Get To Know The 2025 OWA Award Recipients

Last week during the annual OWA Champagne Breakfast at Vision Expo East, Lori Archer (UnitedHealthcare Vision) received the Pleiades Award, Megan Molony (National Vision) the Pyxis Award, and Kayla Ashlee (Spexy) the Emerging Leader Award!

2025 Pleiades Award Recipient: Lori Archer

Chief Executive Officer, UnitedHealthcare Vision

Lori’s charity of choice: Vision To Learn

Learn more about Lori:

What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?

Winning this award is a tremendous honor. It reflects my passion and commitment to the industry and the many years of hard work I've invested over the past 30+ years in vision. It also highlights the amazing people I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside throughout my career. Personally, it validates my dedication and efforts. Professionally, it underscores the impact of my contributions to the optical industry and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.

What motivates and inspires you at work or on a personal level?

The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we serve both motivates and inspires me. Good vision care goes well beyond a refraction and eyeglasses and has a much deeper tie to our overall health. Driving advancements in how patients think about vision and overall eye health, along with how they access care, is a significant source of inspiration for me. The incredible support I receive from my wonderful family, fantastic friends, and passionate colleagues keeps me motivated and feeling supported.

Can you share a defining moment in your career or journey that shaped who you are today?

I can't pinpoint a specific moment that shaped who I am today, but my parents' influence has been profound. What did come to mind was something that my Mom instilled in me and my siblings through a simple (and not grammatically correct) phrase: "I can't, never did anything." As a kid, if I went to ask my Mom for help and said "I can't do...", Mom would immediately say, "I can't never did anything." This is a phrase that has stayed with me, deeply ingrained in my head, and is still something I use frequently today with my own family and my team. It has truly been my guidepost, instilling confidence, resilience, and determination.

What advice would you give women looking to grow in their careers?

To women looking to grow in their careers, I advise believing in yourself and your abilities. Seek out mentors, build a strong network, and embrace new challenges. Continuous learning and resilience are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Additionally, cultivating strong relationships is crucial. Surround yourself with supportive colleagues and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance ensures you have the energy and focus needed to excel. Finally, invest time in your own development through further education, workshops, or self-reflection. Prioritizing your growth will pay dividends in the long run.

What role do you think women’s associations like the OWA play in supporting women’s success?

Women's associations like the OWA are vital in supporting women's success. They provide networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources for professional development, creating a supportive community where women can share experiences, gain insights, and empower each other. Maybe most importantly, they connect women with like-minded professionals who understand the unique challenges they face and foster a network of support and encouragement. This sense of community can be incredibly empowering, helping women build confidence and resilience.

How do you unwind or recharge after a busy day?

After a busy day, I unwind by dedicating time to activities that help me relax and recharge. I make it a point to work out three nights a week, which not only keeps me physically fit but also helps clear my mind. Sitting down with my husband for dinner and reflecting on the day is an important ritual for us, providing a moment of connection and relaxation. I also enjoy crafting projects as a creative outlet. Last year, I made several blankets to give away as gifts, completed a cross-stitch project, and created a variety of items using my Cricut. These activities allow me to express my creativity and unwind in a fulfilling way.

If you could imagine any celebrity (historical or current) presenting this award to you, who would you choose and why?

If I could choose any celebrity to present this award to me, it would be Oprah Winfrey. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon is incredibly inspiring. Oprah's dedication to empowering others and her ability to connect with people on a deep level make her the perfect person to present this award. Her presence would symbolize the importance of resilience, empathy, and breaking barriers. And who knows, maybe she'd also give everyone in the audience a brand new car!

2025 Pyxis Award Recipient: Megan Molony

Chief Merchandising and Managed Care Officer, National Vision

Megan's charity of choice: Home of Hope

Learn more about Megan:

What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?

Winning this award is an incredible honor. It highlights our collective efforts towards gender equality and empowerment. Early in my career, a mentor encouraged me to pursue new opportunities, shaping my path and reinforcing the importance of supporting women in our industry. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to ensuring every woman has the chance to thrive.

What motivates and inspires you at work or on a personal level?  

What motivates and inspires me both at work and personally is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. At work, I am driven by leading initiatives that enhance our company's success and contribute to our team's growth. Seeing positive outcomes, supporting career goals and making a difference in the industry is incredibly fulfilling.

On a personal level, I am inspired by the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and colleagues. Mentoring others and witnessing their growth also motivates me to strive for continuous improvement and to give back. Ultimately, the combination of professional achievements and personal connections fuels my passion and dedication.

Can you share a defining moment in your career or journey that shaped who you are today?

A defining moment in my career was when a mentor took a chance on me and encouraged me to lead a high-stakes project. Despite my initial hesitation, their belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to embrace the challenge. This experience taught me valuable lessons about strategic thinking and adaptability, and it reinforced the importance of mentorship. I am deeply grateful for their guidance, which has shaped my career and inspired me to support and empower others.

What advice would you give women looking to grow in their careers?

My advice to women looking to grow in their careers is to embrace opportunities and believe in their potential. Seek out mentors and allies for guidance and support. Don't shy away from challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, as these experiences often lead to significant growth. And know you deserve a seat at the table!

Networking is crucial. Build a strong professional network to open doors to new opportunities and gain valuable insights. Continuously learn and develop your skills to stay relevant and competitive.

