OWL Fellows Program
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.
Fellows Class of 2020
Bianca Baker, PhD, Assoc. Dir., Clinical and Medical Affairs, Dompé 
Misha Faustina, MD, Ophthalmology Residency Prog. Dir., UMass 
Kate Fehlhaber, PhD, Global Project Dir., The Fundingsland Group 
Darrah Kauhane, Dir. of Development, Expeditions Coord., Hawaiian Eye Foundation 
Srinivas Kondapalli, MD, Founder & CEO, Rinsada
2020 Mentors
Michael Ackermann, PhD 
Jason Menzo 
Julie Schallhorn, MD 
Cathy Truitt 
Nivine Woods
Fellows Class of 2019
Constance Fay, Sr. Manager, Optical Product Development, STAAR Surgical 
Ranna Jaraha, Director of New Media, Bryn Mawr Communications 
Rosanne Melikian, PhD, Director, Regulatory Affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision 
Nandini Venkateswaran, Fellow in Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery, Duke University 
Julie Whitcomb, Medical Science Liaison, Aerie Pharmaceuticals
2019 Mentors
Susan Benton 
Monty Montoya 
Dr. Jai Parekh 
Heather Ready 
Ahmet Tezel, PhD