The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced the award recipients for its 2025 Leadership Scholarship Awards, a program that provides grants of up to $2,000 for professional mentoring and career development. The scholarships recognize OWA members and industry professionals who have demonstrated service, leadership potential, and involvement in advancing women within the optical sector.

Four recipients were selected from nominations submitted by OWA members in October 2025:

• Kristin Calimlim of Lafont, OWA Events Committee, Lafont

• Heather Harrington of the Opticians Association of Colorado, OWA Digital Marketing Committee

• Danielle Martin of Ocuco, OWA International Expansion Committee

• Kristy Stone of the Professional Eye Care Associates of America, OWA Membership/Welcome Committee

In addition to the member-nominated honorees, 14 more scholarships were awarded through a recently added benefit for the OWA’s palladium and platinum sponsors. Each sponsoring company identified one employee who demonstrates promise and commitment to professional growth. Here are the 2025 sponsor-selected recipients:

• Suzy Adzhimanukyan, senior director of key accounts, De Rigo REM

• Jessica Connor, senior director of marketing, EssilorLuxottica

• Juliana Cooper, marketing manager, Advancing Eyecare

• Lindsey Fostinis, senior communications specialist, VSP Vision

• Callie Gable, senior director of supply chain & manufacturing, EssilorLuxottica

• Desirae Jones, brand ambassador, Kering/Maui Jim

• Mellisa Lopes, manager of client relations, Modo Eyewear

• Elisa Loreggian, fashion group brand director, Thelios

• Sarah Beth Mayton, integrated sales & marketing, Zyloware

• Kate O'Brien, vice president of managed care, National Vision

• Nicole Pine, Enterprise Support Manager, GPN Technologies

• Tiana Shaver, executive vision care territory manager, Bausch + Lomb

• Krystle Skelton, regional account manager/retail, Hoya

• Jamie Swenson, sales representative/Spokane, WA Europa

“Because our individual contributors and sponsors continue to demonstrate their belief in our mission, the OWA, through the Leadership Scholarship Award program, is able to provide additional paths to help prepare women for leadership roles at the highest levels,” says OWA president Megan Molony. “The diverse roles and responsibilities held by our talented scholarship recipients are shining examples of how the OWA supports all women in the industry who are passionate about furthering their professional and personal development.”