EWI Knoxville

History of EWI

1988

The Knoxville chapter was founded by Neldeane Rice in April of 1988. Since our founding, the Knoxville chapter has continued to grow.

1938

EWI was founded in San Francisco in 1938 by Lucille Johnson Perkins

Ms. Perkins recognized the importance and potential of an association bringing key women together to promote their firms and improve their communities. On April 29th of that same year, Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of California under the name of Executive Secretaries, Inc.

Since then, additional cities throughout the United States and Canada have created chapters and joined the organization forming a prestigious and diverse networking organization of growing businesses and individual members.

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 our representatives.

More than 1,400 member companies and 1,600 representatives continue to thrive in EWI today. We continue to grow in nearly 45 Chapters located in major cities in the United States and Canada. EWI is a premier organization for connecting, building community and developing both professionally and personally for today’s business professionals and their firms.