Member Spotlight: Gail Smyth
Debbe Geiger | Published on 9/30/2024
Gail Smyth joined Island Women in 2009 shortly after she moved to Wilmington full-time because she wanted to “volunteer and do something.” Back then, less than 40 women belonged to the organization, and meetings were held over breakfast at a local restaurant.
Since then, Gail has served as secretary, then treasurer, and was active in the reduce, reuse, and recycle initiatives that led to the creation of the reusable bag. She still co-chairs the committee that produces the reusable bag, which is now the largest Island Women fundraiser. She was the founding Chair of the Christmas by the Sea committee and the original Co-Chair of the Martha’s Kitchen committee with the committee's founder, Sue LoBalbo. “I’ve basically dabbled in everything,” she said, with the exception of the S.H.E. and literacy committees.
Gail has been on the bylaws committee for as long as she can remember and has run the board of director elections since 2010. She’s passionate about the organization’s mission to improve the quality of life for the area’s residents through volunteering and fundraising. She believes volunteering is the most important and rewarding part of being a member. She encourages all members to get involved.
“The best way to enjoy and get personal satisfaction out of Island Women is to volunteer,” she said. “People who are active in the organization should look around the room and see who volunteers and nominate them for a leadership role. That’s who you want to be your leaders."