Women in O&P: From an Idea to a Growing Community
Women in O&P: From an Idea to a Growing Community
A few months ago, we asked a simple question:
Would there be value in creating a community just for women in the prosthetic and orthotic industry?
After more than 20 years working in O&P, one of the things I've appreciated most is the incredible people I've met along the way. There are so many talented women across this industry, each bringing unique experiences, perspectives, and knowledge to the work they do.
We wondered what might happen if we created a space for those women to connect, encourage one another, and learn together.
We didn't have a detailed plan for what the community would become.
We simply wanted to start the conversation.
And it's been exciting to see where that conversation has taken us.
Our First Gathering
On August 13, we hosted our first virtual Women in O&P gathering.
What stood out most wasn't a particular presentation or agenda. It was the enthusiasm, encouragement, and willingness to participate.
Women from different areas of the industry came together with a shared interest in building meaningful connections.
From the beginning, we wanted this community to feel different.
Not another webinar. Not a sales opportunity. Not a place where someone always has to be the expert.
Just an opportunity for women who understand this industry to learn from and support one another.
That first gathering reinforced why we wanted to explore the idea in the first place.
Building a Community Beyond the Meetings
One thing we quickly recognized was that meaningful connections shouldn't be limited to an occasional virtual call.
We wanted to create ways for members to stay connected, share resources, and help shape future conversations.
That's why we introduced the Women in O&P Community Hub.
The hub gives members a central place to find upcoming gatherings, suggest discussion topics, access shared resources, and participate in a growing community directory.
We've also introduced opportunities for members to vote on upcoming discussion topics.
Rather than deciding what everyone should be talking about, we want the women participating to help guide those conversations.
Because this community was never intended to be something we built for women in O&P.
It's something we're building with them.
Creating More Opportunities to Connect
As the community has developed, we've been working toward a consistent rhythm of monthly virtual gatherings.
We've also created opportunities for connection beyond the screen, including organizing a Women in O&P Meet & Greet during the AOPA National Assembly in Las Vegas this September.
Our hope is that these opportunities continue to make the industry feel a little more connected.
Whether someone is an experienced practice owner, a clinician, an administrator, a billing professional, or just beginning her career in O&P, there is value in having a community of women who understand the work and the challenges that come with it.
What's Next for Women in O&P?
We're continuing with monthly virtual gatherings, with upcoming conversations scheduled for October 28, November 19, and December 15.
As we move forward, our focus remains simple:
Create opportunities for meaningful connection, encourage open conversation, and make space for members to share their knowledge and experiences.
We don't know exactly what this community will look like a year from now.
And that's part of what makes it exciting.
We want it to continue evolving based on the women who participate and the needs they identify along the way.
We'd Love for You to Be Part of It
If you're a woman working in the prosthetic and orthotic industry, we'd love to welcome you into the conversation.
You don't need a particular title, years of experience, or a specific area of expertise.
Just a willingness to connect, share, learn, and encourage others.
We're grateful for the women who have helped bring this idea to life, and we're looking forward to seeing where it goes next.
Sometimes the most meaningful things start with a simple question.
And we're so glad we asked this one.
— Kelly Gies
KG Simple Solutions