AI Meets Workday: Shivareddy's Approach to Ethical, Intelligent HR Systems

As a Workday Architect and HR Technology Leader, Shivareddy Devarapalli is leading HR Digital Transformation at scale. Over the past ten years, Devarapalli has grown from a hands-on developer to a specialist in Workday Integrations, Workday Security, and Workday Best Practices, trusted by Fortune 100 companies like Toyota Motor North America and GEICO. Today, he continues to turn complexity into clarity, building secure, scalable, and human-centered systems.

Education and Early Career

Originally from a small town in India, Devarapalli's journey in technology began with curiosity. That curiosity, coupled with the desire to improve the lives of others, drove him to complete a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in 2011. A few years later, he moved to the United States to earn a Master of Science in Computer Science at Sacred Heart University.

Since graduating from Sacred Heart University, Devarapalli has dedicated himself to building a meaningful career in the modern digital world. Building on early experience as a Workday analyst with Volkswagen India, he joined Republic Bank as a Workday analyst in 2016 and C Spire Wireless as a Workday integration analyst in 2017. From this point, he joined Toyota as a Workday consultant. All of these roles were as a contractor.

"My inspiration came from a deep interest in how technology can meaningfully improve people-focused systems," Devarapalli stated. "Early in my career, I noticed how complex and disconnected HR processes were within large organizations, and how much potential there was to modernize them through intelligent, well-designed platforms."

At the Intersection of People and Innovation

With this recognition, Devarapalli began to deliver large-scale transformations for Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Motor North America, GEICO, and several other global enterprises. In 2024, he successfully obtained Workday HCM Services Certification, HCM Data Loading Services, and Workday Recruiting Services Certification. At the intersection of people and innovation, he remains motivated to build the systems that support success.

Most recently, Devarapalli has begun expansion into artificial intelligence (AI) technology. He is currently pursuing an MS in Artificial Intelligence at The University of Texas at Austin, further strengthening his academic foundation in the field. Already, he has authored articles on Ethical AI in HR and AI-Driven HR Systems, demonstrating his thought leadership in HR Tech Research in addition to HR System Modernization. Devarapalli recognizes that Enterprise HR Architecture is essential for a well-designed business and pushes toward these necessary transformations.

"It took dedication and self-control to pursue advanced AI studies, learn new tools like Workday Extend, and contribute to academic research," Devarapalli explained. "I overcame this by establishing a regimented schedule and maintaining my focus on long-term objectives."

A Thought Leader in His Field

For his expertise, Devarapalli has been acknowledged as a thought leader in both Workday architecture and AI-driven HR technology. Furthermore, as an IEEE Senior Member, he has reviewed more than 100 research papers, published a few scholarly articles, presented IEEE conference papers that are yet to be published, and frequently found opportunities to offer his insight into HR transformation, security, integrations, and AI ethics.

Plans for the Future

Moving forward, Devarapalli envisions himself continuing to influence the meeting point between Workday, AI, and HR solutions. Building frameworks, publishing research, and influencing businesses are all part of his long-term vision to become a leading voice in his field. Ultimately, it is his ambition to help organizations develop technology that genuinely empowers others.