is your advice to those who dislike change? Given that life itself is a ‘change journey,’ I have found it invaluable to develop a habit of being intentional about identifying opportunities inherent in ‘good’ change and reframing ‘bad/neutral’ change in terms of possibilities. On the flip side, I believe what we often overlook is that our ability to proactively ‘be the first domino’ of positive change in our relationships and sphere of influence is just as important as how we react to the change that comes our way. -Diane John How has your leadership evolved as you advanced in your career? I believe (hope) that my leadership style has evolved to become more strategic, collaborative, and adaptable as I have matured in my career. In earlier phases of my career, I recall being more focused on managing processes and day to day matters. Now, I strive to place greater emphasis on big picture goals and empowering team members as they hone their skills and find their path to fulfillment. -Stephanie Lucas On Support… As a leader, how do you best provide continued support for your team? As a leader, it is so important to spend time 1-1 with your team. We have weekly Teams calls to connect and catch up to celebrate wins and talk through obstacles, as well as provide any company updates or changes in the pipeline. We set yearly goals and often check in to see how team members are pacing with individual goals. We review priorities and discuss any extra support or adjustments that might be needed in a changing environment. Our weekly time is also so important to allow everyone to feel heard and have a voice. -Laura Dorris Did/do you have any professional mentors? What advice do you have about having an outside perspective on navigating your future? Yes, I have been fortunate to have champions/mentors throughout my career, whose wise counsel has been invaluable, both when their advice and guidance was what I wanted to hear and when it wasn’t. I believe it’s important to select mentors who are sufficiently objective to provide crucial feedback and to help shine a light on issues that you may be too close to see. -Stephanie Lucas On Developing… How did your clinical experience prepare you for your role in leadership? My clinical experience helped me become a better leader in a few important ways. First, it gave me a better understanding of what patients need and how teams work together. Working directly with patients helped me develop empathy and communication skills, which are important for being an effective leader. I also learned how important it is to work together and how different team members can contribute their own skills and ideas. Leading a team means guiding others while also appreciating everyone’s unique strengths. My clinical background showed me how to encourage discussions, solve problems, and build trust among team members. Finally, facing challenges in a clinical setting improved my problem-solving skills. I learned how to think critically and make decisions when things get tough, which are key traits for any leader. -Sara Campbell What have you enjoyed most/has been most impactful for your own professional development? The importance of understanding and leveraging the concept of ‘unique abilities’ — my own set of natural talents and passions that motivate me. Instead of striving to improve in areas in which I may feel inadequate, realizing that I have the greatest opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways and achieve extraordinary results when I focus on what I love to do and do best. -Diane John What are your most beneficial takeaways from serving on the OWA Board of Directors? I absolutely loved serving on the OWA Board of Directors for 7+ years. I initially had imposter syndrome, but felt so welcomed by the group. I learned so much in this role and I was so inspired to work alongside the other board members. The level of respect and passion we all had for the group and growing OWA was our true guiding light. It was a joy to witness the huge growth and impact the OWA has had on the industry over the last decade, and beyond. The best part of board service was meeting some lifelong friends along the way! I encourage others to get involved with an OWA committee. Everyone is welcome, and you get back so much more than you give. -Laura Dorris Much appreciation to each interviewee for taking the time to share their knowledge and experiences with OWA readers.  In closing, I leave you with the most recommended leadership or professional development books,  from these fantastic leaders : Stephanie: Supercommunicators , by Charles Duhigg Sara:  Dare to Lead , by Brené Brown Laura: Radical Candor , by Kim Scott Diane: Think Like a Rocket Scientist: Simple Strategies You Can Use to Make Giant Leaps in Work and Life , by Ozan Varol What was your favorite take-away from this article? Let us know in the comments below!   Interviews performed and written by:   Carissa Dunphy , PECAA Digital Marketing Associate

