✨ Getting to know the wonderful Continuous Delivery Community
Name: Kris Stern
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Location: Hong Kong
Who are you?
My name is Kris, and I am from Hong Kong. I have been a Software Engineer in the industry for more than 5 years. I am a Full-Stack Engineer by trade, and my favorite programming language is Java. In my spare time, I like to do open source software development and learn to play the guitar (both acoustic and electric). I have been volunteering for Jenkins for about 5 years and CDF for more than 1 year.
Your hobbies?
In my spare time, I like to learn to play the acoustic and electric guitar. I also like to read when I can find the time. My favorite genres are science fiction, literature, history, and non-fiction with a focus on science and technology.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I actually did not know what I wanted to do as a kid, since I was not sure what I would become when I have grown up.
What led you to a career in tech?
The motivation for me to start a career in tech was my PhD thesis work in astrophysics. During that time, I had to process a lot of data using Python as well as some tools developed in C/C++, because a lot of the work done was for data reduction, which is a process the data we captured through some telescopes needed to go through before the data could be visualised.
Do you remember your first open source contribution?
I remember my first open source contribution was with Astropy, but I no longer remember the exact details.
How did you get involved in the Continuous Delivery Foundation?
I first got involved in CDF via the CI/CD Cybersecurity project. I became aware of the project via some outreach and advocacy email I received. I was curious, so I joined their weekly meetings, and found that I really enjoyed the people in the group.
What’s your favourite thing/project/tech to work on?
My favorite thing to work on in tech is to build web applications from scratch and to bring it into fruition. I love exploring new approaches from time-to-time, so even though I may use the same tech stack I may try to do things a slightly different way the second time around.
Tell us about the thing you’re most proud of and why?
I am most proud of the Jenkins Google Summer of Code contributors’ achievements after having successfully finished their projects with Jenkins. Via mentoring some of the contributors via the program, I have come to know some amazing mentees throughout the years.
What is the best connection you’ve made through open source?
The best connections I have made through open source currently are the ones I have made through Jenkins and CDF. I have come to appreciate both what I can do for the community as well as what the community has taught me via engaging with the people within.
What is your #1 tip for getting involved in the community?
My #1 top tip for getting involved in the community is to be inclusive. Open source thrives on collaboration, and to have high quality collaboration it is essential to have an inclusive environment where everyone is respected and their input valued.
More from Kris
She is currently major part in both the CI/CD Cybersecurity Guide and Jenkins’ GSoC participation.
