Cynthia De Jesus
Senior Account Executive, HighRoad Solutions
Cynthia DeJesus is a long-time association professional who now works at High Road Solutions, helping associations implement HubSpot integrations and improve their marketing efforts. After beginning her career in government contracting and later transitioning into sales, she discovered a passion for connecting people with the solutions they need and embracing her identity as a woman in technology. A devoted member of AWTC for nearly a decade, she values the community’s support, relationships, and opportunities for women to grow confidently in their careers. Learn more about HERStory!
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Hello, and welcome to this edition of AWTC Presents Her Story, a regular series where we feature our AWTC members. I'm your host, Cecilia Sepp. I'm a member of AWTC, and I'm also currently volunteering on the AWTC Marketing Committee.
In this edition, we are featuring AWTC member Cynthia DeJesus of High Road Solutions. Cynthia, welcome to Her Story. Would you like to say hello to the audience and tell us a little about yourself?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Thanks for having me. I'm really excited. I've been watching the series and excited to be welcomed on here. So hi to everybody.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
That's great. Could you tell us a little bit about what you're currently doing in your career?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Sure. I'm at High Road Solutions today. I've been in the association space for about 10 years and am really excited to be offering HubSpot integrations to the association space.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
That's wonderful. So how did you get started working with associations?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Really funny story. I worked in government contracting previously—hard hat, steel-toed boots. I got recruited by a friend to join his services company and fill a role he needed. I took it and ran with it. I've never left, never looked back, and have had a really good time since.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
That's great. And you probably did help him run it!
So, can you share a time you felt really good about your work?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Yes. I've always been in account management roles, managing relationships. A few years back, I joined Association Analytics in a sales role—something I said I'd never do.
I took the chance. They told me to try it for six months; if I didn't like it, they'd find me something else.
It's been about six years now. I love what I do. I realized I’m providing a service and still doing what I love—there’s just a price tag attached. I love helping associations with better marketing and needed services at a cost that’s more palpable.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Great point about getting over your title. How did you come to see yourself as someone who could be successful in sales?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
I realized everyone is in sales to some degree. At a conference, walking down the hall—someone asks what your company does—you’re selling.
I love connecting needs with people. If I can connect someone with a person, company, or resource, I enjoy doing it. I value every relationship I've made in the association space. They feel like lifelong friends.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
So true. Now—what advice helped you on your journey as a woman in technology?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
I never saw myself as a “technology person.” I used tech but wasn't in IT or coding.
Then I realized—everyone uses technology, and I am a woman.
I needed to stop saying, “I'm not a tech person.” I am tech savvy. I don’t mind breaking things and figuring them out.
I realized I needed support and that there are women in this space willing to support me—and I’ve benefited greatly.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Excellent point. We are all tech users.
So where do you see technology leading associations in the future?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Technology is changing fast. People say associations move like turtles, but with AI’s growth, things are accelerating.
AI isn’t replacing jobs, just adding automation. Associations can soar if they’re open to it. I’m proud of the work associations do—even being a small grain in the bowl of rice. Big changes are coming.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Agreed—AI is everywhere. And you’re right, we can’t put AI in a corner like in Dirty Dancing!
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Exactly! AI is on stage—what song do we want to dance to with it?
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
So, what do you like best about AWTC?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Every relationship I’ve made through AWTC. It’s the warmest, most accepting group I’ve been part of.
I joined about 7–8 years ago at a time when my career was changing. The women in the committee supported me, encouraged me to go into sales, and helped me smooth the transition. Every relationship has been priceless.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
That's a great endorsement. Were you one of AWTC’s founders?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
No, but I wish I’d been at that table! I’ve heard the story about the founders deciding to support women in tech. I’ve participated unofficially for years and now serve as a co-chair.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
So you’re what we might call “second generation AWTC.”
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
We could say that.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
And AWTC is about community and connection.
So, as we wrap up—why should someone join AWTC?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
There are so many ways to get involved. We rolled out monthly virtual meet-and-greets—light lift, just 30 minutes. There are lunches, happy hours, lots of education.
If you want to further your career, make the right connection, or don’t know what’s next—someone here has been in your shoes. Don’t recreate the wheel.
I tell my daughters: someone has done it before—go learn from them. AWTC does that incredibly well. We fill gaps and support women wherever they are in their journey.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Wonderful note to end on. Any closing thoughts?
Cynthia De Jesus [Guest]
Thank you for having me. This was fun. I look forward to seeing new and familiar faces at upcoming events.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
If you'd like to know more about AWTC events—webinars, meet-and-greets, networking, and our annual AWTC Advance Conference—visit awtc.tech.
Thanks for joining us for this episode of AWTC Presents Her Story. I'm Cecilia Sepp.