When I think back to the most influential teams I’ve been on, there’s one consistent identifier – they were made up of strong individuals. It wasn’t an assertive manager who drove things forward, but rather a passionate team of unique personalities who cared about the quality and creativity of their work. Every one of us brings distinct background and real-life experience that can’t be replicated (by AI or anyone else). Some ways to develop a team of resolved individuals into one unified team, whether for sports or work, are to identify skills  and diversify . Differences should be leveraged and celebrated! Once you have your team, the next step is to establish trust  amongst yourselves. If teammates don’t feel that they can have open, honest dialogue with their leadership and each other, than quality of work will be quickly stifled. Think back to a time you’ve had an exciting “Aha!” moment. Did you share those ideas with your boss? Or were you too afraid? What about your team? The way we react to fresh ideas (whether implemented or not) says a lot about the strength of a group. Establishing open dialogue is key. Another aspect of successful collaboration is  providing teams with the tools they need to succeed . While this will look different from group to group, and even person to person, ensuring that there are methods in place is imperative. Some tips for this are to ask – What do you need to do your job better? How can leadership better support you? What are some paint points you’ve been experiencing? Setting goals  that everyone is aligned with is imperative to success. If that is not defined, teams won’t know what they should be aiming for; likely leading to chaos, stress and misunderstanding. With established objectives, this will help the team brainstorm more effectively and work as one entity. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your success ! Both individual contributions and wholistic tactics that led to achievement should be acknowledged. Positive reinforcement is often an under-looked aspect of building strong teams, but it’s one that can have great impact. On hard weeks when stress levels are high, teams who recognize that their hard work isn’t going unnoticed are far more likely to keep striving and not burn out. With these tips in mind, enjoy an aligned effort from your team towards your goals. Happy collaborating! Written by Alyssa Worley

This past year I have been on a journey, working to expand my network, experimenting with different ways to grow both personally and professionally. I started simply with LinkedIn, following interesting people, engaging in topics and conversations, while sending a few invites here and there. It was a place to start but I soon found it to be a community as fragmented as my numerous interests, and honestly not entirely meaningful in a way that builds individual relationships. This led me to wonder — is it possible to move from networking to real connection? To me, networking  is making a contact, like I might at an event saying, " Hi I'm Maria and I work in marketing" versus connecting  with an individual by saying, " I am struggling with aspects of my role and really need some perspective." Connection requires a level of trust. A woman in my developing network suggested that I join an OWA committee . They felt that it could help me to meet regularly, with a defined group that was driven by purpose. A few weeks later I joined the Communications & Website Committee, writing and editing blog posts. That set me up with a more in depth and now working relationship with professional women, united by our contributions to the same project. I was starting to feel the satisfaction of shared purpose with the group, but it still lacked the substance of individual connection. At that time, the annual OWA Unplugged Retreat was nearing. Could I commit to a weekend away, that would put me square into a group of professional women in the industry, devoid of digital distractions, work messages and family obligations? I would have no idea of who would attend or if I knew any of them (I did not). However, there comes a point in any journey that you likely need to make a choice to try something new, uncomfortable, or unexpected to move forward. Not every step is easy. This one was a leap for me. I have little retreat experience unless I counted summer camp as a pre-teen. Attending the OWA Unplugged Retreat  turned out to be the catalyst that moved me from networking to connecting. My apprehension quickly dissolved as I met other women attending who were from all facets of the industry, all ages, and all levels of experience. This brought rich and diverse perspectives as we spent the weekend together. View the full hi-res gallery from the 2024 OWA Unplugged Retreat Discussing our stories, gaining insights and ideas from others, sharing our aspirations, and airing our fears, solidified my belief that people thrive with community. It is out of the positive communities you surround yourself with that can come inspiration, new and unexpected connections and a level of confidence that was previously unattainable. View the full hi-res gallery from the 2024 OWA Unplugged Retreat As the weekend wrapped up, I realized that I had established connections with many of the women — not just because I attended the retreat, but because true connection requires a level of both trust and surrender. You have to be willing to offer a part of your ideas, your experiences, and to a certain degree — your comfort, so that others can see past the surface and peer deeper into your values and feel community themselves. Connection is not something that you simply get by virtue of being with others, rather it is the result of individuals committed to both giving and receiving without the pressure to conform and sacrifice their authentic selves. Connection was my reason for attending — I am sure others had their own reasons. What would your reason be, and would you commit to attending? If so, maybe we will connect next year. I am looking forward to it. Written by: Maria Petruccelli

