WILMA Magazine

01/06/2026

Traversing a zip line. Fishing. Swimming. Exploring nature trails. These and other fun activities are the norm at the YMCA’s Camp Kirkwood, and SAVANAH STANDIFER, the camp’s executive director, aims to ensure as many children – and families – as possible get to experience them.

Savanah Standifer, the executive director of the YMCA’s Camp Kirkwood, aims to ensure that as many as possible experience the joy of camp.

12/19/2025

48 leaders. Endless potential. ✨

Earlier this week, we proudly celebrated our newest graduates of the WILMA Leadership Institute! These incredible individuals have completed immersive leadership training while building lasting peer connections and learning from experienced leaders across our community.

Ready to grow your leadership journey? Applications for the 2026 WILMA Leadership Institute are open through January 31! Apply with the link below:
https://www.wilmamag.com/leadership/wilmas-leadership-institute/

12/19/2025

12/15/2025

LIZ LONG, JESSICA MIDDLESWARTH, and LISA DOBSTAFF opened KinderStop in 2019, and their presence in Leland has become a lifeline for parents who need child care in a pinch.

Three Brunswick County moms all had the same problem: They didn’t have family nearby to watch their kids when they had an appointment, or when they wanted to run errands. LIZ LONG, JESSICA MIDDLESWARTH, and LISA DOBSTAFF opened KinderStop in 2019, and their presence in Leland has become a lifeline...

12/10/2025

Ready to level up your leadership?

Applications for the 2026 WILMA Leadership Institute are officially OPEN! Join a powerful network, gain hands-on leadership training, and connect with inspiring community leaders.

Apply here by January 31!

WILMA’s Leadership Institute gives up-and-coming leaders a unique opportunity to learn from top leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each others’ personal board of directors.

12/08/2025

Loving wife, mother of five… and international spy. That’s the anything-but-ordinary life ANN BUTLER reflects on in her recent memoir following an almost thirty-year career in the CIA. Butler and her husband, JOSEPH POTAK, recently relocated from Virginia to Wilmington.

Loving wife, mother of five... and international spy. That’s the anything-but-ordinary life ANN BUTLER reflects on in her recent memoir following an almost thirty-year career in the Central Intelligence Agency. Butler and her husband, JOSEPH POTAK, recently relocated from Virginia to Wilmington.

11/26/2025

SHAWN LAMB knew from a young age she loved science, and that early awareness propelled her to a career as a nuclear engineer. Now, as both a scientist and mother, Lamb, along with other women in the STEM field, has been working for many years to inspire other young women with their annual Girls in Technology summit.

SHAWN LAMB knew from a young age she loved science, and that early awareness propelled her to a career as a nuclear engineer. Now, as both a scientist and mother, Lamb, along with other women in the STEM field, has been working for many years to inspire other young women with their annual Girls in T...

11/24/2025

A decade after purchasing Sycamore Bend Estate, an 18-acre horse farm, Jean Strahan has transformed the historic property into an idyllic venue for weddings and gatherings.

11/24/2025

Dec. 18 DEADLINE: The Business Journal is accepting submissions from local artists – original paintings and drawings that reflect Wilmington-area landmarks, events, communities, native wildlife or landscapes for our annual Book on Business publication.

Calling all local artists!   The Greater Wilmington Business Journal is accepting submissions from local artists – original paintings and drawings that reflect Wilmington-area landmarks, events, communities, native wildlife or landscapes.   Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing t...

11/23/2025

Robin Manning owns Coastal Hillbilly in Wilmington, a storefront workshop where she hand-sews made-to-order and small-batch leather bags, wallets, belts, and accessories.

Robin Manning owns Coastal Hillbilly in Wilmington, a storefront workshop where she hand-sews made-to-order and small-batch leather bags, wallets, belts, and accessories

11/22/2025

Chef MICHELLE MATHEWS’ lifelong travels, appreciation of culture, and love of food are front and center in her latest endeavor as executive chef at La Duna Paradiso in the Trailborn Surf & Sound hotel on Wrightsville Beach.

11/21/2025

Letter from the Editor: As a coastal community, we're familiar with the ravages of hurricane season. Our neighbors to the west faced similar devastation last year, and in WILMA's winter issue, we spotlight the efforts of local photographer Allison Joyce, who has brought the reality of Hurricane Helene into focus.

Taking a look through the camera lens to document Hurricane Helene an year after.