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 the community. On April 29th of that year, Articles of Incorporation were filed in 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. 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 firms and individuals.

In May 1977, recognizing its international expansion along with the elevation of women to key positions throughout the business community, delegates to the 30th Annual Meeting voted overwhelmingly to change our name to Executive Women International.

In 2006, comprised of over 3,000 member firms and 3,500 representatives worldwide, EWI is the premiere organization for networking and leadership development for today's business professionals and their firms.