Connect and engage with fellow members by sharing your experiences, celebrating personal milestones, revealing your skills in various areas and diving into all things optical and beyond! The brand-new Community Corner features: Milestone Moments Celebrate your fellow OWA members via this dedicated space for member highlights and spotlights, featuring personal and professional updates that showcase our community’s successes! Mingle & Meetups Are you looking to connect with your fellow OWA sisters? Jump into our Mingles & Meetups hub to learn how to schedule a Coffee Connection chat with other OWA members!   Creativity Corner Discover a collective of member-submitted inspirational quotes, thoughtful book recommendations, delectable recipes, and more. Skill Swap Studio Learn from our members! Explore a diverse range of videos, generously recorded by our members, offering valuable insights and practical skills on various topics. Get A Preview Here: Share Your Knowledge! To keep the Community Corner updated with fresh content from within the optical industry, we need your contributions! Join the conversation by contributing to the Community Corner — we would love to hear from you! Submit a remarkable personal or professional announcement , a delicious recipe , an inspiring quote , a skill-share video , a book recommendation , or details about an upcoming event  in the personal or professional development space.   Log in to the Members Only section on the website, click into the 'Community Corner' and look for the white Submit Your Content  button! Submit your content for the Community Corner!

As I sit in my office, juggling branding initiatives and brainstorming new marketing ideas, an early career moment comes to mind. An old boss once told me I’d never reach a high level role until much later in life. He was over 50 and a Director solely because another person left our department and the company needed additional work help.  He believed any promotion into a high level role should not be given to millennials, as he clung to outdated stereotypes that millennials were non-ambitious or entitled. But my story, like many others, prove just how misguided these millennial assumptions are. I became a Manager at 30, a Director by 33, and a VP at 39, all within the same company. These milestones weren’t handed to me. They were earned through hard work, dedication, a work ethic learned from watching my boomer mother run her own successful business and the belief someone else had in my potential. Throughout my career growth, my free time and evenings were spent working on my passion projects. I freelanced as a side hustle, obtained my personal training and other fitness certifications, sat on a board for 6 years, while also co-chairing and chairing that same board AND becoming a mother to our miracle child (via IVF after YEARS of infertility). Despite what others think, Millennials DO like to work. We thrive on it. I think we get a bad wrap because we’re really good at our jobs (sometimes to a fault). We’re also so good at our jobs, we know how to balance our time and do it well. We cherish our time away and we understand the value of taking time to recharge and connect with the people who matter most. Now, I want to emphasize that this doesn’t mean we don’t care about our work or take advantage of our jobs. We care so much, we might even check in when we’re away because we are very dedicated individuals who want to see our projects succeed; despite the stereotypes.  You must also not forget, Millennials have navigated a rapidly changing world, spanning from the shift to a digital world and the challenges of a global pandemic. We’ve done this while balancing multiple jobs, starting our own businesses and much more, proving that we are adaptable. This balance between working hard and living well makes us more focused, more driven, and better at our jobs.   So, the next time you hear someone dismiss millennials as lazy, ask them to think again. We’re the generation redefining balance and diligence. We’re innovators and extremely resilient and that’s something everyone should be proud of. Written by: Tracey Esser

After many months, tons of meetings, passionate brainstorming and dedicated work, the OWA’s new website is live, and we couldn’t be more excited!  As we were tasked by our fearless leader and OWA President, Lorie Lippiatt to “imagine” the future of the OWA, I knew a new website was in order.  We’ve grown a lot over the past few years, and an updated look is exactly what we needed to go hand-in-hand with the ideas that are brewing for this collective.  We wanted to bring you a website with a modern look, more engagement opportunities, and easier navigability.  If you haven’t been able to peruse the website yet, let me give you a quick overview of what you’ll find and what’s to come:  Our Navigation Bar The first thing you’ll notice is a cleaner navigation menu.  We wanted to make it easy for you to locate exactly what you need.  