Sepideh “Sepi” Saidi, a distinguished engineer and business leader, passed away in Raleigh, North Carolina, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable journey that saw her rise from an immigrant student to a celebrated entrepreneur and community figure.
Born in Tehran, Iran, Sepi was raised in an environment that emphasized education and independence. Her academic excellence, particularly in science and mathematics, led her to pursue higher education in the United States.
In 1977, she moved to Raleigh to attend Cardinal Gibbons High School, following in her brother’s footsteps, who was studying at North Carolina State University (NC State).
Her transition to life in America was marked by personal challenges, including the loss of her father and the political upheaval in her homeland due to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Despite these adversities, Sepi remained steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
Sepi’s resilience and determination culminated in her earning dual bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and agricultural engineering from NC State in 1993.
Her professional journey began at the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), where she dedicated twelve years to highway design and traffic engineering.
In 2001, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a vision for innovative engineering solutions, Sepi founded SEPI Engineering & Construction. Starting as a solo venture, the firm rapidly expanded under her leadership, becoming an Engineering News-Record Top 500 Engineering company with gross revenues of $36 million in 2021.
SEPI’s diverse portfolio includes significant projects such as the site design for Raleigh’s Sycamore Creek Elementary School, survey work for Charlotte’s streetcar line, and environmental planning for various commercial and government developments.
Sepi’s leadership style was characterized by optimism and a proactive approach to challenges. During the 2008 economic recession, while many firms were downsizing, she strategically expanded her team, recognizing the opportunity to attract top talent and diversify the company’s services.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sepi was deeply committed to community engagement and advocacy for women in business. She served on numerous boards, including the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, where she held the position of chair, and the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, where she was the third female chair in nearly a century.
Her involvement extended to organizations such as the WakeEd Partnership, the Triangle Land Conservancy, and NC State’s Institute for Emerging Issues.
In recognition of her contributions and impact, Sepi was inducted into the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame in 2022. This honor celebrated her role as a trailblazer and mentor, inspiring countless women to pursue careers in engineering and entrepreneurship.
Sepi’s personal philosophy centered on optimism and self-reliance, values instilled in her by her mother. She believed in taking responsibility for one’s life and choices, a mindset that she imparted to her children, Nakisa and Bardia.
Her approach to life was encapsulated in her advice to “let go of what you can’t control” and focus on what can be influenced, a perspective that guided her through personal and professional challenges.
Her legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and community service. Sepi’s impact on the engineering field, her advocacy for women in business, and her contributions to the North Carolina community will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
My condolences to her family. Sad news, indeed.