Executive Women International, Inc.
EWI was founded in San Francisco in 1938 by Lucille Johnson Perkins.
Ms. Perkins recognized the importance and potential of an association bringing key women together to promote their firms and improve their communities. On April 29th of that same year, Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of California under the name of Executive Secretaries, Inc. Since then, additional cities throughout the United States and Canada have created chapters and joined the organization forming a prestigious and diverse networking organization of growing businesses, individual members and students.
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 our representatives.
More than 1,000 member companies and 1,200 representatives continue to thrive in EWI today. We continue to grow in nearly 38 Chapters located in major cities in the United States and Canada. EWI is a premier organization for connecting, building community and developing both professionally and personally for today’s business professionals and their firms.
EWI of Milwaukee
EWI of Milwaukee was chartered October 19, 1965 with 30 member firms. Loraine Schuffler served as the chapter’s first president in 1966 and 1967.