The world lost an extraordinary woman in March 2025 with the passing of Sepi Saidi, the visionary founder and CEO of SEPI, Inc. After a courageous fight against cancer, Sepi left behind a legacy that transcends her remarkable career in engineering and consulting. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, she built a thriving company from the ground up, championed women in STEM, and touched countless lives with her compassion and resilience.
This blog post celebrates Sepi Saidi’s life, her groundbreaking achievements, and the indelible mark she left on her community and beyond.
Sepi Saidi Obituary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sepi Saidi |
| Birthplace | Iran |
| Occupation | Founder and CEO, SEPI, Inc. |
| Field | Civil Engineering, Consulting |
| Residence | Raleigh, North Carolina |
| Date of Death | March 2025 |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Legacy | Advocate for women in STEM, philanthropy |
From Iran to Raleigh: A Journey of Determination
Sepi Saidi’s story begins in Iran, where she was born into a world of challenges that would shape her into the resilient leader she became. Facing obstacles from a young age, Sepi refused to let adversity define her. Instead, she channeled her determination into pursuing an education in civil engineering—a field that would become her lifelong passion. Her journey eventually brought her to the United States, where she saw an opportunity to turn her skills into a force for change.
Settling in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sepi envisioned a future where engineering could solve real-world problems while empowering those who dared to dream big. That vision gave birth to SEPI, Inc., a company she founded with little more than ambition and a belief in what was possible. What started as a small startup blossomed into a powerhouse in engineering and consulting, thanks to Sepi’s relentless drive and innovative spirit.
Building SEPI, Inc.: A Legacy of Excellence
Under Sepi’s leadership, SEPI, Inc. grew into a respected name in North Carolina and beyond. Her expertise in civil engineering, paired with a knack for strategic thinking, propelled the firm to new heights. The company took on transformative projects in transportation, environmental planning, and infrastructure development, earning accolades for its quality and ingenuity. Sepi didn’t just build a business—she built a reputation for excellence that set a standard in the industry.
But Sepi’s influence went far beyond profit margins. She was a trailblazer who understood the power of diversity in engineering. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she faced her share of skepticism, yet she turned those challenges into fuel for advocacy. Sepi became a vocal champion for women in STEM, mentoring young professionals and pushing for inclusivity at every turn. Her leadership wasn’t about personal gain; it was about creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Colleagues often spoke of her as a rare blend of strength and kindness. “Sepi had this way of making you feel like you could do anything,” one team member recalled. She fostered a collaborative culture at SEPI, Inc., where ideas thrived and people felt valued. That human touch set her apart as a leader who cared deeply about her team and the broader community.
A Heart for Giving: Sepi’s Philanthropic Impact
Sepi Saidi’s commitment to making a difference extended well beyond the walls of her company. She was a passionate philanthropist who believed in lifting up those who needed it most. Her efforts focused on supporting underrepresented communities and opening doors for young women in STEM. Through donations, mentorship programs, and partnerships with educational initiatives, Sepi worked tirelessly to ensure that the next generation had the tools to succeed.
Her vision was clear: break down barriers and build a world where talent, not circumstance, determined one’s path. Whether it was funding scholarships or speaking at events to inspire budding engineers, Sepi’s generosity left a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come. She saw herself in the young women she mentored—determined, capable, and ready to change the world—and she made it her mission to help them shine.
A Battle with Cancer: Courage in the Face of Adversity
In a cruel twist of fate, Sepi was diagnosed with cancer, a challenge that tested her in ways her professional hurdles never had. Yet, even as she faced this formidable opponent, Sepi remained a beacon of strength. She approached her illness with the same tenacity that defined her career, refusing to let it dim her spirit. Throughout her treatment, she stayed engaged with SEPI, Inc., offering guidance to her team and continuing her advocacy work whenever possible.
Those close to her marveled at her grace under pressure. “She never stopped fighting,” a friend shared. “Even when she was exhausted, she’d still ask how she could help someone else.” Sepi’s resilience inspired everyone around her, turning her personal struggle into a testament to the power of hope. Though cancer ultimately claimed her life in March 2025, it couldn’t erase the light she brought to the world.
A Community Mourns: Tributes to Sepi Saidi
The announcement of Sepi’s passing sent shockwaves through Raleigh and the engineering community at large. Her family, friends, and colleagues were left to grapple with a loss that felt both sudden and profound. Tributes flooded in, each one a reflection of the countless lives she touched. “Sepi was a force of nature,” one colleague wrote. “Her legacy will live on in every bridge we build, every student we inspire.”
A memorial service is planned to honor Sepi’s extraordinary life, bringing together those who loved her to share stories and celebrate her impact. It will be a moment of collective healing, a chance to say goodbye while pledging to carry her mission forward. The outpouring of support has been a small comfort to her family, who are navigating the immense grief of losing such a remarkable woman.
Sepi’s Lasting Legacy: Inspiration for Generations
Sepi Saidi’s life was a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and compassion. From her humble beginnings in Iran to her rise as a titan of engineering, she proved that determination could overcome any obstacle. Her work with SEPI, Inc. reshaped industries, while her advocacy opened doors for women and minorities in STEM. Even in her battle with cancer, she showed us what it means to live with purpose and grace.
Her legacy isn’t just in the projects she completed or the company she built—it’s in the people she inspired. Sepi taught us that true success lies in uplifting others, in turning challenges into opportunities, and in never giving up. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life that will continue to guide and motivate future leaders.
FAQ: Sepi Saidi Obituary
Q: Who was Sepi Saidi?
A: Sepi Saidi was the founder and CEO of SEPI, Inc., a leading engineering and consulting firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Q: How did Sepi Saidi die?
A: Sepi passed away in March 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Q: What was SEPI, Inc. known for?
A: SEPI, Inc. was renowned for its innovative work in transportation, environmental planning, and infrastructure development under Sepi’s leadership.
Q: Why was Sepi Saidi an advocate for women in STEM?
A: As a female engineer, Sepi championed diversity and mentored young women to break barriers in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Q: How can I honor Sepi Saidi’s memory?
A: Support STEM education initiatives or attend her memorial service to celebrate her life and contributions.
Conclusion
Sepi Saidi’s journey—from an ambitious immigrant to a pioneering engineer and philanthropist—is a story of triumph, heart, and unwavering resolve. Her passing in March 2025 leaves a void, but her legacy burns brightly in the bridges she built, the women she empowered, and the lives she enriched. Sepi’s life reminds us to chase our dreams with tenacity, to lift others as we rise, and to face every challenge with courage. Rest in peace, Sepi—your inspiration will echo through generations, urging us all to build a better, more inclusive world
