Devika Yeragudipati Devarakond Named CMU Alumni Award Honoree
By Evan Lybrand
Media InquiriesThe CMU Alumni Awards are presented to alumni who have made great strides in their field and made major impacts on the CMU community. In 2023 another INI alum was presented with this prestigious honor. Devika Yeragudipati Devarakond graduated in 2012 and was named 2023 Recent Alumni Service Award honoree.
Devika a Master of Science in Information Security (MSIS) graduate has been a consistent presence at the INI since her graduation in 2012 participating in a number of student focused events, in person and virtually. “She brings a boundless energy to all she does,” says Barbara Lazarus Professor and Director of the INI Dena Haritos Tsamitis. Her first-hand experience and insight are something that can’t be replicated by our faculty or staff. And her willingness to answer questions and participate in admissions events is invaluable. The testimonials she has shared of her CMU experience and her consistent engagement has made an irreplaceable impression on INI students.
Her enthusiasm is evident in the support and advice she regularly shares with INI students and students throughout CMU at alumni panels and the INI’s Academic and Professional Development classes.
Always thoughtful, Devika’s comments during panels such as the “What is Diversity? Being a Change Agent in Tech,” are always heartfelt, considered, and helpful for those in attendance. Her career advice is greatly appreciated by students. Devika is also a fixture in the INI’s virtual alumni events.
“She brings a boundless energy to all she does.”
Outside of participating in INI events, Devika also dedicates her time to mentoring students. She is one of the most active INI alumni mentors and has given multiple individual mentorship sessions to students throughout CMU. Devika is an ever-present support throughout students’ time at CMU and the INI.
This level of engagement is truly inspiring; however, Devika doesn’t stop there. Devika has been voted in as the INI Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) Chair for 2023 to 2025 . INI ALC was founded in 2009 to help the alumni community and help to shape the future of the INI. Devika, once again, demonstrates an inspiring level of dedication to enacting change at the INI. She brings with her a passion to help others and a true collaborative spirit that welcomes all ideas from members of the ALC.
Devika has been a pillar in the INI community. Whether it’s through her engagement in the alumni community or her willingness to share her knowledge with students, Devika has demonstrated her passion and love for the INI. The INI is thankful for all she has done and excited to see what she will accomplish next.