Meet Kitty. She’s a leader
in a male-dominated profession.

Kitty Kong, Director of Engineering, is more than just a seasoned professional – she's a beacon in the vast realm of tech. With more than 25 years at the company under her belt, she has been instrumental in steering the evolving tides at Wind River.

A proud alum of UC Berkeley, Kitty set her course in the tech domain right at Wind River. As a kernel engineer, she delved deep into the intricacies of device drivers and OS kernel features. Over the years, she seamlessly transitioned from technical roles to leadership, recalling, "I love what I do, love the industry that I am in, and cherish the continuous learning and growth at Wind River."

Wind River's deeply embedded growth mindset culture also anchors Kitty to the company. A place where innovation isn't merely a buzzword – it breathes, thrives, and flourishes. “Wind River fosters a culture of innovation by being open to pioneering ideas and techniques, all aimed at refining our products,” she articulates.

The company's ethos, punctuated by collaboration and teamwork, has been her guiding star. In a field often seen as male-dominated, Kitty found respect and camaraderie that recognized her for her skills and contributions, transcending any gendered lens.

The world of coding and software wasn't always Kitty's calling, however. It was a university semester that pulled her into the captivating world of engineering. Mesmerized by the marvels of software, she embarked on a journey with a Lisp programming course. This newfound passion landed her an internship at Wind River, setting the stage for her illustrious journey in embedded software.

Like all seasoned sailors, Kitty too faced her share of turbulent waters. About 10 years into her career, she found herself at a professional crossroads, grappling with her future trajectory. But when presented with a managerial path, she took the leap. It was in leadership that she discovered the profound impact she could have on nurturing budding engineers. "Though, I must admit, I do itch to code occasionally," she adds.

To the budding engineers, Kitty offers these words of wisdom: "Embrace every opportunity and don't be afraid to ask or to err."

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, Kitty Kong emerges not just as a pioneer but as a guiding light. Her legacy at Wind River is etched both in code and systems and in crafting an environment where every engineer finds both challenge and reward.