Kareen Borders

Dr. Kareen Borders is the Executive Director of West Sound STEM Network. She provides oversight of the regional STEM business plan, serves as Principal Investigator on several STEM Education grants, and convenes and supports all Career Connect partners in the region with a focus on expanded career connected learning (CCL) opportunities, especially for those furthest from opportunity. Dr. Borders works with regional partners to communicate STEM legislative priorities and mandates, develops protocols for high-level communication, and cultivates key partnerships that result in sustainable support for major STEM education and workforce development initiatives. Prior to joining West Sound STEM Network, Dr. Borders worked for the United States Department of Education, where she served as an appointee in the Office of Communications and Outreach. In that role, Dr. Borders teamed with the Senior STEM Advisor to collaborate on STEM initiatives and briefs. She conducted analyses of, and recommendations on, Common Core State Standards/College and Career Readiness, STEM, CTE, Tribal outreach and listening tours, and the alignment of state assessment systems. Via speaking engagements, blogs, written communication, and legislative meetings, Dr. Borders communicated policy to education and business leaders, parents, school boards, and universities, as well as local, state, and federal legislators. Dr. Borders taught middle school for 18 years and led professional development in the Peninsula School District. She holds a B.A. degree in Psychology and a B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Irvine. She earned an M.A. in Education and a teaching credential from California Polytechnic State and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, superintendent credential, and program administrator credential from the University of Washington.