OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership Announces the Recipients of the 2016 OWL Awards

Kansas City, MO – November 7, 2016 – OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership (OWL), an association of interdisciplinary ophthalmic professionals dedicated to driving innovation and patient care by advancing diversity in leadership, announced the winners of the 2016 OWL Awards at the organization’s Signature Event, which was held in Chicago, IL on October 16th during AAO 2016, the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. OWL presents these awards each year to those who best exemplify the organization’s core values.

This year’s awards and award winners include:

• Visionary Award: Marsha Link, PhD, Founder and principal, Link Consulting, and Past-President, OWL. Dr. Link has been a leading force behind the advancement of OWL. She also has a long and industrious background in ophthalmology with leadership roles at Chiron Vision. Through her consulting work, Dr. Link has made a strong impact in shaping many of the industry’s leaders.
• Catalyst Award: William Trattler, MD, Director of Cornea, Center For Excellence In Eye Care, Miami, FL, and advisor to the OWL Membership Committee. Dr. Trattler has identified opportunities for expanding OWL through efforts focused on serving the needs of residents and fellows, as well as providing insights into the gaps he sees within leadership development that OWL can seek to fill. He has supported the movement to diversify the organization and has helped to connect OWL to a broad range of leaders in the field.
• Rising Star Award: Marjan Farid, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Irvine, CA. Dr. Farid joined OWL early in her ophthalmic career and has provided strong support to the Orange County OWL chapter serving on several panels as well as moderating roles. Additionally, she coordinated a special event with the fellows and residents at UCI to introduce them to the organization and identified ways to help these professionals advance their leadership and expand their connection within the eye care community.

“This years OWL Award recipients represent the very best of our industry and have demonstrated leadership that will help drive the industry forward in a very positive way,” said Heather Ready, President, OWL. “We are delighted to honor them as they share their skills and leadership so selflessly with others.”

About OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership
OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership (OWL) is a national, not-for-profit organization that seeks to foster relationships and provide professional and personal development to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential, while also creating continued opportunities for collaboration that advance patient care. Comprised of individuals from all facets of eye care, including industry, consultants, ophthalmologists and practice professionals, OWL is founded on a belief in inclusive, diverse professional environments that inspire, support and connect. Through sponsored educational and networking events, OWL promotes diversity in leadership to drive improved outcomes, and the development of professional environments that respect the contributions of all members of the team. For more information, visit www.owlsite.org.

Organization Contact
Angela Bedell, Executive Director
abedell@owlsite.org
(913) 269-9642

Media Contact
Lauren Colella, Pascale Communications
lauren@pascalecommunications.com
(215) 350-0535