We paired the menu down to six tabs, archived information that is dated, and added pages to highlight what we feel and have heard is the most important for both our current members and prospects.   Under the “ Who We Are ” tab you will find information about the organization such as our mission and vision, in addition to virtually meeting our Executive Committee and Board Of Directors.   Want to join a committee? Now it’s easier than ever to get involved!  We’ve updated our committee page by highlighting what each committee is responsible for, when the committees meet and who to get in contact with if you’re interested in joining.   Our events now have their own page!  Ever wondered what a Fireside chat was or how you could host a regional event?  Now on the events page you’ll see not only the upcoming events, but you’ll also be able to learn about the different types of events the OWA has, and how you can get involved. The resources page showcases our blog, our most recent press releases, and our podcast.  The podcast page has brand new cover art for each episode and an easy to navigate side bar where you can learn more about our hosts.  The awards and Sponsors tabs are the newest additions to our navigation bar, and feature an advanced look at our award recipients and dedicated sponsors.   An Updated Home Page  As you enter the site you will now see a fun and welcoming photo banner that highlights our most recent retreat.  Updating the photos on the site was a huge priority, and we feel the sisterhood shown in this image is warm, inviting and calling each of you to get involved with our organization.   As you scroll down the page you’re greeted with our We See You  video.  A short film that totally captures everything the OWA stands for.  This powerful footage is a reminder to always lead with purpose and heart, so we felt it necessary to showcase this front and center.  Another exciting main page detail is our Instagram feed! Located toward the bottom of the page you will be able to see our most recent social media posts and can click to follow us right from the bio section.   Last, but certainly not least, our Sponsors have an updated look in the footer of every page on the site.  Our Platinum sponsors standout with larger logos and a coral highlighted background, as well as having their own dedicated page on the site. Our Blog  You may not have realized it, but our blog on the old website was actually hosted on a different platform. With the handiwork of many, we now have our blog connected directly to our site!  Excerpts from the blog are now featured on our homepage as well as in the resources section and website footer, and now has engagement buttons so you can like the posts.  We kept the commenting features open as well, so don’t forget to go give your favorite articles some love! Sponsor Highlight  Our sponsors now have their own menu button and we couldn’t be happier!  Platinum sponsors now have a highlight page where you can learn more about each company and click to visit their website directly from the page.  We also are featuring our Gold, Silver and Friends of OWA sponsors in this menu tab as well for additional visibility.  Why Join  Not currently a member of the OWA, but an avid reader of our blog?  Hop over to the “ Why Join ” page and watch some videos from our beloved members.  Read about the benefits of becoming an OWA sister, and easily be directed to our signup page.   With easier navigability, the website offers visitors a seamless experience to locate everything they need in record time, but what about engagement?  Making the website more engaging was a priority for this project, so we are excited to announce that our new and improved member portal will be launching this fall! Currently when you click the login button you will see that we have updated the look and feel of the member only section with brighter colors and easy to locate information.  Although this navigability update is great, we’re even more excited to roll out our new member profiles and member only hub.  If you’re into social media and like the look and feel of LinkedIn or Facebook, get ready to have a profile that will have a similar aesthetic.  Each member will have their photo, bio and contact information displayed in an updated and visually appealing layout.  You’ll be able to see who is attending events if the member chooses to share that information, as well as navigate to their shared social media pages with ease.   In addition to these updated profiles in the backend, we will also be launching our member hub (official name to come!), which will include all kinds of fun and innovative features from our members.   Here you will be able to see special announcements such as births, engagements, and marriages as well as a kudos board where members can shout out others for being the amazing women they are. We’ll showcase beloved recipes, an achievement board for promotion or employment change announcements, book suggestions, inspirational quotes and so much more!  We are so excited for all that’s to come to the website this fall, so be on the lookout for more information, as we will need all members to login to our new platform to view their enhanced profiles and member engagement portal.  Have a suggestion on what you’d like to see in the members only section?  Reach out to Sarah Lee on the Communications and Website Committee at sarah@barti.com .  We hope you enjoy your new browsing experience!

