The Optical Women's Association (OWA) honored women in leadership at its annual champagne breakfast aligning with Vision Expo East in Orlando, FL.
Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Orlando on Wednesday, Feb. 19, the event celebrated the 2025 award recipients: Pleiades Award honoree Lori Archer (UnitedHealthcare Vision), Pyxis Award honoree Megan Molony (National Vision), and Emerging Leader Award honoree Kayla Ashlee (Spexy).
EB, a proud sponsor of the OWA, attended the breakfast and captured the awards ceremony via stream. Click here to view.
Here, three inspiring takeaways from these industry leaders:
- "Find people to share your big plans with...those big goals that you feel you haven't quite earned the right to say," says Ashlee.
- "What would I say to young women or emerging leaders? What would I say to my 25-year-old self knowing what I know now?" shares Molony. "I'd say, 'Believe in yourself and your abilities. Accept challenges and opportunities. Know you can do hard things. Find great mentors. Lift others up and bring them along. Never forget that your unique perspectives and contributions are valuable.'"
- "This is a pivotal time in our industry," says Archer. "As we look forward, I want to challenge all of us to keep pushing the boundaries and embrace the future."
Vision Expo East takes place Feb. 19-21 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Keep up with the action from the event on Eyecare Business’s Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, and see EB’s BIG Vision Expo East Guide for a curated selection of education and events here.
