by Erin McGann, Providence
EWI of Spokane Chapter President
Birth. Death. Celebration. Remembrance. Milestone. Anniversary.
It may not come as a surprise, but in the dictionary, the word anniversary translates to “the date on which an event took place in a previous year.” Of course, that’s true, but in my opinion, it’s an awfully dry explanation for a much more powerful meaning.
On April 17, 1979, EWI of Spokane became the 73rd chapter to charter with Executive Women International, a national organization already built on decades upon decades of firms and member representatives dedicated to leadership development and community impact. On that special day in 1979, Delores Olive from Nashville was the corporate President, and Della Newman from Seattle was the organizing officer. Spokane was chartered with only 23 firms, including a few still active today: HollisterStier and Avista. Leading at the onset of something so monumental can test one’s abilities and confidence, but Spokane’s first Chapter President, Dorothy Davis, was the foundational rock that the group needed during those early years.
As we flash forward 43 years later, it’s remarkable to see how far we have come, while also reflecting back on the many years that have passed. What have we learned? About EWI? About our city? And about ourselves?
Our Chapter is blessed for so many reasons. We have a strong core group of representatives that have guided this Chapter through some challenging times, including dramatic organizational growth, economic strain, and even catastrophic events like September 11th. Our foundation has held strong because these amazing and countless members held on to our core values: Connections, Careers, and Community. They have remained constant and served as a guiding force since day one.
Our local Chapter’s strength also continues to deepen as the addition of new reps bring a different sense of wonder and curiosity, along with a desire to make their mark. Of course, not all of our reps were around 43 years ago when our Chapter was chartered (sadly, I am not part of this group) but that is the beauty of an anniversary.
It is a symbolic moment in time when something truly worthy of remembering happens.
Each of us, no matter what year we joined EWI, can honor the past and celebrate this amazing legacy of friendship, personal and professional growth, and making Spokane a better community. Whether you’ve been a rep for more than 30 years or less than 30 days, you are a part of EWI, and its continued success is all of ours to share.
This is our 43rd anniversary. Find ways to engage. Find ways to help. Find ways to pay tribute to those who laid the groundwork for where we are today. And find ways to lean in and celebrate new opportunities that await us in the future with every year building toward a stronger EWI of Spokane.
I hope you and your executive will join us as we celebrate our Chapter’s anniversary this month. It is a special time for the Chapter, and we are excited to have Mayor Nadine Woodward as our keynote speaker on such a momentous night.
Together, let’s raise a glass and cheers to a great 43 years that have passed and celebrate this new chapter in our organization’s history. I hope to see you all at the next meeting!
Happy anniversary EWI of Spokane!