They say that people don’t remember what you said, but how you made them feel. This week we lost someone who was phenomenal at living that way.
My first job out of college was at MMI Public Relations. I was young and hungry and, thanks to the way Patty Briguglio ran MMI, offered opportunities to engage with some very smart, dynamic business and political leaders. Sepi Saidi, PE was one of those people and she has since made a lasting impact on my life.
I was probably 24 years old when Jill Shahravar and I were in the grocery store on a Saturday morning and Sepi was there. It was not a situation where anyone was required to say hello, but Sepi immediately smiled, greeted the two of us by name, and chatted for a moment. I clearly remember being so honored that she remembered my name and took the time to say hi. I quickly came to realize that was who Sepi was at her core.
A few years later, Sepi was speaking to a women’s networking group and invited me, along with several other young women, to be her guest at the event. The action was perfectly aligned with the message of her speech. I remember her describing the plot of several of my favorite childhood movies and asking why women were always being rescued. She talked about how we need to make sure that when we are invited to a room, we sit at the table instead of making ourselves small and sitting on the edge.
Sepi consistently championed people, especially women. I loved the way she would remind us that advancing women requires a commitment from everyone.
When my first child was born, Sepi sent a beautiful blanket with her monogram on it (thank you Karen Crawford). Quinn is almost five now and she sleeps with it every night. When I got home on Monday, I found her snuggling the blanket. I actually giggled when I saw it because I had recently found myself thinking that the next time I saw Sepi, I would tell her about Quinn’s latest declaration at school. The teacher said there had never been a woman president. Quinn immediately quipped, “Well then maybe I will be one.” I know Sepi would have liked that. And there she was, the memory of her already making me smile.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to know Sepi, she was a tremendous mentor and example. The grace with which she walked this journey is impossible to overstate. Sepi always made me feel happy, confident, and hopeful and that is what I will remember most. Bardia Asefnia and Nakisa Asefnia, PhD, thank you for sharing her with all of us. Sending you love and light.