Reinvention often begins with unplanned moments
This week, I sat down with Michelle Bockman, CEO of KeraLink International, whose story of discovering her purpose after a personal health crisis reminds us that clarity often comes from the most unexpected places.
Michelle began her career as a mechanical engineer in a male-dominated industry, eventually leading teams across Silicon Valley startups and Fortune 100 companies. After decades in corporate leadership, she hit a point many of us know well - asking, what’s next?
Then, life changed in an instant.
Michelle was suddenly faced with a serious eye condition that caused her to lose the central vision in one eye. During treatment, doctors discovered cancer in her other eye. It was a terrifying moment, but one that would lead her toward a calling she never saw coming.
She regained her full 20/20 vision after successful treatment at Johns Hopkins. Today, she leads KeraLink International, a nonprofit dedicated to ending preventable blindness worldwide.
🌟 A New Model for Purpose and Impact
Under Michelle’s leadership, KeraLink has reimagined what a modern nonprofit can be as an ecosystem built on innovation, access, and sustainability.
She’s guided the organization to expand into three divisions:
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Community Programs that bring eye screenings and care to underserved communities.
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CaraX Venture Studio, where new technologies are developed to make eye care affordable and accessible globally.
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KeraLink.com, an eyewear brand where every purchase supports their mission to restore sight.
What struck me most was how personal this work is to Michelle. Having faced her own vision loss, she knows firsthand how life-changing access to care can be.
“When vision meets purpose, everything becomes clear.” -Michelle Bockman
Women Leading Change, One Door at a Time
KeraLink’s programs are not only transforming access to care—they’re transforming women’s lives.
In India, Michelle’s team trains women healthcare workers to go door to door, screening families for eye diseases. These women, many working for the first time, are finding confidence, financial independence, and leadership opportunities.
As Michelle shared, “They feel like they have a more important role in the world.”.
KeraLink’s 30/30 Initiative is bold: bringing eye care to 30 million people and raising $30 million by 2030. With a mix of technology, heart, and innovation, Michelle and her team are making it happen—one community at a time.
Her story is a reminder that reinvention isn’t about starting over. It’s about seeing your experience through a new lens and letting purpose guide the n
Action Step: Notice where your purpose feels strongest right now. What small action can you take this week to move closer to that vision?
Special thanks to Michelle Bockman for being on the show today!
Keep Shining Your Light Bright. The World Needs You!
About Michelle Bockman
Michelle Bockman is President & CEO of KeraLink International, a nonprofit working to reduce corneal blindness globally by expanding access to eye care. With over 25 years of leadership experience in Fortune 100 companies and Silicon Valley startups, Michelle combines innovation with purpose to create real-world impact.
🌐 KeraLink.org
🔗 Michelle Bockman on LinkedIn
📺 YouTube: @KeraLinkInternational
📸 Instagram: @keralink_international
📘 Facebook: KeraLinkIntl
Connect with Natalie Benamou
Founder, HerCsuite® — the first professional women’s network infusing AI into courses and masterminds for women leaders, board directors, and entrepreneurs.
President & CEO, HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit improving healthcare communication and outcomes for women.
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