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. On April 29th 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.

Over 3,000 companies and 3,500 representatives are members of EWI today 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.

The Spokane Chapter of EWI was chartered in April 1979.