The mood at the Women In Optometry Women’s Leadership Conference held in New Orleans, LA, on Oct. 10, matched the theme: Be Bold- Leading With Confidence. Communications expert Erin O’Malley encouraged the attendees to remember the moments that they were at their most bold – when they put aside their fears and show up as their authentic selves. EssilorLuxottica sponsored the keynote event.
Other speakers reinforced that theme, noting times they were vulnerable and courageous and what they learned from that. A panel of ODs – Sandra S. Block, OD, MEd, MPH, FAAO, FCOVD, DAAO (PHEV), FARVO, Glenda Aleman, OD, and Breanne McGhee, OD, FAAO, MEd, talked about the lessons learned as mothers, as leaders, as clinicians or educators and how opportunities continue to present themselves.
Erin M. Brooks, OD, FAAO, a professor at University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry, shared tips she gained from joining Toastmasters, which she has used to improve her own public speaking skills as well as encourage her students to be more effective communicators.
Laurie Sorrenson, OD, FAAO, of Austin, Texas, reviewed how each time she got knocked down, it provided incentive to come back and try another, better approach.
The event’s platinum sponsors’ speakers each reflected on their own bold career and leadership choices. Platinum sponsors were Alcon, founding sponsor Allergan, CooperVision and EssilorLuxottica. Supporting sponsors were Iveric Bio, Tarsus and Vision Source.
The event ended with the 8th annual Theia awards for excellence. This year’s winners were:
- Leadership: Sandra Block, OD, Med, MPH, FAAO, FCOVD, DAAO (PHEV), FARVO
- Mentoring (tie): Ray Corbin-Simon, OD; Minal Patel, OD
- Education: Meng Meng Xu, OD, MPH, FAOO
- Young OD: Shira Kresch, OD, MS, FAAO
- Business: Bridgitte Shen Lee, OD, FAAO, FBCLA, FEAOO, ABO
- Industry Influencer: Ukti Vora, MBA, M. Optom, FAAO
The American Academy of Optometry’s 2024 meeting will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. We hope to see you there!
Did you attend WOLC 2023 and have photos you’d like to share? Email us here.
To view more news from WO, click here.
