Shoreline Community College is proud to introduce Dalila Paredes as the new Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Transfer (STEM-T). She brings to this role over a decade of experience in STEM education, and more than eight years of higher education leadership. Her selection reflects Shoreline’s continued commitment to equity, student success, and academic excellence.
Dean Paredes holds an M.S. in Chemistry, a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from West Texas A&M University, and an A.S. from Seward County Community College. She centers her work on creating inclusive and equitable learning environments, drawing strength from her intersecting identities and lived experiences, including overcoming gun violence and food and housing insecurity. These experiences fuel her passion for educational access and success for all students, especially those from marginalized communities.
When asked about her feelings on stepping into the role, Paredes shared, “As a first-generation, queer, Mexican-Indigenous Latina leader in STEM, I carry the strength and wisdom of my ancestors and the dreams of future generations. It is my life’s mission to reflect the rich diversity of our communities and ensure that others have greater opportunities than I did in my journey. I’m honored to be part of King County’s growing STEM community and to serve as a thought partner in building innovative, equitable pathways to high-paying, family-wage careers, because representation matters, and equity is how we cultivate sustainable change.”
Prior to joining Shoreline, Paredes served as MESA Director (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) at Clark College, where she expanded support systems for underserved STEM students, and built meaningful partnerships with faculty and community organizations. She has also served as a distinguished faculty member for biology and chemistry at Amarillo College, Clark College, and Lower Columbia College, where she developed and led culturally inclusive curricula across multiple STEM disciplines.
Since stepping into the interim Dean of STEM role at Shoreline in 2022, Paredes has led with vision, empathy, and accountability; supervising over 50 faculty and staff and supporting more than 850 full-time equivalent (FTE) STEM students, managing over $9 million in STEM budgets, and stewarding millions of dollars in NSF grant funding. Her strategic priorities include expanding interdisciplinary STEM programs, championing culturally inclusive curricula, and aligning academic offerings with workforce needs and innovation.
A committed practitioner of shared governance and decolonizing education, Paredes is dedicated to uplifting the voices of those most often unheard. Her leadership is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and a strong belief in the transformative power of education.
Outside of work, Dalila enjoys spending time with her family outdoors. She also shares her home with two dogs and a cat, and channels her creativity through woodworking and leathercrafting.