OWL Fellows Program | Ophthalmic World Leaders | OWL
Ophthalmic World Leaders
Advancing Diversity in Leadership

OWL Fellows Program

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The application period for our Class of 2021-22 is now closed. Thank you for your interest in this program and we look forward to sharing our new Fellows with you soon.

Objectives

OWL continues to seek ways to drive its impact in advancing diversity in leadership.  The OWL Fellows Program will increase support and connection opportunities by pairing interested rising leaders with established leaders in the ophthalmic space.  These connections should allow parties to grow, share experiences and impact careers – and will be a way for OWL to elevate underrepresented parties in the ophthalmic space.  Note:  There is no formal educational curriculum associated with the Program.

Criteria to Participate as an OWL Fellow

The OWL Fellows program will evaluate program participant numbers on a year-by-year basis. 
 
Ideal candidates for the OWL Fellows Program are:
 
  • An active OWL member
  • An emerging leader in the ophthalmic space
  • In their early or mid-careers
  • Demonstrating high potential for making an impact in ophthalmology
  • Committed to diverse leadership
  • Willing to commit the time and effort to interact with their Mentor, other Fellows and OWL Leadership

Process for OWL Fellows Program

Interested candidates may apply to be considered for the program, or may be nominated by Board or Advisory Board members for consideration. The application period will be open through September 2nd.
 
The Board of Directors will make the final decision to select each class of Fellows, who will then be paired with their Mentor.  OWL will facilitate the introductions and set expectations, and a representative of OWL will check in with participants to ensure the program’s success.  OWL will facilitate meeting locations for Fellows during annual conferences.
 
Each OWL Fellows Program will run for one year.  OWL will announce its Fellows at annual meetings and it is anticipated to have an alumni class of OWL Fellows which may wish to communicate and meet.

 

 

APPLICATIONS CLOSED.

 

Fellows Class of 2021

Hannah Austin
Visus Therapeutics
Ellen Leonard headshot
Ellen Leonard
Apellis
Maaza Martin
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
Desiree Owen
Desiree Owen
AbbVie
Tu Tran, Resident
University of Minnesota

2021 Mentors

 

Joe Boyd
Joe Boyd
Avellino
Ravaughn Williams
Ravaughn Williams, DO
Alcon
Marjan Farid, MD
UCI
Kevin Langton
Zeiss
Nancy Lurker
Nancy Lurker
EyePoint

 

Fellows Class of 2020

Bianca Baker
Bianca Baker, PhD, Assoc. Dir., Clinical and Medical Affairs, Dompé
Misha Faustina
Misha Faustina, MD, Ophthalmology Residency Prog. Dir., UMass
Kate Fehlhaber
Kate Fehlhaber, PhD, Global Project Dir., The Fundingsland Group
Darrah Kauhane
Darrah Kauhane, Dir. of Development, Expeditions Coord., Hawaiian Eye Foundation
Srinivas Kondapalli
Srinivas Kondapalli, MD, Founder & CEO, Rinsada

2020 Mentors

 

Michael Ackermann
Michael Ackermann, PhD
Jason D. Menzo
Jason Menzo
J Schallhorn
Julie Schallhorn, MD
Catherine Truitt
Cathy Truitt
Nivine Woods
Nivine Woods

 

Fellows Class of 2019

Constance Fay
Constance Fay, Sr. Manager, Optical Product Development, STAAR Surgical
Ranna Jaraha
Ranna Jaraha, Director of New Media, Bryn Mawr Communications
Rosanne Melikian, PhD
Rosanne Melikian, PhD, Director, Regulatory Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision
Nandini Venkateswaran
Nandini Venkateswaran, Fellow in Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery, Duke University
Julie Whitcomb
Julie Whitcomb, Medical Science Liaison, Aerie Pharmaceuticals

2019 Mentors

Susan Benton
Susan Benton
Monty Montoya
Monty Montoya
Dr. Jai Parekh
Dr. Jai Parekh
Heather Ready, MBA
Heather Ready
Ahmet Tezel, PhD
Ahmet Tezel, PhD

Fellows Reception at ASCRS 2022

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