Cecilia Sepp [Host]:
Welcome to this edition of AWTC Presents Her Story, where we profile AWTC members. I’m your host, Cecilia Sepp, an AWTC member and volunteer on the marketing committee.
Today, we’re featuring AWTC member Wendy Sahli. Wendy, welcome to Her Story! Would you like to introduce yourself?
Wendy Sahli [Guest]:
Hi, Cecilia. Thank you. I’m Wendy Sahli, Director of Technology at the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society. I’ve worked in tech for over 30 years, most of that time in the nonprofit world—and I’ve truly enjoyed it.
Cecilia [Host]:
How did you get started working with nonprofits?
Wendy [Guest]:
It’s a bit of a funny story. I was a web developer for a dot-com during the 90s. When the company folded, I was figuring out my next move. A colleague had a job opening at the American Society of Plant Biology for a web administrator. I applied, got the job—and never looked back. I’ve stayed in the nonprofit world ever since. I love the mission-driven work, the people, and the work-life balance.
Cecilia [Host]:
Can you share a time you felt really good about your work?
Wendy [Guest]:
One of the most rewarding experiences was helping someone transition into tech. She came from the education and meetings space but had a strong interest in technology. She asked a lot of questions and was eager to learn. When I had an open event specialist role, I hired her—and within a year, she became a rockstar technologist. Watching her proudly call herself part of the tech team was incredibly gratifying.
Cecilia [Host]:
What advice helped you on your journey as a woman in tech?
Wendy [Guest]:
One of my best mentors told me, “Don’t come to me with a problem—come to me with a solution.” That mindset helped me grow. It encouraged me to explore and think critically rather than wait for someone else to fix things. I use that same advice when working with my team today.
Cecilia [Host]:
Where do you see technology leading associations?
Wendy [Guest]:
Technology isn’t just a tool—it’s the engine that powers everything we do. Every person in a nonprofit uses technology daily. The integration of AI is the next big step. Though nonprofits are often cautious adopters, AI presents an opportunity to do more with less, increase efficiency, and improve services.
Cecilia [Host]:
What do you like best about being part of AWTC?
Wendy [Guest]:
AWTC is incredibly welcoming. As a woman in tech, I’ve often been the only female in the room. That’s never the case here. From day one, people have reached out, said hello, and offered support. I love the Slack channel—it’s a constant source of information, advice, and community.
Cecilia [Host]:
Why should someone join AWTC?
Wendy [Guest]:
Just try it. Join the Slack, attend an event, get a feel for the community—you’ll be hooked, like I was. It’s not just about your job. AWTC supports your personal growth, too. We help each other as women, as professionals, and as people. That kind of support is rare—and so valuable.
Cecilia [Host]:
Wendy, thank you for joining me for Her Story. To our audience—if you’d like to learn more about AWTC, check out our events, join our no-fee membership, or subscribe to our Champion Newsletter, visit awtc.tech.
You can also explore more Her Story episodes and learn about our annual AWTC Advance conference, which happens each December.
Thanks for joining us—we’ll see you next time!
