Hemanth Tadepalli – A Journey of Leadership, Innovation, and Impact
Hemanth Tadepalli, Kettering ’23, is a proud native of Troy, Michigan, and a graduate of Kettering University, where he majored in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, with minors in pre-law, innovation, and entrepreneurship accompanying his academic journey. Hemanth’s journey is deeply rooted in his family’s pursuit of the American dream; witnessing the sacrifices made by his parents after they arrived in the United States in 1999, from India, has undoubtedly shaped his aspirations and perspective.
As an advocate for sustainable impact and innovation, Hemanth believes in creating something greater and recognizes innovation as the key to success. At Kettering, he served as the student body vice president for the student senate, orchestrating numerous campus-wide events to enhance the student experience. His leadership extended to the student alumni council, where he facilitated engaging events that brought students and alumni together. He was also on the leadership team for the SAE AutoDrive Challenge, an organization that focuses on developing autonomous vehicles.
Moreover, Hemanth actively contributed to the Collegiate DECA team, achieving international recognition by placing in competitions on a global scale while serving as a State officer for Michigan Collegiate DECA. He was also appointed to Kettering University’s School of Management’s student advisory board, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the academic experience for fellow students. Working as a campus tour guide and the university’s student ambassador, Hemanth also played a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming environment on campus.
“ Phi Delta Theta has strengthened my core values of Friendship, Sound Learning, and Rectitude. Aligned with fellow members in principles of leadership, academic excellence, and community service, this Fraternity has not only shaped my identity but also showcased the essence of being a Phi. It’s been a catalyst for personal growth, offering networking opportunities and fostering a strong sense of responsibility, propelling individuals towards their greatest potential.”
Hemanth Tadepalli, Kettering ’23
As an undergrad, Hemanth invested his time in leadership. He was appointed as the student spokesperson for the Kettering University Learning Commons, a transformative $63 million, 105,000-square-foot facility designed to promote collaboration and elevate students’ and faculty’s academic and social experience. Recognizing his leadership and commitment, in 2021, he was appointed by the president of Kettering University to represent students on the board for institutional advancement and alumni affairs. A member of the robot honor society, an exclusive honor society accepting less than one percent of the student body, Hemanth’s achievements were further highlighted by receiving the prestigious Albert Sobey Scholar Memorial Award and the President’s Medal, a testament to his exceptional contributions to the university and greater community.
Outside the academic realm, Hemanth’s passion for policy and government led him to serve as the president of the model united nations team, achieving success at Harvard University and passing impactful resolutions. His dedication to civic engagement saw him appointed by the Troy City Council to the Troy City Planning Commission, and he served as the deputy campaign manager for Troy Mayor Ethan Baker. Having interned for the Sierra Club and liaised with US Senator Gary Peters’ office, Hemanth actively contributed to environmental causes. He was appointed by the Michigan Department of State and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to the Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force, focusing on election security and integrity across colleges in Michigan. Earlier this year, Hemanth was named by Oakland County of Michigan as a 40 under 40 recipient for his leadership that embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community engagement.
Currently, Hemanth Tadepalli is a cybersecurity compliance engineer at May Mobility, a pioneering company dedicated to revolutionizing mobility through cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology. He has had the opportunity to work at management consulting firm AlixPartners, the renowned cybersecurity leader Mandiant, tech giant Google, and the Michigan-based cybersecurity startup SensCy. Throughout his career, he has implemented and maintained an organization’s security measures to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. He’s also been honored with invitations to speak at numerous cybersecurity conferences, serve as a distinguished panelist, and share his expertise on various podcasts focused on cybersecurity and technology.
Hemanth is pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity at the University of California, Berkeley. Alongside his academic endeavors, he maintains a deep passion for music, showcasing his talents as a Violist in the Troy Metro Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his extensive background, he was appointed by the Troy City Council to serve on the City of Troy’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, highlighting his dedication to fostering sustainable urban development and environmental initiatives. Furthermore, Hemanth actively contributes to his alma mater’s community as a Board of Director on the Kettering University Alumni Board and serves as a chapter advisory board member for Michigan Alpha Chapter of Phi Delta Theta.
