Lofty goals planned as OWL grows

Board members of OWL association hope to grow membership exponentially in the next few years, with a focus on international growth

With a mission statement aimed at offering “professional development, providing networking opportunities, and promoting personal growth for women in ophthalmology,” the Ophthalmic Women Leaders association already had ambitious goals. Founded in 2002, the group hosts semi-annual networking events at two of the major ophthalmic meetings—ASCRS and the American Academy of Ophthalmology—as well as its well-known “OWL Sanctuary,” where members are invited to get away from the hustle and bustle of the convention center exhibit hall and various meeting sites and relax.
This year’s networking program “will demystify social media and offer a look into how our colleagues in the ophthalmic community are using new technologies to do business, recruit staff and better communicate,” said Molly Schar, executive director, OWL. “And of course we’ll also have plenty of time at the event for the original social networking – refreshing acquaintances and making new contacts over refreshments,” added Schar. At press time, the exact dates and time of the program were not confirmed, but Ms. Schar noted information is available on the group’s Web site.
“OWL provides a great forum for its members to check their corporate affiliations at the door so that we can learn from each other as individuals.,” said Yari Mitchell, immediate past president, OWL, and principal, FlareMark. “Overall, I feel I have become a more well rounded professional and person as a result of my membership in OWL.”
Most members echo Ms. Mitchell’s sentiments. “Professionally, [OWL] has been the single best way to meet women who contribute to ophthalmology,” said Jane Aguirre, founding member, OWL, and vice president, global alliances, AAO. “It’s given me a deeper understanding of the profession, a greater appreciation for the creative energy and abilities of our members and allowed me to make connections that wouldn’t ordinarily happen. On a personal level, I value the many new friendships that sprouted through OWL.”
Rather than rest on its laurels, however, the board members have grand plans for the association in the upcoming years.
“In 10 years, I hope that OWL will serve as ‘the’ educational platform and forum for women’s issues inside and outside of the workplace. I also hope for an international presence. I hope that membership in OWL becomes standard for every professional woman in the field of ophthalmology. OWL membership becomes that coveted line item mention in the curriculum vitae,” said Jaci M. Lindstrom, executive director, International Intra-Ocular Implant Club, and OWL board member.
By the 10th anniversary, “I would like OWL to become synonymous with excellence in professional and leadership development for the ophthalmic industry,” Ms. Mitchell said. “I want all women in this space to see membership in OWL as a key component to their success. I think we are making great strides in this direction by expanding our service offerings to our members and sponsors and by creating new forums for communication and education to and between members. I know we will have reached this goal when a new woman enters the ophthalmic marketplace and the first bit of advice she is given is to become a member of OWL.”
Ms. Aguirre added that she hopes OWL becomes the “go-to” place for women in ophthalmology to make connections and get information to help them advance professionally.
“By our 15th anniversary, I hope we have as many international women adding to OWL’s buzz” as there are U.S.-based women, she said.
For more information about OWL visit www.owlsite.org.

Contact information

Aguirre: 415-624-6874, jaguirre@aao.org
Lindstrom: 952-471-0839, linstro@rconnect.com
Mitchell: 408-891-5216, yari@flaremark.com
Schar: 415-751-2401, mschar@owlsite.org