EWI 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 29 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, Canada, and Europe 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.