Natalie Spiva - Senior Software Engineer & Linux Systems Architect

Accomplishments & Goals

Signature Achievements

Forked Firefox — independently forked and maintained a personal Firefox build, navigating complex upstream changes, patches, and release tooling.
LineageOS contributor — worked on LineageOS device support and integrations, contributing to mobile OS stability and device compatibility.
Founder & lead of AcreetionOS — architected and led a community-driven Linux distribution, with mirrors and validation by external infrastructure partners.
Privacy-first projects — built Sprungles Private Search and Sprungli Core to provide privacy-respecting search and faster technical documentation discovery.
DeMolay leadership — served in chapter office 16 separate times, demonstrating sustained leadership and community commitment (Chevalier-level recognition among peers).

Future Vision

I aim to share knowledge and build tooling that empowers others: publish practical guides, mentor engineers with diverse needs, and design resilient systems that improve everyday lives and provide stability for my family.

Why it matters

By highlighting concrete achievements and mentoring openly, I want to show that disabled people are capable leaders and innovators — and help open doors for more inclusive participation in tech.

About Me

I am Natalie Spiva, a dedicated Senior Software Engineer and Linux Systems Architect. My journey in technology, spanning over 16 years, has been shaped by a profound passion for building and scaling robust, high-availability systems. As a proud transgender woman, I embrace my past experiences, which have uniquely contributed to my perspective and resilience. I am committed to fostering an open and expressive technological world, and I bring this dedication, along with my extensive expertise, to every project.

Projects

AcreetionOS

A next-generation, community-driven operating system. I architected, built, and currently lead this public Linux distribution. It is officially validated and mirrored by the Oregon State University Open Source Lab (OSUOSL).

Learn More

Sprungles Private Search (SPS)

An anonymous search engine that respects your privacy. SPS is a demonstration of my commitment to building open, privacy-focused alternatives to restrictive standards.

Try It Now

Sprungli Core

A purpose-built tool for searching technical documentation. Sprungli Core is designed to help developers find the information they need quickly and efficiently.

Explore the Docs

Core Competencies

Linux & Kernel

System Administration & Hardening
Custom Kernel Development
Driver & OS Porting (ARM, Apple T2)
Enterprise ISO Building

Languages

Python
Bash
C/C++
SQL
HTML/CSS/JavaScript

DevOps & Cloud

CI/CD Pipeline Architecture
Docker & Kubernetes (K8s)
Google Cloud (GCP) & Azure
Nginx, Apache, & Rsync

Tools & Platforms

Git & GitHub Actions
KVM/QEMU
Electron & GTK
pfSense & YubiKey/MFA

If you want to know more about me

Embracing My Identity and Values

As a woman, I believe in embracing my true self, which allows me to be more creative, productive, and authentic in my work. I am committed to dressing appropriately for all professional and social settings, and I deeply respect others' opinions about my choices, decisions, and preferences. My journey has shaped who I am today, and I am proud of the person I have become. I am a dedicated professional who brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to every project.

My Journey with DeMolay

My involvement with DeMolay International was a pivotal experience that profoundly shaped the person I am today. Through its emphasis on leadership, civic duty, and personal growth, DeMolay instilled in me values of integrity, respect, and service. It taught me the importance of brotherhood, public speaking, and critical thinking, skills that have been invaluable throughout my career and personal life. The challenges and triumphs within DeMolay helped me develop resilience, a strong moral compass, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

The Pillars of My Life: Family

My adoptive dad taught me everything I know about technology, problem-solving, and perseverance. His unwavering support and guidance laid the foundation for my passion in software engineering and Linux systems architecture. My mom, whom I love dearly, has been my constant source of support and encouragement throughout my entire life, always believing in me and my dreams. My brother is the reason I keep pushing forward; his strength and spirit inspire me daily to strive for excellence. In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to meet my biological dad. He has been incredibly accepting of me and who I am, and I am grateful to now be collaborating with him on various projects, including this website. My family, in all its forms, is my greatest strength and motivation.