by Sarah Brede
EWI of Spokane Chapter President
Dear EWI of Spokane Members,
Our May Scholarship Banquet was everything I hoped it would be, and more. Hearing from the students, watching the joy on their faces, the tears that were shed, it was a deeply meaningful evening. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed, and especially to our Scholarship Committee for the care they put into making it happen.
As I move into these final months as your President, I’ve been sitting with something from my weekly meditation group. Dr. Aubrey Wallace writes: “Grounded in vision — receiving what you have always needed by becoming it for others.”
It stopped me in my tracks. Because that, I’ve realized, is exactly how I approach leadership, in EWI and in my own business. What I keep coming back to is what I wish I’d had earlier in my career. Belonging. Space to be exactly who you are. Grace for the inevitable mistakes. That’s what I want us to keep building together.
That, at its core, is what EWI is — Connections and Community, not as buzzwords, but as something we actually build together. Every conversation at a chapter meeting, every moment of showing up for one another, every act of service within this organization — that’s where the magic lives. We create for others what we needed, and in doing so, we receive it too.
Which brings me to something I’d love for you to consider: board service. Our straw ballot is out, and nominations are due June 29. The connections you build, the leadership skills you develop, the chance to shape what this organization becomes — it’s the kind of experience you can’t replicate anywhere else. If you’ve been curious, this is your sign.
I hope to see you on June 16 at Barrister, where we’ll hear from Casey Jackson on Improving Outcomes through Effective Communication. Casey is generously donating his time for what would typically be a full-day training, and this is exactly the kind of evening worth sharing. Please bring a guest. Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or someone you’ve been wanting to introduce to EWI — the more the merrier, and they’ll leave with something genuinely valuable.
A couple of reminders: the Past President LCAM Scholarship deadline is June 20, and early bird LCAM registration closes June 30.
I have such genuine appreciation for each of you — your unique perspectives, your contributions, your wonderful humanness. You make this a special place, and I don’t take that lightly.
With gratitude,
Sarah
President, EWI of Spokane
EWI: Where diverse businesses come together for Connections, Careers, and Community.