Cecilia Sepp [Host]
I'm Cecilia Sepp and I am your host of AWTC Presents Her Story, where we feature our awesome and fabulous members from the AWTC community. In this episode, we're featuring Kim Berry, who is also a member of the AWTC Marketing Committee. So, Kim, welcome to Her Story. Would you like to introduce yourself to the audience?
Kim Berry [Guest]
Thank you for having me, Cecilia. My name is Kimberly Berry and I am the Vice President of Membership at NABA Inc. NABA Inc. aims to engage and empower Black business leaders by providing education to help elevate them in their profession.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Wonderful. So how did you get started working with associations?
Kim Berry [Guest]
Interestingly enough, I started off as a temp for an association in the 90s. I won't say 1991, but it was in the 90s. I served as a temp preparing for their legislative conference. At the end of about three months, we had a gathering after the conference. The CEO looked at me and said, "For a temp, you should act permanent." They were launching a for-profit arm and wanted someone to help with marketing. That's how I slid into the association world.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Oh, what a great story. So can you tell us about a time that you felt really good about your work?
Kim Berry [Guest]
Quite a few come to mind, but I thrive off programs that elevate people—especially unsung heroes. One standout example is from my time at the National Apartment Association. We had a program called Maintenance Mania, geared toward maintenance professionals in the apartment industry. It was like an Olympic-style event, and we elevated it to truly feature these professionals. As a result, many received promotions and recognition from senior leadership. It was a proud moment where I felt the program genuinely helped elevate them.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
That resonates beautifully with AWTC’s mission of Recognize, Empower, Elevate. Now, what advice helped you in your journey as a woman in tech?
Kim Berry [Guest]
The best advice I got—interestingly from a man—was: Do what you love, and you won't worry about the money. When people aren’t doing what they love, money becomes the motivator because nothing else is fulfilling. But when your work fills that part of you, the money becomes less of a worry. That advice has stuck with me.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Great advice. So where do you see technology leading associations in the future?
Kim Berry [Guest]
Technology is here, but some associations still struggle to integrate it. Innovation is happening daily, and associations must determine where they want to go and how technology fits into that path. AI is a tool—it helps us work faster. Associations that embrace technology as a tool will thrive. Those who resist it will be vulnerable over the next 5–10 years.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Exactly. So what do you like best about AWTC?
Kim Berry [Guest]
Its inclusivity. AWTC welcomes people like me who don’t work in tech but absolutely use it. My voice still matters. AWTC brings together professionals from all areas—marketing, membership, government affairs—because we all use technology to connect with members. They champion technology in associations and truly walk the talk.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
One last question—why should someone join AWTC?
Kim Berry [Guest]
To learn, grow, and network with people you might never have met otherwise. It opens your eyes to how technology can be used in associations. Whether you work in the association world, use technology, or are simply curious—AWTC is a great fit. And you do not have to be a tech person. Your voice is critical in shaping how technology evolves in our field.
Cecilia Sepp [Host]
Thank you, Kim. That is a wonderful endorsement of AWTC. If you'd like to learn more, join, attend events, or participate in our awards program, visit awtc.tech. Thanks for joining us for this edition of Her Story. I'm your host, Cecilia Sepp. We'll see you next time.
