by Sarah Brede
EWI of Spokane Chapter President
Celebrating Wins and Looking Forward
Dear EWI of Spokane Chapter Members,
Now that we’re in 2026, I’ve been thinking a lot about endings and beginnings; not just about what we left behind, but what we accomplished along the way. It’s so easy to focus on what’s next without pausing to acknowledge how far we’ve come. So, before we dive deeper into the new year, I want to take a moment to celebrate.
December: Holiday Joy and Professional Wins
Our December holiday party was everything I hoped it would be: heartwarming, joyful, and full of connection. It was beautiful to see old friends and new coming together, sharing laughter and stories, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. The gingerbread decorating brought out everyone’s creativity (and maybe a little friendly competition after all!), and watching each table work together to incorporate everyone’s unique contributions into a special theme for their house was unexpected and absolutely delightful. The creativity and collaboration that emerged was such a sweet reflection of what makes this group special.
But what really inspired me was our Pass the Mic. Hearing members share their professional wins from 2025 reminded me why I love this organization so much. We are surrounded by powerful, achieving, inspiring women, and that continues to motivate me every single day. If you shared a win, thank you for your vulnerability and for letting us celebrate with you. And if you didn’t get a chance, I hope you’re taking time to acknowledge your own accomplishments, even the small ones. They all matter.
A Reminder: Our Mission
As we kick off 2026, I want to remind everyone why we’re here. Our board’s mission is clear: We strive to bring together professional women and their firms to build meaningful relationships in pursuit of genuine connection, shared leadership growth, and community service—creating opportunities for lasting impact within our organizations and throughout our community.
This mission guides everything we do, and it’s built on guiding principles that keep us focused on what matters most:
- Connection Over Transaction – We’re here to know each other as whole people, not just professional titles
- Stronger Together – Our collective strength grows when we actively support each other
- Legacy Through Leadership – We invest in the next generation and create lasting impact
These aren’t just words on paper. They’re the foundation of who we are and what we’re building together.
January Meeting: Empowerment and Practical Skills
Speaking of building, our January meeting is all about empowerment. We’ll be gathering at the Cracker building downtown (free parking, yay!) for a self-defense demonstration with Opal Harbert from Mount Spokane Martial Arts.
January can be a dark month in Spokane, and we all know the importance of feeling confident and prepared wherever we go. Opal will walk us through practical techniques and strategies while we enjoy our meal together. We may ask for a few willing volunteers to help with the demonstration, but otherwise, you can sit back, learn, and leave with some valuable skills and a boost of confidence to start the year strong.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Planning Committee
I also want to plant a seed about something I’m excited to develop this year: a Strategic Planning Committee for our Chapter. This committee will help ensure smoother transitions between leadership teams each year, provide continuity in our work, and give us even more momentum as we grow and deepen our commitment to our mission.
If this is something that interests you, please let me know. I’d love to hear your ideas and explore how we can build this together.
Gratitude and Joy
In this new year, I encourage all of you to do what I’ve been trying to do, offer yourself some gratitude. Celebrate your efforts. Acknowledge your achievements, even if they feel small. And then, let’s bring that same joy and celebration to each other.
That’s what EWI is all about: lifting each other up, growing together, and creating a community where we all feel seen, valued, and supported.
Here’s to an amazing 2026. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.
With gratitude and excitement,
Sarah
President, EWI of Spokane
EWI: Where diverse businesses come together for Connections, Careers, and Community.