The Raleigh business community is mourning the loss of Sepi Saidi, the inspirational founder of SEPI Engineering & Construction, who passed away this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. A trailblazer in the field of civil engineering and a revered leader, Saidi’s passing marks the end of an era for the company she founded and nurtured into one of the most respected engineering firms in North Carolina. The 2022 NCWBO Hall of Fame inductee’s legacy is not only defined by her professional success but also by her deep faith, commitment to personal relationships, and dedication to her community. Her passing has left a void that will be felt not only by her family but by countless colleagues, employees, and friends who admired her strength, leadership, and kindness.
Sepi Saidi was a true pioneer in civil engineering. She built SEPI Engineering from the ground up, overcoming numerous challenges to create a company that became synonymous with excellence in infrastructure projects across the state. Under her leadership, SEPI gained a reputation for delivering high-quality services, earning the respect of clients and competitors alike. Even after she sold the company several years ago, her impact continued to be felt. The name “SEPI” became ingrained in the Raleigh business landscape, and her legacy endured in the form of the many employees who carried forward her vision. In fact, one employee’s son is now driving a company truck that still bears the SEPI name, a testament to the lasting influence Saidi had on the firm and its culture.
Saidi’s leadership went beyond the conventional. She was not only an accomplished businesswoman but also a mentor, a guide, and a friend to those who worked with her. For many employees, Saidi transcended the typical employer-employee relationship. She formed deep personal connections with her staff, often offering advice, support, and encouragement in both their professional and personal lives. One of the most poignant examples of Saidi’s ability to build lasting relationships was her bond with a former NCDOT engineer who joined SEPI after his retirement. What began as a professional relationship evolved into a deeply spiritual friendship. Through his influence, Saidi eventually embraced Christianity, and she often reached out to him and others for prayer support, particularly during the difficult times she faced in her battle with cancer.
Sepi Saidi’s journey through illness was marked by her incredible resilience and faith. Diagnosed with cancer several years ago, she faced a series of health challenges, yet she never allowed her condition to define her. Instead, she remained committed to her work, her family, and her community. Just last week, she reached out to friends to provide updates on her condition, showing that even in the face of adversity, she remained determined to keep those she cared about informed and connected. Her passing at approximately 5 a.m. today came as a heartbreaking blow to those who had followed her journey and admired her strength. Those who knew her best are struggling to reconcile the loss of such an inspiring figure who had touched their lives in ways that words cannot fully capture.
Colleagues and friends who knew Saidi remember her for her unique combination of business acumen and personal warmth. While she was an astute businesswoman with a keen understanding of the challenges of running a company, it was her ability to connect with others on a personal level that set her apart. One of her friends reflected on Saidi’s approach to life, saying, “We may think we’re placed on a job for that job, but God has another purpose.” This philosophy, which Saidi lived by, characterized her approach to both business and relationships. She believed that everything she did, from her work in engineering to her involvement in her community and her personal relationships, had a higher purpose. It was this belief that guided her every action, and it was this sense of purpose that made her such a respected and beloved figure in the Raleigh business community.
The North Carolina business community has lost one of its most gracious leaders. Saidi was known not only for her contributions to the field of engineering but also for the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her. Her leadership style was rooted in kindness, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility for others. She did not just lead a company; she nurtured a community, and her influence extended far beyond the walls of SEPI Engineering & Construction. Saidi was a mentor to many, particularly women in STEM fields, and her work to break down barriers for women in engineering will remain a cornerstone of her legacy. She believed in empowering others, especially young women, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—fields where women are still underrepresented. Her dedication to this cause was a driving force in her life, and it is a cause that will continue to inspire others in the years to come.
As news of Saidi’s passing spreads, her family has requested privacy during this difficult time. The grief that her loved ones are experiencing is immeasurable, and the loss of such a vibrant, caring, and driven individual has left a hole in their hearts. The family, however, is also focused on celebrating Saidi’s life and the legacy she leaves behind. While Saidi’s passing has brought great sorrow, her family finds comfort in knowing that her memory will live on in the many people whose lives she touched. Her contributions to the business community, her mentorship of young women, and her personal relationships all serve as a testament to the remarkable woman she was.
A memorial service for Sepi Saidi is expected to be announced in the coming days, where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to honor her life and celebrate the incredible woman she was. In the meantime, those who wish to express their condolences or offer support can do so through available memorial details or donation links. The family has suggested that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Saidi’s memory consider supporting cancer research or mentoring young women in STEM fields—two causes that were especially close to her heart.
As the Raleigh business community and beyond mourn the loss of one of its most influential figures, Saidi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of engineers, business leaders, and young women striving to make their mark in the world. While she may no longer be with us in body, her spirit and vision will continue to guide and influence those who carry forward her work. In her passing, we are reminded of the importance of leadership that is rooted in kindness, faith, and a commitment to making the world a better place. Sepi Saidi’s impact on her community, her company, and the many lives she touched will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Sepi Saidi. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you.
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