The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has announced its 2025 Leadership Scholarship awardees.
Recipients are recognized as OWA members who have served the organization with their dedicated committee work, service and commitment to growing leadership roles for women in the optical industry. The grants, valued at up to $2,000 each, will be used to provide professional mentoring opportunities to each recipient, while continuing to promote OWA’s founding principles of connecting, inspiring and leading women in the optical industry.
The OWA especially thanks its Individual Contributors who make it possible to offer these scholarships; because of their generous donations, four women, selected from the nominations put forth in October 2025, will receive special leadership training. They are:
- Kristin Calimlim, OWA Events Committee (Lafont)
- Heather Harrington, OWA Digital Marking Committee (Opticians Association/CO)
- Danielle Martin, OWA International Expansion Committee (Ocuco)
- Kristy Stone, OWA Membership/Welcome Committee (PECAA)
An additional 14 scholarships will be awarded as the result of a recently-added benefit for the OWA’s Palladium and Platinum Sponsors: each company was asked to choose an exceptional female employee who shows promise, dedication and drive, to also receive this professional opportunity.
The 14 women recognized by their companies to be OWA scholarship recipients are:
- Suzy Adzhimanukyan, Sr. Director/Key Accounts (De RIgo REM)
- Jessica Connor, Sr. Director/Marketing (EssilorLuxottica)
- Juliana Cooper, Marketing Manager (Advancing Eyecare)
- Lindsey Fostinis, Sr. Communications Specialist (VSP Vision)
- Callie Gable, Sr. Director/Supply Chain & Manufacturing (EssilorLuxottica) • Desirae Jones, Brand Ambassador (Kering/Maui Jim)
- Mellisa Lopes, Manager, Client Relations (Modo Eyewear)
- Elisa Loreggian, Fashion Group Brand Director (Thelios)
- Sarah Beth Mayton, Integrated Sales & Marketing (Zyloware)
- Kate O’Brien, VP of Managed Care (National Vision)
- Nicole Pine, Enterprise Support Manager (GPN Technologies)
- Tiana Shaver, Exec Vision Care Territory Manager (Bausch + Lomb)
- Krystle Skelton, Regional Account Manager/Retail (Hoya)
- Jamie Swenson, Sales Representative/Spokane, WA (Europa)
OWA President Megan Molony says, “2025 has been another milestone year for the OWA in many ways. 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. 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. On behalf of the Optical Women’s Association, congratulations to the 2025 Leadership Scholarship Award winners. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing you prosper for years to come!”
