by Sarah Brede
EWI of Spokane Chapter President
Dear EWI Spokane Chapter Members,
What a powerful start to this chapter year. As I reflect on the incredible moments we’ve shared, from the inspiration of our Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting to the September chapter gathering, I’m reminded of why this organization matters so deeply.
Our September speaker, Stephy Nobles-Beans, left us with words that still resonate in my heart: EWI is a legacy. Support is the heartbeat of that legacy.
As a longstanding staple organization in the business community, EWI creates something truly unique: a space focused on Connections, Careers, and Community. Yes, the scholarships we provide transform families and communities. But our legacy extends far beyond philanthropy. We promote our member firms. We enhance personal and professional development. We cultivate mutual business goals through genuine personal relationships. We provide opportunities for leadership that might not exist elsewhere in our careers.
This question continues to challenge me, and I hope it challenges you too: What kind of legacy are you building for the women who will come after you?
The VALUE of Showing Up
In my installation speech, I shared something deeply personal: my journey into EWI during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. I won’t repeat the entire story here, but I will tell you this: EWI became my oxygen. It was a safe place to become myself again. A community where I could belong, just as I was. A resource for guidance and genuine connection when I needed it most. A pathway to professional development and business relationships that enriched both my career and my firm.
I started by simply showing up and standing in the back of the room. That’s all I could manage. But this community met me where I was. Someone invited me to a scholarship committee meeting. Later, someone else asked if I’d consider serving as Assistant Treasurer, and I said “YES…?” with all the uncertainty and hope that question mark implies.
That leap of faith—that moment when you say yes to something that scares you a little—that’s where the magic happens.
My Vision: Spotlighting the VALUE of EWI
As I’ve stepped into this role, I’m approaching leadership the way I approach architecture: as a servant leader. My first question is always, “Who are we serving, and what are their needs?” This year, my goal is to bring our committees together toward a common, cohesive purpose: to spotlight the VALUE of EWI and its many opportunities for every member.
We’ll continue to build on last year’s powerful theme that “I am Enough and so are you.” But I’m challenging us all to take it deeper: Be brave. Participate fully. Be present and engaged with each other, because that is where the value of EWI lies.
With Gratitude
To Jen Goe and last years’ board, thank you for your strength and heartfelt leadership this past year. You’ve set a powerful example for us all.
To Mama Beans, thank you for reminding us about the importance of multigenerational mentorship. Your words continue to inspire my vision for this year.
And to each of you—thank you for showing up. Thank you for being part of this legacy. Whether you’re standing in the back of the room for the first time or leading a committee, you belong here. Your presence matters. Your participation creates value for someone else who will come after you.
Let’s Build This Legacy Together
I invite you to engage fully this year. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Connect with someone new at our next meeting. Join a committee. Share your story. Ask for help when you need it. Offer support when you can. Bring a connection between your firm and another member’s business.
Speaking of connections, don’t miss our October chapter meeting! Our LCAM attendees will share highlights and insights from the Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting, bringing that inspiration home to our chapter. We’ll also break into small groups where you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your firms and network in a more intimate setting. This is exactly the kind of engagement that builds the business relationships and mutual goals at the heart of EWI. Mark your calendars!
EWI’s strength lies in the diversity of our member firms and the richness of what we bring to the table when we show up authentically. Your participation creates ripples: it promotes your firm, it builds your career, and it strengthens our community.
Because when one woman rises, we all rise.
With gratitude and excitement for the year ahead,
Sarah Brede
President, EWI of Spokane Chapter