March 8 is International Women’s Day – a globalized day of recognizing the many strides that women have made & are making while honoring the incredible women that we know. This year, we’re celebrating the many women who inspire, empower and uplift others. Women you look up to. We asked both men and women in our community to nominate a special woman in their lives, sharing stories of empowerment, achievement, and kindness. Here are a few stories of women you look up to:

“I look up to Melissa Totten – my daughter. She was in a hit and run car accident in which she almost lost her life or her left arm. Instead, she fought back and 3 months later, she traveled to Africa to teach others about glasses. This is a photo of her and her rescuers.”

“I look up to Melissa Standridge. Not only is she a great leader, but also a woman full of compassion and kindness. I have known Melissa since we first worked together in retail stores creating the kind of experience for our customers that not only provided sight but made the journey fun and exciting. Her passion for helping people was evident, and when she became a strong advocate for Gift of Sight she inspired all those around her to join the cause. I was honored to work by her side last year on a clinic in Tanzania. She is an inspiration and shining example of what one person can do to bring people from all over the world together to fight for a cause.”

We believe that empowered women, empower women. One of the ways OneSight empowers others is through our sustainable vision centers, which provide permanent vision care access to communities that lack it. Many of the individuals who staff these centers are women. Learn about what being a strong woman means to them.