Meet Elisha: Veteran Spouse and District Manager
On this very special Military Spouse Appreciation Day we would like you to meet Elisha Bialowas – a District Manager for our Vision Centers located inside Walmart and a proud veteran spouse!
Elisha began her career at National Vision at just 20 years old. At the time, she was working as a Manager at a dry cleaning business. The then manager of our New Bern, NC location (who dropped off his shirts to be laundered every Monday) was so impressed with her work ethic and leadership skills that he offered her a Sales Associate position. Elisha accepted and the rest is history!
Her drive made the transition into her new role seamless. She was promoted after three years to Assistant Manager and then to Store Manager in 2008. In 2009 she became an Area Manager and in 2016 was promoted to District Manager. Her former boss has followed her professional development all these years, making sure to congratulate her every step of the way. He was especially proud earlier this year when Elisha was recognized as the 2018 Vision Center District Manager of the Year.
In December 2006, Elisha’s life changed in a way she never expected. That’s when she met Steve – a U.S. Marine, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Originally from Connecticut, Steve enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1992. He and Elisha were married in October 2007 and he deployed to Iraq for 7 months shortly after.
Elisha tells us how being separated from her newly wed husband was hard, but it only made her stronger. Having grown up moving around, Elisha was used to making new friends and being independent – something that helped her fit right into the military life.
For the next five years until Steve retired in 2012, Elisha embraced the military life and all that it had to offer. Now this proud veteran spouse and National Vision District Manager embodies the values of our company and has built a team of like-minded Associates and leaders aligned with our mission of helping people by making quality eye care and eyewear more affordable and accessible.
When we asked Elisha why she’s proud to be a National Vision Associate, she said:
“I am proud to work with a company that honors our military service members and their spouses, and recognizes the sacrifices that are made daily for our freedom and country.”
When she is not at work, you can find Elisha spending time with her retired Marine and 9-year-old son on their 375-acre farm. They enjoy riding four wheelers, chasing chickens and fishing.
Thank you Elisha for everything you do for National Vision. We are especially proud to have a veteran spouse such as yourself part of our team!
To all the active duty military spouses – Happy Military Spouse Appreciation Day!
Jessica Altamirano
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