Devendra Jayawardane

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Devendra is a Human Resources professional with over 14 years of expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and strategic HR management. With a decade of experience in multinational organizations, she has successfully led global recruitment strategies, fostered inclusive workplace cultures, and driven HR initiatives that support business growth and sustainability.

Born in 1984, in Sri Lanka and now residing in Finland, Devendra holds an M.Sc. in Economics and Business Administration from LUT University, Finland, as well as an MBA and a B.Sc. in Human Resource Management. Her expertise spans workforce planning, executive hiring, compensation and benefits, and HR compliance, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and process optimization.

Throughout her career, Devendra has played a pivotal role in shaping HR policies and recruitment strategies that contribute to long-term organizational success. She has spearheaded large-scale talent acquisition initiatives, ensuring businesses attract and retain top-tier professionals while fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Additionally, she has been actively involved in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational transformation projects.

Passionate about equal access to education, Devendra joined Arcadia as an HR Talent Acquisition Specialist to contribute to its mission of making university-level education accessible to all. In this role, she focuses on identifying and recruiting executive and director-level talent, ensuring that Arcadia continues to grow with a strong and diverse leadership team.

Devendra is deeply committed to transforming HR into a strategic driver of opportunity, bridging talent gaps, and fueling global initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen communities.