Maureen Cavanagh (l) and Amy Spezio.

DALLAS—The Optical Women’s Association (OWA) has selected Maureen Cavanagh, president of the Vision Impact Institute, supported by Essilor, as its 2015 Pleiades award recipient, and Amy Spiezio, executive editor of Eyecare Business as its 2015 Pyxis award recipient.

Both women will be honored at two upcoming OWA-sponsored events —the new OWA Champagne Breakfast to be held on Thursday, March 19 from 7:30 to 9:00 am at the New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square, and the traditional Star Award Ceremony and Networking Event on Friday March 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Calvin Klein showroom at 654 Madison Avenue.

“We wanted to create a new event where attendees could learn more about our award winners and raise a glass in their honor,” explained Christie Walker, OWA president. “Both the Pleiades and the Pyxis awards will still be presented at the Friday night Star Awards Ceremony and Networking Event hosted by Marchon. The Thursday morning Champagne Breakfast, hosted by Luxottica, will give attendees the opportunity to hear short presentations from our honorees, and also enjoy insights from our keynote speaker, Holly Rush, president of Luxottica Wholesale North America.”

Pleiades award honoree, Maureen Cavanagh, is a strong advocate for women in leadership roles. She currently mentors several women in business and was integral in the launch of the Diversity and Inclusion initiative at Essilor. Cavanagh has served as keynote speaker on topics of inspiring change and was a guest on the Power Hour radio show, advocating on behalf of women taking control of their own career development. In 2011 she was recognized as one of Vision Monday’s Most Influential Women in Optical.

Pyxis award honoree, Amy Spiezio is the executive editor of Eyecare Business magazine and has been with the publication for 13 years. Spiezio has served on the OWA board for nine years, acting as the secretary/treasurer for several terms. Her tenure in the organization has included involvement on many committees, particularly communications, mentoring, and the programs committee.