OWA At Vision Expo East 2025 [Photos]
The Optical Women's Association kicked off Vision Expo East with our signature Champagne Breakfast, sponsored by EssilorLuxottica. While the venue was different, the atmosphere remained elegant and lively, filled with industry professionals, visionaries, and leaders. It was a truly special morning as we came together to celebrate our esteemed Pleiades, Pyxis, and Emerging Award honorees. - Dr. Lorie Lippiatt
This year's OWA Champagne Breakfast in Orlando was a truly inspiring event, bringing together a dynamic group of industry leaders and professionals to celebrate and uplift Megan Molony, Lori Archer, and Kayla Ashlee. The morning was filled with meaningful connections, engaging conversations, and a shared passion for growth and mentorship. The ambiance of the room was light and filled with gorgeous yet soft OWA color tones. Each table was delicately decorated with stunning flower arrangements and provided a gift to each attendee from the OWA. The delightful breakfast accompanied by bubbly champagne, setting the perfect tone for an empowering experience to celebrate these female leaders. -Talia Bruno
The place changed, but the OWA heart remains the same! The same excitement, the same love — as we come together at the Champagne Breakfast to celebrate the shining Stars of our industry and one another! - Dr. Beverly Bianes
While the number of conferees may have been down this year, the women of the OWA used the opportunity to connect more deeply than ever before. After having attended an Unplugged retreat, the OWA Champagne Breakfast is a homecoming where I get to see my OWA sisters and we appointed Megan Molony, Lori Archer, and Kayla Ashlee as our court. But make no mistake, this is no high school popularity contest, this is the brightest minds in the industry gathering to point at what we admire and say “Yes! more of that” from them, but also from you. - Cira Collins
Watch The Recorded Champagne Breakfast:
The Stars, Sips, and Scholarships networking event, sponsored by EyeMed, was a resounding success. With a packed room, the atmosphere was filled with energy as attendees engaged in lively conversations, fostering networking, fellowship, and lasting friendships. I am truly grateful for all of our sponsors, Individual Contributors, members, and friends, who continue to support the OWA and it’s mission of promoting the leadership role of women in the Optical Industry. - Dr. Lorie Lippiatt
My personal highlight from Vision Expo East was the OWA Stars, Sips, and Scholarships event. I had the opportunity to introduce one of the OWA’s newest members (Dezaren Bosstick) to Dr. Lorie Lippiatt during this event. The special thing about this introduction, is that Dez’s mom Claudia is the inspiration behind “Her Story.” To witness the conversation between our OWA president and a member who has never experienced camaraderie at this magnitude brought me to tears. It was magical, uplifting, and made me so proud to be part of this organization. - Mikki Collins
VEE is for business and we all are busy with the show. The OWA events give me an opportunity to give hugs and connect in person, with so many ladies I have met on Zoom during Fireside Chats. The events fill my heart with joy spending time with my sisters of the OWA. -Kathy Cruz
Thank you to all who attended OWA events at Vision Expo East — we will see you in Las Vegas in September!
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