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Kristen Shaker
Staff Software Engineer at Google
Professional Background
Kristen Shaker is an accomplished software engineer, thought leader in the C++ community, and active advocate for diversity within the tech industry. As an award-winning staff software engineer, Kristen has made significant contributions to the technical direction of large-scale, multi-year initiatives. Her impressive career trajectory reflects her fast-paced advancement, as she achieved four promotions in just six years at Google. Known for her expertise in C++ and her specialization in libraries, Clang, LLVM, and AST tooling technologies, Kristen exemplifies the technical acumen and innovative mindset that has positioned her as a leader in her field.
In addition to her technical achievements, Kristen plays a vital role in cultivating community engagement within the C++ technology space. She is an active member of the Boost Foundation Board and is known as a dedicated spokesperson at prestigious C++ conferences, including CppCon, CppNow, CpponSea, and ACCU. Notably, she has taken the lead in organizing women's events at CppCon, serving to enhance representation and empower women in technology.
Kristen is also a founding member of New York C++, a vibrant NYC-based C++ meetup community established in 2022. This community has successfully hosted renowned C++ speakers and regularly attracts large audiences, showcasing its pivotal role in the local tech scene. Kristen's vision and leadership in launching this initiative reflect her commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities for C++ professionals in the industry.
Education and Achievements
Kristen Shaker's educational journey is rooted in solid foundations in computer science. She earned her Master of Science in Computer Science from Columbia University, where she honed her advanced skills and knowledge in technology and software engineering. Prior to that, Kristen received her Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, further solidifying her reputation as a well-rounded professional in her field. Her academic background was established at The Taft School, where she developed early interests that paved the way for her eventual career in technology.
Throughout her career, Kristen has accumulated a wealth of experience in notable organizations. Before her tenure at Google, where she first served as a Senior Software Engineer for the C++ Core Libraries Team and later as a Staff Software Engineer, she worked at Goldman Sachs. There, she served as a Technology Analyst and Full Stack Web Developer in both the Fixed Income, Currency, and Commodities (FICC) and Global Investment Research Technology teams. Her role at Goldman Sachs allowed her to gain valuable industry experience and develop a comprehensive understanding of software development in the financial sector.
In addition to her technical roles, Kristen has contributed to the academic community as a tutor at the University of Michigan, supporting the next generation of software engineers. She also dedicated her efforts as the Publications & Marketing Officer at the Society of Women Engineers, an organization that promotes and supports women in engineering fields. Additionally, she pursued research opportunities in the Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan, blending her computational skills with a focus on bioinformatics.
Achievements
Kristen Shaker has garnered recognition not only for her outstanding technical work but also for her leadership and community service. Her participation as a speaker at major C++ conferences showcases her commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiring others in the field. By fostering women-focused events, she actively contributes to creating an inclusive environment in which women in technology can flourish and connect with one another.
As a leader within the Boost Foundation and a founding member of the New York C++ meetup community, Kristen continues to influence the C++ landscape, creating forums that bring together industry experts and novices alike. Her dedication to community-building ensures that the C++ community continues to grow and evolve, while her technical competencies remain at the forefront of software engineering initiatives.
tags:[
C++ Engineering
C++ Community Leader
Software Engineer
Boost Foundation
CppCon
Women in Tech
Columbia University
University of Michigan
Technical Leadership
AST Tooling Technologies
Software Development
Fintech
NYC Tech Community
