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Mission & History

Welcome to EWI® of Houston (Executive Women International®)

Executive Women International® (EWI) is an organization which brings together key individuals from diverse businesses for the purpose of:

  • Promoting Member Firms 
  • Enhancing personal and professional development 
  • Encouraging Community Involvement

We aspire to be the leading connection for business professionals.

History of EWI

Established January 24, 1957, EWI of Houston is honored to have a charter member still active in this dynamic organization. EWI’s Corporate Office, located in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, provides support services and membership to the entire association. 

Visit their website:

Ewiconnect.com

The organization 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. The organization achieved its "international" status when the first Canadian chapter was chartered in Calgary, Alberta in August 1964. Since then, additional cities throughout the United States and Canada 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.

Today, over 1,400 companies and 1,700 representatives are members of EWI in 50 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 is unique in its membership structure in that the firm, not the individual, holds the membership. Members (firms) are businesses, government agencies, non-profit enterprises or associations actively engaged in the conduct of business. Firms designate a representative (male or female), who is a key individual, to represent them at meetings and other activities.