Susan Hughes moved to Carolina Beach in 2020 but only recently got involved in Island Women when she jumped in with both feet to head up the S.E.A. Committee (formerly the S.H.E. Committee) late last year. At first, she wondered if that might be difficult, considering she didn’t know much about the organization, and didn't have many connections with members. She was told the best way to get to know people was to dive right in.
So far, the experience, she said, “has been wonderful. I’ve met so many people.”
Susan works full-time from home as a project manager, but enjoys making time to volunteer and give back to the community while helping to support and empower women.
And, because she believes it’s important for people to feel comfortable when they join the organization, Susan became a mentor through the membership committee. It's allowed her to meet new people who may not want to attend an Island Women event or meeting alone.
“Mentoring gives you an automatic connection,” she said. “When I joined, I didn’t ask for one, and I remember how difficult it was to walk into a room. Even if everyone is friendly and welcoming, it’s still overwhelming.”
When you are a mentor to a new member, she said, “they know they have one person who has their back. I like giving that security and safety to someone. It may be the difference in somebody getting involved or not.”
Being a mentor doesn’t require you to be lifelong friends, but it may open a door to a new friendship. Recently, Susan mentored a new member, and they immediately found they had things in common. Now they meet for dinner and other events.
Beyond mentoring, Susan knows that there are new members who want to get involved but may not be ready to make a big commitment. She encourages everyone to attend committee meetings that interest them. “Maybe you’ll bump into somebody who becomes a friend, or you’ll find a new passion you didn’t know you had. See what you like and don’t be afraid to try. Sometimes, you just have to get over the fear of walking in alone.”