Sri Vidya Uppalapati ('16)

For Sri Vidya Uppalapati (Class of 2016), living a full life is about embracing uncertainty and diving into new challenges. Sri Vidya currently works as the Senior Program Manager, Workforce Alignment at the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Outside of her governmental role, Sri Vidya channels her creativity as a jewelry maker at Red Giraffe Designs. She holds a bachelor of science degree in public policy analysis, with a minor in science and engineering in public policy from The Ohio State University. In this interview, Sri Vidya discusses how her time at Beachwood Schools paved the way for her achievements.

What has your career journey been like, and how did it lead you to your current position?

I entered college as a materials science engineering major. While taking science policy coursework for a minor, I realized that what I wanted to pursue professionally was public policy. This realization prompted me to switch majors and join the Glenn College of Public Affairs at Ohio State. In addition to my academic pursuits, I participated in student government and legislative advocacy around education and gender equity policy, which honed many of the skill sets I use now. During my time in college, I secured an internship at the Department of Higher Education, which led to an opportunity to apply for a full-time position as a program manager. Recently, I was promoted to senior program manager. As a member of the Workforce Alignment team, I develop projects and administer policies that support career navigation, job pipelines, and workforce development between businesses, economic development partners, and postsecondary institutions.

What do you like most about your job?

State government is a balance of sufficient scale and resources to make long-lasting changes while being close enough to the ground to see the impacts of those changes and hear the needs that warrant them. My work itself is deeply fulfilling – knowing that every dollar connected to the projects I manage corresponds to education, training, and job opportunities. But my favorite part of my job is my team. I’ve been very lucky to have a manager who advocates for me and a team who respects, mentors, and supports me. When you have a good team, even tough projects feel more sustainable.

How did Beachwood Schools get you to where you are today?

Beachwood taught me to seize opportunities, and when I couldn’t find what I wanted, create them myself. When I moved to Beachwood in ninth grade, my teachers and older classmates encouraged me to explore the wide range of clubs and classes that piqued my interests. I am particularly grateful to Mr. Craig Alexander for challenging me to become a more curious and courageous member of my community. I actively participated in initiatives that reflected student voices and drove positive change. Those experiences at a young age helped build the confidence to navigate the broader world at Ohio State and beyond.

What advice or life lessons would you like to share with current students?

Don’t worry about figuring out exactly what job you want. Instead, think about what skill sets you like to use and what you want to build. The job market is always evolving, and many careers that you’ll eventually love may not even exist yet. Travel and read widely with curiosity and compassion. Investing in your hobbies and interests, even if they might not be “valuable” to your resume, is the most valuable thing you can do.