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. A good number of OWA Past Presidents enjoyed their first retreat in sunny Punta Gorda, Fla., to take a few special days in late April to reconnect, appreciate and be reminded of the valuable connections, friendships, support and accomplishments that the association has forged across the years.  Not every single prior OWA Past President could make the dates and a trip to Florida. But, in a real way, all the current and prior board and OWA committee chairs and members, along with staunch OWA supporters, and were “with us” at the beach. It was a lovely and unforgettable mixture of so many things. Bright, warm Florida sunshine, happy smiles, wistful tales, the telling of so many stories, both funny… and inspiring. We recalled little victories, the big wins… overcoming challenges and an untold number of shared memories. Food, wine, a sunset cruise, brisk walks and just hanging out poolside were involved. For me, personally, I recalled the idea of an association for professional optical women being suggested to me by a friend, Linda Little, who worked for a large optical equipment company in 1996 and was the only female executive in management. It was, to put it mildly, not easy for her. I was editor of VM for about 9 years at that point and still finding my own way in managing teams, dealing with work pressures.  I remembered the first ‘planning meeting’ for what would be the OWA at a hotel room while some of us were in California for a Vision Expo. There were about 10 of us who were all searching for more support for ourselves and other women as our careers were getting going. How could women get to know more about the business? What was it like to be a female in communications, in marketing, in product design, in buying, in instruments, in opticianry and optometry and retail management? What about women trying to run their own company? My recollections were that we needed to find more women to “get it done.” And if you look at the photo here of many of these past and recent OWA presidents, you’ll see several of the women who did just that. Want to see ALL the past OWA presidents and that first founding board/officers ? Each year, the OWA got a little more structured, more organized about how to build a group that would cultivate women’s roles as leaders in business and make room for all women in the business to take part and reap the benefits, see the value of being part of something bigger than themselves.  Over time, with each president and new board, and the financial support from companies throughout the industry got traction, more OWA structure, programs, events and gatherings were created.  In Punta Gorda those few weeks ago, we realized that each new president took their responsibilities to a new level – they built, to cumulative effect with the boards they served with, a deeper role for the OWA to play, even as they were each navigating the demands of their own jobs. The OWA leaned in to elevate and preserve the idea of women’s professional development through all corners of this complicated eyewear and eyewear business. The retreats will become an annual thing. All the former OWA presidents share the gratitude and satisfaction of knowing that the organization is reaching a larger number of women than ever in its history. OWA is moving into the future – and fast!  A record number OWA members, along with an ardent group of Professional Development Fund sponsors and individual contributors are right there with us, too.  You and every member can benefit and play a role to take advantage of everything the OWA will continue to offer. Written by Marge Axelrad

Have you been sticking to your New Years Resolution? In a world full of fitness influencers, weight loss medications, and fad-diets the ways to reach your physical fitness goals seem limitless -- but what is actually sustainable and what is going to make you feel GOOD? We are so busy that sometimes a quick fix may seem easier than putting on a pair of tennis shoes and getting a workout in. Here are some tips for making changes to your daily routine to create healthy habits that may help you reach your fitness goals and increase your endorphins ( because endorphins make you happy, and happy people don’t kill their husbands – Elle Woods). 1.  Why? While we are all motivated by different things, I try to get my workouts in as a form of stress relief. Others may exercise to manage their weight or practice functional strength training to help the aging process. Helping to identify what motivates you will help create reasons to workout when you are looking for an excuse. 2. Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail I will write my workouts into my paper calendar (yes, I still use a paper calendar) so that it becomes a part of my daily routine. I also make sure to pack whatever clothing I am going to need for that workout the night before. I know exactly what I am going to be doing and what I am going to be wearing. 