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.

The organization achieved its "international" status when the first Canadian chapter was charted in Calgary, Alberta in August 1964.

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.

Today, over 3,000 companies and 3,500 representatives are members of EWI in 75 chapters located in major cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. EWI is the premier organization for networking and leadership development for today's business professionals and their firms.

EWI is unique in its membership structure in that the firm, not the individual, holds the membership. Members (firms) are non-competitive businesses, government agencies, non-profit enterprises or associations actively engaged in the conduct of business. Firms designate a representative, who is a key individual, to represent them at meetings and other activities.

History of the Honolulu Chapter

The Honolulu Chapter of Executive Women International was chartered on November 3, 1967 and became EWI's 54th chapter, with 24 member firms. Much has evolved over the chapter's 40 year history, and today, the Honolulu Chapter is comprised of 62 member firms (many of the state's leading businesses) and 63 representatives. The Honolulu Chapter continues to contribute to the community in a multitude of ways through its philanthropy projects as well as its sponsorship of two major scholarship programs (awards total as much as $26,000 annually), one for high school students and the other for adults in transition whose goal is to complete their higher education studies.

The Honolulu Chapter is proud to be a part of EWI, the premier organization for networking and leadership development for today's business professionals and their firms.