Gretchen Steenstra

Vice President, Client Strategy

Gretchen Steenstra is a founding member and current board member of AWTC and the Vice President of Client Strategy at Delcor, where she advises associations on technology strategy and complex AMS selections. She began her career in associations by chance and grew into a trusted bridge between business leaders and technical teams by embracing stretch opportunities and focusing on her strengths. In this episode, Gretchen shares practical advice for women in tech, insights on navigating rapid AI change, and how AWTC has evolved into a flexible, confidence-building community rooted in sponsorship and support. Learn more about HerStory!

Read The Transcript

Cecilia Sepp [Host]:
Hello and welcome to this edition of AWTC Presents Her Story, a series profiling members of AWTC. I'm your host, Cecilia Sepp, a member and marketing committee volunteer.

In this edition, we’re featuring current board member and founding member, Gretchen Steenstra. Gretchen, welcome!

Gretchen Steenstra [Guest]:
Yes, thank you. Her Story is such an important component of AWTC. I appreciate your persistence in making it happen.

Cecilia [Host]:
Can you tell the audience what organization you're with and what you do?

Gretchen [Guest]:
I work for Delcor, a consulting company that serves only nonprofits and associations. I focus on CIO-level work and complex AMS selections. Delcor also offers managed services, so we support the entire tech stack for associations.

Cecilia [Host]:
That’s great! How did you get started working with associations?

Gretchen [Guest]:
Like many, it was a happy accident. I moved to DC after college and a placement agency matched me with my first association job as assistant to the chief tax counsel at Tax Executives Institute.

Cecilia [Host]:
You’ve had a long career working with and consulting for associations. Tell us about a time when you felt great about your work.

Gretchen [Guest]:
I’ve been lucky that every boss I’ve had saw the next step in my career before I did. One of my first bosses told me to order computers for the whole office—and figure it out. Later, it was websites. I’m proud I embraced those opportunities instead of running from them.

I also discovered my unique skill—translating between business needs and technical teams. That bridge role is critical, and not everyone can do it.

Cecilia [Host]:
What advice helped you on your journey as a woman in technology?

Gretchen [Guest]:
Loretta DeLuca, CEO of Delcor, once asked why I kept listing accounting and finance as growth goals. When I said I wasn’t good at them and wanted to improve, she said, “I hired you for what you are an A+ at—focus on that.” That advice helped me stop chasing areas where I wasn’t naturally strong and instead invest in what I do best.

Cecilia [Host]:
Looking ahead, where do you see technology leading associations?

Gretchen [Guest]:
We’re at another inflection point—similar to the 90s. There’s a nonstop wave of new tech, especially AI. Associations must stay curious and keep trying new things, but also recognize when to say “not right now.” The velocity is intense, so it’s important to focus and not get overwhelmed.

Cecilia [Host]:
Let’s talk about AWTC. What do you like best?

Gretchen [Guest]:
AWTC started 10 years ago as a meetup—“no dumb questions” was our motto. Over time, the focus evolved from just “T” for technology to also highlighting the “A” for association. Now, it’s about building confidence, community, and capability.

What’s special is the sponsorship mindset—not just mentoring. Whether it’s connecting someone with a resource, making a small gesture of support, or riding alongside them during a tough year—it’s about lifting each other up.

AWTC’s flexibility is its strength. From structured small groups to informal meetups in Chicago, members step up, share, and shape the community.

Cecilia [Host]:
Why should someone join and get involved in AWTC?

Gretchen [Guest]:
We’ve redefined “join.” If you participate, you’re a member. No barriers—just show up. For those who need formal acknowledgment, we have a contact form. You can pay what you can or support through sponsorships.

We constantly challenge traditional habits. Do they serve us or are they just outdated routines? AWTC invites you into a refreshing, evolving model of community and support.

Cecilia [Host]:
AWTC’s 21st-century model really is a breath of fresh air.

Gretchen [Guest]:
And the small moments are powerful. Like last year at AWTC Advance—Cecilia, you jumped in to lead a group when we hit a snag, and your cohort stayed with you all day. That spontaneous leadership is what makes this group thrive.

Michelle Warbleski did the same—using a facilitation technique she tried at AWTC to step in when a speaker dropped at a major conference the next day. That confidence came from AWTC.

Closing Thoughts

Cecilia [Host]:
That’s a wonderful snapshot into you and AWTC. Thank you for joining me, Gretchen.

Gretchen [Guest]:
Thanks for being an amazing host.

Cecilia [Host]:
To learn more about AWTC, visit awtc.tech. We host year-round events—virtual meetups, in-person networking, and our annual Advance conference. Check out our Her Story episodes and meet more amazing members.

Thanks for joining us. See you next time!