Beth Wrobel was in town to close on her house in Carolina Beach in December 2023 when she sat down to breakfast at Kate’s Pancake House. She learned about Island Women from a friendly server after Beth told her, “I need to meet people.” Beth had just retired from her job running a large non-profit in Indiana and wanted to plant her roots here. After the closing, Beth returned to Indiana to finish her move, and joined the organization on New Year’s Eve.
“She got me my new life,” Beth said of the server. “Every once in a while, I see her and thank her. I’ve met so many people through Island Women.”
Shortly after joining, Beth connected with her mentor, Cathy Turner, who invited her to join the membership committee and other groups. At a social event organized by the SEA (formerly SHE) committee, she connected with Tammy Neeb who encouraged her to join that committee as well. Soon Beth was involved in both and volunteered to become the co-chair of membership when the position opened. Recently, she became an ambassador for the Carolina Beach Chamber of Commerce and made more friends.
“I’ve always been involved in my community,” Beth said. “I’m not afraid to do things alone.” But she knows some people are. That’s why she says it’s important for new members to accept the offer of a mentor.
“Use them to help you get involved,” she said. At the same time, if you work or have kids, don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t do everything right away. “Set your own expectations. There’s a role for everyone in Island Women, but you don’t want to over-commit yourself because then you will burn out.”