Celebrating the Inaugural Distinguished Advocate for Women in Business Award
Honoring the Legacy of Sepi Saidi
The NC Chamber is thrilled to announce the establishment of its Distinguished Advocate for Women in Business Award, which recognizes an individual who has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women in business—within their organization and across the business community.
The recipient of this award is one who has devoted themselves to mentorship, advocacy, and creating pathways for others—not because it is required, not because it enhances their own success—but because they believe deeply that when women are empowered, business and community are strengthened. Their efforts are not measured simply by titles or accolades, but by the doors they have opened, the barriers they have dismantled, and the generations of women who will follow a little more confidently because of their example.
We are proud to name Sepi Saidi, former chair of the NC Chamber and CEO of her namesake company, our inaugural recipient. Her family will accept this honor in her memory.
A Leader Who Lived Her Values
Leaving Iran, Sepi came to Raleigh, N.C. as a teenager where she attended Cardinal Gibbons High School before earning dual degrees in civil and agricultural engineering from North Carolina State University.
She founded SEPI Engineering & Construction in 2001, building it into a thriving full-service firm that was acquired by TranSystems Corp. in 2022.
Professional success, however, was only part of her story. Sepi was deeply committed to lifting others, especially women, alongside her. She made sure that when women were invited to a room, they didn’t sit on the edge—they sat at the table. Sepi’s leadership was people-first. She saw her success as a way to create opportunities for others. Whether through mentorship, board service, or quietly making space for rising women, she led by example.
The Award’s New Name and Future Impact
In honor of her legacy, this new NC Chamber award, inspired by Sepi’s service to our organization and our state’s business community, will be known as the Sepi Saidi Advocate for Women in Business Award.
Each year, the NC Chamber will identify and honor an individual whose actions reflect Sepi’s commitment to empowering women in business—someone who opens doors, breaks barriers, and coaches the next generation.
2025 Award Presentation – Join Us
The 2025 award will be presented at our tenth annual Women Lead NC event, held at the Raleigh Convention Center on Thursday, Nov. 13.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Sepi’s legacy and honoring the life of the woman whose dedication to women in business enriched our entire community.
We look forward to seeing you at Women Lead NC and to every year ahead, celebrating those who follow in Sepi’s footsteps.