Executive Women International ("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.

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 in May of 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, 3,064 firms and 3,417 representatives are members of EWI located in major cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.  EWI is the premier organization for networking and leadership development for today's professional businesswomen and their firms.

EWI® Corporate is located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

EWI of Milwaukee was chartered in 1966 with Loraine Schuffler serving as the chapter's first president in 1966 and 1967.  Original charter firm, WISN-TV, is still an active supporter of the chapter to this day.

EWI of Milwaukee has hosted a regional conference and proudly sponsors the EWI Scholarship Program (EWISP) which awards cash scholarship to high school juniors, Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST), which awards cash scholarships to adults looking to further their education at transitional points in their lives, and a philanthropy project to promote literacy in Milwaukee.

EWI of Milwaukee currently consists of 56 member firms with 56 representatives, 5 additional representatives, 5 sustaining members and 3 life members.  The representatives are made up of executive secretaries, executive assistants, office managers, account executives, managers, presidents, vice presidents and business owners.

EWI of Milwaukee holds its monthly membership meetings the first Tuesday of each month as follows:

• Regular Monthly Meetings are meetings generally held in January, February, June, July, August, November and December.  The Program Committee is responsible for selecting the meeting site and planning the activities for those evenings.  the format varies, but usually there is a speaker who may select any number of topics (e.g., motivational, business management, educational,  inspirational, cultural, etc.).

• Business Meetings are held in March and September.  It is important that all representatives attend these meetings, as this is when all committee reports are given and matters are voted upon.

• EWISP and ASIST Scholarship Banquets are held in April and May, respectively.  These banquets honor the winners of our EWISP and ASIST scholarships.  Students, teachers, family and friends are invited.  For EWISP, the first, second and third place winners are announced that night; the ASIST winners are predetermined prior to the event.

• Firm Recognition Night is held in October.  This is the night we honor our executives.  The chapter president and her executive each address the group.  Also, this is the night we install our new officers for the upcoming term.

• Firm Nights can be held during any program meeting month and EWI of Milwaukee usually averages two to three each year.  This night is hosted by a member firm and in most cases, the meeting is held at the location of the firm.  Firm Nights are the most effective way for a member firm to "tell its story" to other EWI® representatives and executives.  Firm Nights are always special . . . each one is different and all are fun!