OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership

Our community of eye care professionals just got even bigger, as we officially launch the OWL Chapter of New England! 🎉 Join us in Waltham, MA, for drinks and hors d'oeuvres as we celebrate our network's expansion. Thank you to our host, Apellis, for sponsoring this event! Register here: tinyurl.com/OWLNELaunch

We're excited for our upcoming OWL Signature Event at AAOpt 2024! Join us at the Mariott Downtown to hear Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, Sandra Juarez Fortenberry, OD, FAAO, and Weslie Hamada, OD, FAAO, discuss diverse paths to success in optometry. Event is open to all! 🦉 Register today: https://lnkd.in/eHtmvt8S

Join us as we spotlight Eddie Bonner, a seasoned ophthalmic sales executive known for building winning teams. Eddie’s work passion centers around development and leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. He fosters that passion through his own professional development, earning a Diversity & Inclusion Certification from Yale School of Business, and Diversity Recruiting & Talent Acquisition from Cornell University. Through his education and experience, he has developed a roadmap for inclusive leadership at all organization levels. As an OWL member, you’ll connect with people leaders like Eddie. Join today! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g7UyWm5

Congratulations to Dr. Zaiba Malik, this year’s Rising Star! Dr. Malik is making an impact in clinical, educational, and eye care spaces. In addition to serving as the Medical Director and Therapeutic Lead at Medpace, Dr. Zaiba Malik is an attending ophthalmologist at Kettering Hospital and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Surgery Department at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, OH. Her expertise and consistent work ethic have set her apart in the industry and we are excited to see what she does next. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Malik! Meet the OWL Award Winners! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eztZmE-D

It is our honor to recognize Dr. Neda Shamie as the recipient of this year’s OWL Visionary Leader Award. This award is given to an individual who has trailblazed for diversity in eye care throughout their career. Dr. Shamie is a renowned cataract, refractive, and corneal surgeon and partner of the Maloney-Shamie Vision Institute in Los Angeles. “She is an amazing surgeon and person,” one nominator stated. “And she has made a huge impact on the field of ophthalmology as a speaker, educator, clinical collaborator, and leader on the AECOS Executive Board.” Congratulations to you, Dr. Shamie! Meet the OWL Award Winners! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eztZmE-D

This year's Catalyst Award recipient is none other than Ranna Jaraha, Co-founder of YoungMD Connect and Executive Director of New Media at Bryn Mawr Communications (BMC), a medical media company. She also hosts the weekly news broadcast, EyewireTV. A nominating colleague of hers said it best. “Ms. Jaraha elevates others and is focused on mentoring—helping those interested in ophthalmology become ophthalmologists, as well as helping those early in their career become more successful.” Please join us in congratulating Ranna Jaraha! More on the OWL Award Winners here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eztZmE-D

Fresh from OWL's Signature Event at ESCRS, Dr. Katharine D'Amico will be presenting another session of "The Neuroscience of Gender Dynamics for Leadership." Register here: https://lnkd.in/eMbg2uk2

🌟 Meet Dr. Shravanthi Reddy, a leader transforming the science and business of vision care. With a deep-rooted commitment to tackling vision loss, Dr. Reddy’s passion shines through in every initiative she undertakes. Her success is driven by her positive and purpose-driven approach which inspires those around her and energizes high-performing teams dedicated to making an impact. Join us in recognizing her commitment to vision care! 👏✨ Network with ophthalmic innovators like Dr. Reddy. Become an OWL member today! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g7UyWm5

Thank you to our AAO Signature Event sponsors! Premier Sponsor Alcon & Major Event Sponsor Johnson & Johnson Vision Our sponsors represent ophthalmic innovation and industry excellence and we are excited to share our AAO Signature Event with them and our members. Join us for this exciting evening by registering today: https://lnkd.in/dUpnJJ2F #OWLdiversity #ophthalmology #optometry #leadership #mentorship

Curious about our origin story? OWL started life as a women's leadership and networking organization called "Ophthalmic Women Leaders." Male allies were welcomed at events and termed "FOWLs" (Friends of OWL!). We're so thankful that many of our FOWL colleagues are still involved with OWL and, now that we are an all-inclusive organization, are active, engaged members! We’re thankful to all our members for their involvement in our organization! #20YearsofOWL