Lastly, advocate for yourself and others, ladies! Speak up about your achievements and aspirations, and support your peers. By fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment, we can create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

What role do you think women’s associations like the OWA play in supporting women’s success?  

The OWA plays a crucial role in supporting women's success in the industry by providing a platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development. We create opportunities for women to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other. We also advocate for gender equality and work to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive and advance in their careers. By fostering a sense of community and empowerment, the OWA helps women build the confidence and skills needed to achieve their goals.

How do you unwind or recharge after a busy day?

After a busy day, I like to unwind by diving into a good book, taking a long walk with my husband and our dog, or catching up on my favorite TV shows. If I'm feeling adventurous, I might even attempt to cook a new recipe—though my smoke detector often gets more action than my taste buds! A night out with friends also helps me recharge. It's all about finding those little moments of joy and relaxation, even if it means laughing at my culinary misadventures.

If you could imagine any celebrity (historical or current) presenting this award to you, who would you choose and why?

Having Oprah Winfrey present this award would be a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy, perseverance, and the impact that one determined individual can have on the world. It would also highlight the progress we have made in advancing the role of women in various industries, including the optical industry, and the work that still lies ahead.

2025 Emerging Leader Award Recipient: Kayla Ashlee

CEO & founder, Spexy

Kayla’s charity of choice: Children’s Health Defense

Learn more about Kayla:

What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?

Winning this Emerging Leader award is such an honor. Seeing the brilliant women before me that have accepted this award who are such strong, talented leaders and to know that I am viewed to be recognized on their level is so exciting!

What motivates and inspires you at work or on a personal level?  

Getting feedback from ECPs on how impactful the training and the Spexy guidance have been to their opticals is such a fuel for my progress. My favorite is when I hear, "Where were you when I started my practice?" or "I have been doing this for 20 years and I never knew that's why we ___." It is so energizing to know we are helping so many practices. 

Can you share a defining moment in your career or journey that shaped who you are today?

Hahaha yeah. Spexy is an online video library that is a resource for independent opticals. I have been in front of the camera constantly for the last 6 years. The great thing about the "magic of Hollywood" is that any flub-ups can be easily removed from the final cut.  Early on, in year two, I was falling behind on some of my editing so I asked my husband to edit one of the videos from the Optical Sell Smart Series. A few weeks later we were looking at the viewership and the video he had edited was getting a crazy amount of views and positive reviews. I pulled up the video and almost melted out of embarrassment as I realized he left my silly faces, mess ups, and reactions in the final cut. Though my perfectionism left me terribly embarrassed, what I learned is that people love authenticity. Authenticity is real and it was a very defining moment for me to embrace what makes me, me. The moment I started to show my authentic self I was able to reach so many more people and that is when my trainings really started to make a difference. 

What advice would you give women looking to grow in their careers?

Express your plans and desire to grow to your peers. 

So many women fear exposing their plan because of "what if's". The thought of "what if I don't make it" or "what if I get turned down" is so consuming that they keep it inside. Where if they were confident enough to be vulnerable and speak out and let their desires be known they would find that people around them will help look for opportunities to help them reach that goal. It will open up so many doors. Plus, proclaiming your intent will allow for your mind to see more opportunities to achieve it.

I was vulnerable back in 2019 when I told my husband after attending my first OWA event that I would be the OWA President someday. Since then I feel like I tell everyone who knows about the OWA that I want to earn the chance to be the President of this beautiful organization.

What role do you think women’s associations like the OWA play in supporting women’s success?  

An amazing benefit of the OWA is being able to get to know loving, kind and supportive women without knowing who they are or what they do. You get to meet the woman first, then later you might learn their role. This has allowed me to be able to get to know powerful women that I may have felt intimidated to approach outside of the OWA. 

How do you unwind or recharge after a busy day?

In short, my recharge is preparing and eating a beautiful meal with my family. It is the best part of my day and gives me so much joy!

As the creator of my own company that works with over 2,000 ECPs with Spexy only having a team of 5 people, a typical day does not fit into any one given time slot. Therefore my recharge moments happen, we will say... mid to late "work day". I place a high level of importance on family dinners around the table. With two amazing teenage boys over 6 feet tall. Homemade meals and a time for everyone to come together that is free of cell phones, it is a beautiful part of my day. This has remained a  non-negotiable in my home since my boys were young. It has so much importance that I make a weekly menu and share it with the grandparents and extended family. Every evening at 5pm, I come to a stopping point with work and my husband, Rook, and cook together. Shortly after the family and sometimes extended family arrive around 6pm, and we all enjoy dinner around the table. We will visit until about 8 or 9 when I will often excuse myself back to the Spexy Studio to spend an hour or two on work before heading to bed.

If you could imagine any celebrity (historical or current) presenting this award to you, who would you choose and why?

First off, I am thrilled because Cira Collins has accepted my request to introduce me. Anyone who has met Cira knows that I won the optical-celebrity lottery as she is one of the most brilliant, sincere, and intellectual minds in our industry. Because being an optical-celebrity and actual celebrity are not quite the same, nor do they pay the same (haha) If I had to choose a public celebrity, I would choose Vanessa Van Edwards, author of Cues, to introduce me. Since reading her book, attending her classes, and implementing her teachings, I have been able to articulate and refine so many communications to make an impact in the optical-patient relationship. All because of Vanessa's brilliant research. All that said, I am so thrilled that I lucked out to have Cira by my side for this event.

Read more about the 2025 Award recipients and their selected charities here.

Written by: Cathy Firman