EWG was formed in 1974 by a group of women who were concerned about the small percentage of women in leadership positions in the federal government. In 1974 there were less than 100 women in senior positions. While there are still hurdles to overcome, EWG is pleased to note that women leaders in government have made great strides since 1974. Today, the percentage of female career Senior Executive Service personnel has increased to roughly 22 percent or 1,500 women...up from 11 percent in 1992.

The earliest beginnings of EWG were under the leadership of Barbara Franklin, who was appointed by President Nixon as Staff Assistant for the Recruitment of Women. She held the first meetings of EWG to support and promote networking among the senior women. When Franklin left, the meetings stopped but the need for a forum for senior women in government still existed. As a result, a number of the women regrouped at the Capitol Hill Club on September 20, 1973 in a meeting in which they founded EWG. This group of dedicated women was determined to help other women rise into leadership positions. The organization was formally founded in July 1974, with adoption of the by-laws, creating the first federal senior executive organization. Objectives included advocating the advancement of women in the social, economic, and political structures of our society and advancing women in senior leadership positions.

Through the years, EWG has successfully mentored and helped many women to achieve their goals. We have celebrated significant milestones with important women in our ranks, including Sally Ride, America's first female astronaut and Judge Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court. EWG celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary on 1999 with a gala dinner celebration in the diplomatic reception rooms of the U.S. Department of State. Each year we hold a training conference to promote networking and the professional development of senior women in government.