Reilly Moriarty

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
Hello and welcome to this edition of AWTC Presents HERstory, an ongoing series where we profile AWTC members. I’m your host, Cecilia Sepp. I’m also a member of AWTC and currently a volunteer on the Marketing Committee.

Today, we are profiling Reilly Moriarty. Reilly, welcome to HERstory. Would you like to say hello and tell us a little about yourself?

Reilly Moriarty (Guest):
Of course. Thank you for having me. I’m Reilly Moriarty, and I’m a Marketing and Events Manager at UST Education.

At UST Education, we host about 200 events a year—we like to say it’s a conference every week. We bring in thought leaders from associations and companies that serve associations to share insights on important topics affecting association professionals every day. A bonus is that attendees can also earn free continuing education credits. We love giving back to the community as much as possible.

I’ve been with UST Education for about two years, and I’m fairly new to the association space. Every day, I learn something new from someone in this community. It’s a wonderful space to be in, and I’m glad UST Education plays a role in helping shape it.

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
Is UST Education how you got started in associations?

Reilly Moriarty (Guest):
Yes, this is my first experience in the association space. Before UST Education, I worked in marketing in the fintech startup world.

I was approached about the opportunity at UST Education by Jenny Glaze, who used to be on our team. When I joined, I didn’t know much about associations. It was a little intimidating at first because there truly is an association for everything. That’s not an exaggeration.

Over time, though, I’ve met more people, built more connections, and grown more comfortable navigating the space. AWTC has helped tremendously with that—understanding who to talk to, how things work, and continuing to learn.

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
Tell us about a time you felt really good about your work.

Reilly Moriarty (Guest):
One of the most rewarding moments happened at an AWTC event in Washington, D.C., earlier this year.

I was walking around, talking to people I knew and meeting new ones, when someone called my name. I turned around and didn’t recognize them at first. They told me they loved the webinars I host and had been wanting to track me down to say hello.

It was such a rewarding feeling. First, knowing that UST Education is reaching that many members and making a positive impact. Second, being recognized individually because I host webinars and communicate regularly with association professionals. It really reinforced the value of the work we’re doing.

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
What advice would you give to a woman who works in tech?

Reilly Moriarty (Guest):
Your voice matters.

Constantly invest in your own education. Stay on top of trends. Do everything you can to remain ahead of the curve. Technology moves quickly, and the more you invest in yourself, the more confident and prepared you’ll be.

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
Where do you see technology leading associations in the future?

Reilly Moriarty (Guest):
I see technology making things easier.

I attend many webinars about AI and technology implementation in associations. One common theme is that staff and resources are often limited. Technology, especially when associations are willing to adopt and learn it, can help lighten that load.

It allows teams to do more, be involved in more initiatives, and operate more efficiently. As long as professionals remain open to learning and adapting, technology will continue to improve how associations function.

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
What do you like best about AWTC?

Reilly Moriarty (Guest):
I love that it’s inclusive. While AWTC focuses on lifting up women, everyone is welcome. There’s no exclusion.

I don’t work directly for an association, yet I’ve always felt just as welcome as anyone else. I appreciate being able to connect with people who have deep knowledge and experience, and who are willing to share insights.

The community is strong, and there’s a genuine sense of positivity and support at AWTC events.

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
Why should someone get involved in AWTC?

Reilly Moriarty (Guest):
It’s invaluable.

The community, the shared knowledge, and the foundation AWTC builds among its members are incredible. When you bring together this many engaged, knowledgeable professionals, everyone benefits.

There are many ways to get involved—attending in-person events in cities like D.C. and Chicago, participating in educational sessions, joining committees, or attending conferences like AWTC Advance. Even before I joined the Marketing Committee, I was attending events and building relationships.

There is so much to learn and so much to gain from being part of AWTC.

Cecilia Sepp (Host):
Thank you, Reilly, for sharing your story.

To learn more about AWTC, upcoming virtual and in-person events, and our AWTC Advance Conference, visit awtc.tech. You can also explore additional HERstory episodes and discover the many voices that make up the AWTC community.

Thank you for joining us for HERstory. We’ll see you next time.