Hampton Roads Chapter

ABOUT US
The Hampton Roads Chapter of Executive Women International® (EWI) was chartered on May 11, 1987 and is comprised of leading non-competitive businesses and firms from throughout the Hampton Roads area, including the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.

EWI is unique in that the firm holds the membership with a key individual, appointed by the chief executive officer, serving as the firm's representative. Membership is by invitation only and follows a posting process to ensure compliance with the non-compete requirement.

HISTORY
Executive Women International was originally established under the name of "Executives' Secretaries, Inc." 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 Los Angeles Chapter was chartered in May 1939 and 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.

The organization achieved its "international" status when the first Canadian chapter was chartered in Calgary, Alberta in 1964. In May of 1977, the organization's name was changed to "Executive Women International" to reflect the international expansion of the organization and recognize the changing roles of women in business and the diverse careers held by its representatives.

EWI COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Since its charter in 1987, the Hampon Roads Chapter has contributed over $55,000 to the community providing scholarships to local colleges, universities and other educational facilities as well as non-profit organizations including: The Tidewater Literacy Council, several local women's shelters, Food Bank, CANDII House, Big Brother/Big Sister, Girls, Inc. and Special Love, to mention a few. In addition, the Hampton Roads Chapter participates annually in the EWI Reading Rally in support of local inner-city elementary schools.

The following are additional programs in which the Hampton Roads Chapter participates:

Business/Career/Development Program (B/C/DP)
EWI established the Business/Career/Development Program to provide an additional forum for professional development and community involvement. B/C/DP is recognized as a charitable organization 501 © (3) by the Internal Revenue Services and contributes over $400,000 each year to charitable activities.

Executive Women International Scholarship Program (EWISP)
EWISP assists high school juniors in achieving their academic goals by competing for scholarships at the Chapter and Corporate levels. Selected students compete for scholarships in amounts up to $10,000.

Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST)
The ASIST program provides financial support to adult students who wish to continue their education. Applicants may be single parents, individuals entering the workforce or displaced workers. Chapter awards vary in amount; Corporate awards 12 $1,000 scholarships annually.

International Philanthropy
EWI membership selected literacy as its philanthropic focus and in 1999 began an annual International Reading Rally Day. Chapter members donate their time and talents to provide a variety of projects, including sponsoring a Reading Rally Day at a local inner-city school where we try to make a real difference in the lives of the children by creating memories and instilling in them the desire to read and learn.