ABOUT EWI®
Executive Women International® ("EWI®") is an international,
nonprofit organization of leading business, service, and
professional firms. While membership is by invitation only, we strongly encourage you to apply! The firm holds the
membership, while an individual engaged in an executive, key
administrative, or executive top-ranking position, and whom the firm’s
executive appoints, serves as its representative.
You can also join EWI as an Individual. For more information, please contact our Board of Directors.
EWI® HISTORY
Executive Women International® was established in California in 1938
when Lucille Johnson Perkins recognized the importance and potential of
an association of key women working with their executives to promote
their firms and improve their community. On April 29th of that year,
Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of California under
the name of Executives' Secretaries, Inc.
In May 1939, the Los Angeles business community recognized the value
of such an organization, and that city's chapter was chartered, and EWI
was on its way. Since then, additional cities throughout the United
States and Canada have joined, forming a prestigious and
exclusive networking organization of key firms and individuals.
During the 30th Annual Meeting of the corporation (May 1977), the
organization's name was changed to "Executive Women International." This
change reflects the international expansion of the organization and
recognizes the changing roles of women in business and the diverse
careers held by its representatives.
Over 1,000 companies and 1,200 representatives are members of EWI today
in 38 chapters located in major cities in the United States and Canada. EWI is the premier organization for networking and
leadership development for today's business professionals and their
firms.
EWI® MISSION STATEMENT
Executive Women International® is an organization that brings
together key individuals from diverse businesses for the purpose of:
- Promoting member firms
- Enhancing personal and professional development
- Encouraging community involvement
EWI® VALUES
INTEGRITY | EXCELLENCE | RESPECT | COLLABORATION
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
Executive Women International (EWI) is committed to providing cultural diversity and inclusion in our organization at the Chapter and Corporate levels.
Our member firms and representatives are the foundation of our organization and diversity is
essential to who we are. The collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and the ability to collaborate in a competitive environment represents EWI’s culture, reputation and achievements.
The organization does not discriminate in membership-opportunities or practices on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any
other characteristic protected by law.
EWI believes in equality, justice, and freedom for all.
Updated 04.01.2025
