By: Sarah Wright | Troy Times | Published December 3, 2024
TROY — Hemanth Tadepalli, a 23-year-old Troy resident, is one of 38 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations that were honored at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission.
The ceremony took place Nov. 14 at the Detroit Opera House, where each of the awardees were celebrated for their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy.
“Community service makes Michigan a better place to live and every year, we get to honor some exemplary Michiganders who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Whitmer said in a press release.
“At this year’s award ceremony, I look forward to celebrating 38 people, businesses, and nonprofits for the example they have set for all of us to follow. I hope their stories inspire everyone to go out and make life a little better for those around them. Let’s keep rolling up our sleeves to help our neighbors.”
The Michigan Community Service Commission supports Michigan volunteers, organizations and businesses that are committed to service and play a critical role in improving the lives of different people and communities. The Governor’s Service Awards have been presented since 1994.
Tadepalli received the Youth Volunteer of the Year award at this event along with Julia G. Jablonski, from Port Huron; Lauren Mroczek, from Mattawan; Arjun Saini, from Northville; Piper Shumar, from Traverse City; and Khyiana Tate, from Detroit.
The Troy honoree is a cybersecurity expert at May Mobility, which has contributed to his large history of community involvement.
“I was considered for the Governor’s Service Award due to my long-standing commitment to both community service and cybersecurity advocacy,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“Over the years, I’ve led initiatives that empower others, from creating opportunities for students to engage with local government and civic leadership in Troy, to mentoring early-career professionals in cybersecurity through groups like the Young Cybersecurity Analysts and Professionals. My work has focused on bridging gaps—whether between technology and governance or between communities and the resources they need to thrive.”
In 2016, Tadepalli joined the volunteer Troy Public Library Teen Advisory Board, where he collaborated with city and library officials and created programs and proposed ideas on how to enhance the library’s culture, like the International Fair for the city of Troy.
This led him to joining the Troy Planning Commission in 2019 as a student representative, and he assisted the commission by making sure that development aligned with local regulations and that future generations’ interests were in mind during planning.
“Additionally, I’ve made it a priority to connect students with local government,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“I’ve helped candidates run for non-partisan local offices, including leading campaigns for Troy Mayor Ethan Baker and Councilwoman Rebecca Chamberlain Creanga. These efforts opened doors for students to volunteer, gain firsthand experience in civic engagement, and learn the importance of local government. … Currently, I also serve on the City of Troy’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, contributing to the revitalization of underutilized properties and fostering economic growth.”
Tadepalli has also had an impact on college campuses. At Kettering University, he served as the university’s student ambassador, served on the School of Management’s Dean Advisory Council, and partnered with the League of Women Voters to provide a safe and welcoming space for students to access voting resources.
At Oakland University, Tadepalli served as a judge for its hackathon. At the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, he spoke to students, faculty and staff about cybersecurity. He advised students on finding internships, selecting classes and finding opportunities in today’s technological market.
“As a mentor and judge, I’ve contributed to numerous hackathons and cybersecurity bootcamps, sharing my expertise and helping participants build skills in solving real-world challenges,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“I also volunteer with TechTown Detroit, where I support innovative entrepreneurs and technology-driven initiatives that help transform communities and create opportunities. Beyond mentorship, I’ve volunteered to speak at schools and universities, educating students about cybersecurity, the evolving threats we face, and how we combat them. I’ve also spoken at industry events, sharing insights on modern cybersecurity challenges and the role of autonomous vehicles in our connected future.”
Tadepalli has also served on the advisory task force for Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and founded and led a group called the Young Cybersecurity Analysts and Professionals.
“I was considered for the Governor’s Service Award due to my long-standing commitment to both community service and cybersecurity advocacy,” Tadepalli said in an email.
“Over the years, I’ve led initiatives that empower others, from creating opportunities for students to engage with local government and civic leadership in Troy, to mentoring early-career professionals in cybersecurity through groups like the Young Cybersecurity Analysts and Professionals. My work has focused on bridging gaps—whether between technology and governance or between communities and the resources they need to thrive.”
Tadepalli’s achievement has been celebrated by Troy Mayor Ethan Baker and 56th District state Rep. Sharon MacDonell.
“Congratulations to my friend, Hemanth Tadepalli, who has received a 2024 Governors Service Award! I have known Hemanth since he was a member of the Troy Public Library Teen Advisory Board, where he impressed me with his dedication and commitment to service,” Baker said in an email.
“Over the years, Hemanth has been instrumental in helping the City of Troy and played a key role in my campaign for Mayor in 2019. Politics aside, Hemanth is known to go above and beyond in any project he is working on, and consistently demonstrates his service heart. We are all proud of you, Hemanth! Keep up the spectacular work!”
“I am thrilled to celebrate Troy’s very own Hemanth Tadepalli for receiving Governor Whitmer’s 2024 Governor’s Service Award,” MacDonell said in an email. “Hemanth’s contributions are extensive, and he has shown true dedication to our community. I am so happy to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”
Other winners of the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards include:
• Gov. George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award: James B. Nicholson (Grosse Pointe Farms).
• Lifetime Humanitarian Award: Vivian Pickard (Grand Blanc).
• Spirit of Hope: David Merritt (Detroit), Thomas Burke (Jackson).
• Corporate Social Impact Award: Ford Motor Co. (Dearborn), Priority Health Total Health Foundation (Southfield).
• Older Adult Volunteer of the Year: Cathy Balik (Kalamazoo), David Baur (Lansing), Darlean Carpenter (Saginaw), J.W. Henderson (Detroit), Linda and Wayne Pynnonen (West Olive).
• Volunteer of the Year: Clare Clark-Carlisle (Detroit), Sarah Emmerson (Muskegon), Jessica Faith Becker Beamer (Farmington), Tricia Garbarino (Plymouth), Bernice Mason (St. Joseph).
• Youth Impact Award: Destined for Greatness (Detroit), Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute 4-H Club (Novi), STEM Greenhouse (Grand Rapids), John Dorr (Bloomfield Hills), William Kitchen III (Muskegon Heights).
• National Service Impact Award: Darcele Marie Cole Robinson (Flint), Sandra Miller (Crystal), Vachal L. Moore Jr. (Detroit), LaShaunta Waller (Mason), Lois Westman (Ishpeming).
• Community Impact Award: Eastside Community Network (Detroit), Dementia Friendly (Saline), Ladies Entrepreneur Empowerment Circle (Detroit), Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (Galesburg), Friends of Sleeping Bear (Empire).
For more information, visit michigan.gov.