NEW YORK—The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) paid tribute to three optical industry “stars” as it presented honorary awards at its 15th Anniversary Celebration and Award event at the Milk Gallery. The networking reception, was open to both OWA members and non-members.

Jobson Optical Group’s Marge Axelrad received the OWA’s 2013 Pleiades award. The OWA’s Pyxis Award was presented to Tiara Claxton, OWA member and sales consultant for Safilo, USA. The first OWA Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Grady Culbreth, of Grady & Associates, Inc. Culbreth was unable to attend and her award was accepted on her behalf by OWA member Valerie Manso.

“Celebrating 15 years of the Optical Women’s Association presented the perfect occasion to host a gala event to honor our award recipients, founding members and Professional Development Sponsors, all who have contributed greatly to forwarding the mission of the OWA,” said Ann Englert, OWA president. “During the festivities, we recognized outstanding women, who have helped pave the way for the OWA, and a newer member that is showing us how getting involved in the OWA today shapes the future of an association.” ■

mkane@jobson.com

 
 Optical Women’s association award winners Marge Axelrad, Jobson (l) and Tiara Claxton, Safilo receive the Pleiades and Pyxis Awards.
 The founding members of the Optical Women’s Association, (l to r) Lorinda Fraboni, Christie Walker, Stephanie DeLong, Marge Axelrad, Linda Little and Valerie Manso, are honored at the Friday night event at the Milk Gallery.

   
 OWA president, Ann Englert welcomes everyone to the event.
 Marchon’s Mark Ginsberg thanks everyone for coming to the event.

   
 Jobson’s Marge Axelrad accepts the Pleiades Award.
 Safilo’s Tiara Claxton accepts her Pyxis award.


   
 (L to R) Tiara Claxton, Safilo, Reade Fahs, National Vision, and Gretchen Farina, Safilo, enjoy the OWA event on Friday night.
 Dana Weeks (l), Optical Services and Shirley Platzer-Stocks, The Optical Vision Site.  Sherry Rogerson, REM Eyewear, (l) and Heather Smith, VisionWeb catch up at the OWA event.