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Sepi Saidi Announced as William Peace University Commencement Speaker

Raleigh, NC (04/19/2022) — RALEIGH, N.C. - Sepi Saidi, PE, CEO of SEPI, Inc., an Engineering News Record Top 500 Engineering Firm, will be the Commencement Speaker for William Peace University's (WPU) 2022 ceremony, officials said today.

Sepideh (Sepi) Saidi is the founder and CEO of SEPI, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh. The firm offers full-service infrastructure design, planning, and construction management services to public and private clients throughout the southeast.

Saidi was born in Tehran, Iran, where she was raised with an emphasis on education and independence. She excelled in science and math throughout school and chose to major in engineering at NC State. Due to the political turmoil in Iran in the 1980s, Saidi was separated from her family and her financial support.

Saidi's perseverance, positivity and courage make her an incredible choice to speak to graduates, said WPU President Brian Ralph.

"At WPU, we talk about courageous confidence, something we strive to instill in our students as part of their education. Saidi worked hard, saw beyond problems and challenges, and set a vision for herself," Ralph said. "She understands what it means to truly embrace change and is a shining example for our students seeking their own courage and confidence, and we are thrilled she will share her wisdom and story with us."

Saidi started her company in 2001 with $35,000 in home equity. SEPI, Inc. had $36 million in gross revenue in 2021. Saidi and her company have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Fast 50 by Triangle Business Journal, Zweig Group's Best Places to Work For and Hot Firm, Inc. 5000, the Triangle Business Journal as Businessperson of the Year, and was inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame.

She has served on multiple nonprofit boards and professional organizations, including the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of North Carolina, the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the TrustAtlantic Financial Corporation, Duke Raleigh Hospital, and Board Member appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper for the North Carolina State Banking Commission. She currently serves on the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Executive Board, the NC Chamber of Commerce, and the FMI Board of Directors.

WPU's Commencement Ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2022.

About WPU

Founded in 1857, William Peace University is a regionally ranked institution in Raleigh, NC - one of U.S News' Best Places to Live - serving more than 750 students in 30+ undergraduate and 10 professional programs in criminal justice, education, business administration, and more.

Nestled in the heart of Raleigh's downtown area, the university's culture is as vibrant as the city surrounding it; our students benefit from all the connection and collaboration that our central location offers. The University focuses on an immersive curriculum and innovative teaching methods to ensure students graduate career-ready and prepared to thrive in the organizations of today and tomorrow. Learn more at peace.edu.

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