Ronnie Hudson II | Peoria, Illinois
Embedded Software Engineering Team Lead/L5 Display Systems Coordinator, Caterpillar
Ronnie Hudson’s talents are deep and varied and for the past 12 years, he has used them to serve central Illinois.
Hudson grew up in rural Georgia. Although his early dreams were “to be like Mike and be in the NBA,” he soon realized that his true talents were in math and science. He earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech, followed by a MS Systems Engineering from Penn State.
Hudson currently works as an Embedded Software Engineering Team Lead and L5 Display Systems Coordinator at Caterpillar. He leads a global team of systems engineers in gathering and defining requirements and coordinating design and integration to ensure timely and defect-free delivery.
Also a Talent Champion and Engineering Recruiter at Caterpillar, Hudson supports various Diversity Recruiting events annually, even mentoring those hired into the Peoria area, helping them to adjust, get involved, and feel at home. In his work with the local Professional Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, Hudson collaborates with the Tri-County Peoria Urban League to host STEM related activities for students from 5th-12th grade. Their mission is, “to increase the number of Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.”
Central Illinois Feels a Lot Like Home
“It’s slower paced than in a large city with tons of traffic where you and your efforts can easily get lost in the shuffle. But you have easy access to many major metropolitan areas within a short three-hour drive providing tons of opportunities and entertainment.”
An Award-winning Professional Stage & Film Actor, Hudson got his start performing on the local stages of Peoria Players, Corn Stock, and Eastlight Theaters. Now appearing in local commercials as well as Network TV such as NBC’s Chicago P.D.,Chicago Fire, and Fatal Attraction, Hudson is an advocate for the advancement of the arts in the Peoria area. Hudson also gives his time and talents as a member of the Greater City of Refuge Worship Cathedral.
Words of Wisdom:
“Pursue your passions, because ‘if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.’”
Having lost both of his parents in a two-year span, Hudson shares “I have had to grieve and overcome a major void in my life…My parents never got to see me get married, didn’t get to see the birth of my son, never got to see me in a play or make my network TV debut. All of my adult life's most significant milestones were without them, so I've had to take solace in knowing that they are looking down and are proud of the man I have become and the accomplishments I have achieved, so I continue to move forward in their honor.”
Ronnie credits all of his success and drive to the support of his family, his lovely wife Courtney and their two children, Aaliyah and Carter.
