OWL: Advancing Diversity in Leadership
Mark Your Calendar
OWL Signature Event at SECO
Friday, February 28, 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
OWL Signature Event at ASCRS
Sunday, April 27, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Upcoming Events
Leadership Summit
OWL's annual Leadership Summit is a staple in the event calendar. Our 2024 Summit, held September 26-27 in New Orleans, was an impactful, engaging two days. This important event, aimed at fostering leadership development and increased diversity within the eyecare field, brought an engaging lineup of speakers and interactive sessions that left attendees inspired and informed.
Our 2024 agenda covered many topics relevant to career advancement, including:
- Inspirational Keynotes to start each learning session off on the right track!
- Communication/Speaking Skills Development
- Keeping DEI top of mind – an interactive workshop
- The excellent networking opportunities you’ve come to expect from OWL
- The “Pat Morris Impact Session” – this year, we packed over 7000 meals for those in areas of food insecurity with "Rise Against Hunger"
We're working to prepare for our 2025 Summit and are excited to continue this program. Look out for information coming soon!
Featured Champions
David Avila
David Avila has been a dedicated professional in the ophthalmology field since 1992, beginning his career as an ophthalmic technician in a bustling practice. Over the years, he has held positions of increasing responsibility at global companies such as Moria, Alcon, Johnson & Johnson, and now Volk Optical, where he serves as the Chief Commercial Officer.
David's career has taken him around the world, having lived and worked in the US, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Uruguay, Germany, and the Philippines. His leadership at Volk Optical has been instrumental in driving global sales, market expansion, and the successful launch of innovative products.
In addition to his professional achievements, David is passionate about food, wine, and travel. He is married to Sandra and is a proud father to two daughters, Rebeca and Natalia. As a Champion member of OWL, David is committed to supporting the mission of promoting diverse leadership within the industry.
Yari L. Mitchell
Yari is an experienced executive leader with a career spanning nearly 25 years in the ophthalmic medical device industry. Serving significant roles in both small and large companies, Yari has demonstrated expertise in market development, strategic business planning, commercialization, KOL engagement, and venture capital fundraising.
Prior to co-founding LaunchLab Partners, Yari served as chief business development Officer for AcuFocus, a privately held medical device company based in Southern California. With responsibilities for both global commercialization strategy and corporate business development, Yari played a central role both in fundraising and the ultimate acquisition of AcuFocus by Bausch + Lomb.
Yari is also an award-winning public speaker, presenting at conferences globally and emceeing events such as the OCTANE Ophthalmology Tech Forum. She is the host of Healio’s “Yari Has Questions” series and a regular contributor to industry podcasts and ophthalmic trade media video perspectives.
Yari holds a B.A. in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Miami. She is a proud champion member, mentor, past president and board member of OWL, member and part of the membership committee for AECOS, and member of Women In Ophthalmology, and Women in Eye Care.
A former collegiate debater and contributing author to Transcending the Game: Debate, Education and Society, Yari is passionate about communication, strategy, and the importance of credible evidence. She loves leveraging that experience and perspective through her work. Yari is also a Peloton enthusiast (#GoYariSparkles), an aspiring golfer, and bonus mom of two.