3. Not every workout has to be your best Women operate on a 28-day hormonal cycle, meaning not every day is going to be the best workout you’ve had. But remember, the hardest part is showing up for yourself. If your energy is low, try something low intensity like a walk outside or yoga. Most importantly, if you need to rest, listen to your body. 4. You don’t need to spend an hour and a half at the gym every day I recently learned the phrase, “how do you cook a frog?” You start the frog in cold water and slowly increase the heat. Do not overwhelm yourself by starting out at the gym every day for an hour and a half. Most days, I only have thirty minutes to get my workout in and that is a win for me! 5. Apps If you are struggling finding a workout that you enjoy doing, I highly suggest looking into apps that allow you try different workouts, either virtually or led by an instructor. There are endless options of workout apps that you can tailor to your needs to help get you to your desired results. 6. TREAT YOURSELF! If you are staying consistent and reaching your goals, treat yourself to a new pair of jeans or maybe a cute workout set. You deserve it!   As women we give so much of ourselves to everybody else, we need to remember to pour that love back into our cups as well. There are 168 hours in a week, you deserve at least 5 for yourself. Article written by  Lindsay Romah

In early 2022, I was reaching a breaking point at work.   I was exhausted. I had daily tension headaches from sitting at my desk for long hours. I never made plans on weekdays because I couldn’t muster the energy. I had such intense ’Sunday scaries’ that to manage my anxiety, I began to self-isolate from friends and family starting at 2 pm on Sunday afternoon.   Feeling like there wasn’t a way out of this rut was daunting. However, the changes I made in response to that burnout have had lasting benefits for my health and overall well-being.   So, what can we do to combat burnout once it hits? What about burnout in those, myself included, who tend to be people pleasers?   1.     Vacation & Sick Days : Are you one of those people who hoards their vacation and sick days for some non-specific time when you will need them? What if a disease or vacation catches you off guard and you’ll need all your 150 hours at that time?     Well, the time to use them is now.   On particularly tough days when you need recovery time, take some sick hours to support your mental and physical well-being. Sick days aren’t just for the flu – they’re also for your mental health. Schedule some three-day weekends over the next few months. These are an opportunity to breathe and relax while also giving you something to look forward to in the weeks leading up to them. If possible, take a few weeks of vacation and completely unplug from the office. Turn off any work notifications on your phone, and do not bring your computer . Just do activities that will nourish you.   2.     Set Boundaries : For those like me, this is much easier said than done. But a good place to start is to identify your stressors and the immediate changes you can make the improve your situation. Next, develop a plan to implement change.   Consider connecting with your manager and explain that you are experiencing symptoms of burnout and present the plan you’ve developed to set boundaries with your workload and projects.   Once you start executing your plan, you may receive some pushback from your colleagues – but that’s the time to double down. Once your colleagues have seen (and perhaps tested) your boundaries, they are more likely to adhere to them.   Ultimately, this is a way to regain control over your workday and workload —something you always have the right to do.   3.     Be Compassionate With Yourself : It’s easy to blame yourself for the burnout. I was the first to defend my manager and company because I had ultimately said “yes” to the work.   But in today’s workplace, there is a lot of pressure to be the person who always says “yes”, because that’s one way of demonstrating your value – especially at the beginning of your career. So, remember that your work product, skillsets, and self are the most valuable components you bring to your job, not just the quantity of your work output.   It can be hard to maintain your boundaries when colleagues express frustration or disappointment, but you deserve the space and ability to maintain your health and well-being.   4.     Consider Changing Jobs : Frankly, some workplaces and positions are not sustainable. You may be surrounded by people who work all day and night, and you will not be promoted or rewarded if you push back on that expectation.   So, take stock; is this position or company worth the toll it takes on your mental and physical health? If not, it may be time for a change.   Reach out to your network and do your research to find new opportunities that offer a healthier workplace culture. When interviewing, ask discerning questions to determine the demands of this new position.   And if/when you start your new job, set boundaries right from the start — it’s much easier to establish them at the beginning than adding them in later.   Burnout can feel isolating, but you are not alone, and there are many resources out there to help you. Do your research, take the time to think through your options and next steps, and do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Written by: Christina Burns

As in many workplaces post-Covid, my marketing team transitioned from an office environment to a work from home model. Change is challenging for most individuals, even when that change is welcome, and it was obvious everyone was struggling.   As my team adjusted to this new workplace dynamic, both performance and morale were waning. Their most articulated complaint was losing a sense of their work-life balance. Fortunately, I was able to find an agency that specialized in this area, and as a result, the team participated in a workshop focused on improving the wellbeing of remote and hybrid teams.   When we think about work-life balance in the context of remote work, we often pair it with self-care. I think that is part of the story, but not the entire story. Consider author and researcher Kirsten Neff’s definition of self-compassion as the driver, we soon see that self-care practices work in support.   Neff defines self-compassion as:   Self-kindness : being kind to yourself in times of stress or failure vs. self judgement Common humanity : understanding you are part of a shared human experience. where failure and disappointment are part of life vs. personal and limited to one person Mindfulness : being open and non-judgmental of stress and disappointment vs. over-identification as it being a part of yourself   One of the learnings from our workshop is an exercise that now begins our weekly meeting, and it acts like an icebreaker to kick off a meeting by stimulating discussion. It is simple and, when each team member shares their personal experience, they are practicing self-compassion.   At the beginning of each team meeting, everyone is invited to voluntarily share: Something you are proud/happy about A self-care routine you practiced this week Something you want the team’s support on   Leading with empathy translates into managing a person, not an employee. Like myself, each team member is a complex human complete with a life separate from work, where they are often a partner, a parent, an athlete, a caregiver, a student and more.   It is impossible to isolate individual experiences and how they each impact their professional life. By focusing on self-compassion in a structured and inviting way, each person can practice and share to begin to build a lifelong habit that enables stability and a sense of work-life balance.   These practices are shared by the team, which support all three areas of self-compassion and form their support system away from the office:   Journaling : Keep a daily journal to explore ideas, practice curiosity and find answers within yourself, which may create more self-kindness. It can also be a place to air feelings and accept responsibility in reflection, understanding that we all have challenges, as part of the human condition. Journaling can also be where you fall into a flow state, enjoying the process of being and not worrying about an outcome.   Device Free Time : Get outside, take walks and create a simple walking meditation as you take in nature around you. The team expressed that stepping away from their screens and letting their minds wander created a sense of freedom and empowering energy. The physical and mental benefits of being outside without distractions are well documented by experts and authors alike.   Breath Breaks : Take a few minutes during the day to focus on breathing and center your thoughts. Some team members use apps or their smart watch to take a few minutes to breathe or reflect and check in with themselves. According to author Judson A. Brewster in his book, “Unwinding Anxiety,” simple mindful awareness activities like this, practiced throughout the day, can create long lasting habits of being fully present.   Setting Boundaries: This, perhaps, is one of the most underrated and valuable tools to support our self-compassion. Team members expressed frustration and guilt as meeting invites and chat messages began to control their day. This issue felt magnified as the team is spread across the country, working in different time zones, and they felt an obligation to immediately respond.   While we understand that the structure of not only a company, but society at large is set up for continual interruption, there are ways we can create boundaries and give individuals a sense of control over their time. The team uses digital calendars to set appointments for themselves, to block time to complete their own task or work on a project. Some use an email feature that allows them to define their working hours, which lets others know that messages sent outside those times will be addressed during their business day. Setting healthy boundaries is not selfish; it is a way to ensure you show up as productive, energized and ready to do your part.   I have shared some of the tools my team uses to enable work-life balance, which develops and supports self-compassion, and I would love to hear more from the OWA blog readers. I always learn from our community and appreciate ideas that can help us all to show up fully present, both personally and professionally. What practices or tips can you share? Leave your comment below! Written by Maria Petruccelli