Dedicated and organized professional with outstanding relationship-building and problem-solving skills. Driven to exceed expectations and operate effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Self-motivated team player adept at cultivating partnerships and building lasting relationships across all demographics and management levels. Dynamic and reliable with exceptional customer service and communication skills.
Hi, I’m
Stephanie Paredes (She/Her/Ella)
Rochester,NY
Summary
Overview
14
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocate
2022.10 - Current (11 months)
Job overview
- Assist in the development of a strategic DEI plan for the department and work to align it with Institutional goals.
- Maintain strong knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by participating in workshops, conferences, and online education classes.
- Negotiate contracts with vendors for desired training outcomes, fees, or expenses.
- Support meeting of goals and monitored efforts to train, recruit and retain individuals from underrepresented groups.
- Schedule meetings with employees to address concerns and grievances.
- Serve as Administrative Assistant to the Vice-Chair of DEI in the Department of Surgery.
- Manage and oversee DEI ledger reconciliation and procurement card expenses.
- Prepare and maintain financial reports and records for DEI finances.
Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT, Rochester, NY
Assistant Director, Community & Belonging
2018.08 - 2022.09 (4 years & 1 month)
Job overview
- Established budgets from $100 to $150,000 and tracked expenses to drive operational efficiency and financial compliance.
- Designed, implemented and continually advanced leadership development programs to realize tangible, measurable results to strengthen leadership pipeline for students.
- Directed special projects and daily operations (Let Freedom Ring, Expressions of King's Legacy, AALANA Student Welcome, Homecoming, MOSAIC Center, to name a few).
- Cultivated and maintained relationships to promote positive work culture in RIT and the Rochester community.
Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT, Rochester, NY
Manager, Multicultural Student Life
2012.02 - 2018.07 (6 years & 5 months)
Job overview
- Created training modules and documentation to train staff.
- Communicated company directives and programs to associates and ensured all follow-up items were completed accurately and timely.
- Leveraged leadership skills to identify deficiencies and opportunities to improve policies, procedures and controls.
- Enhanced team member performance through use of strategic and tactical approaches, motivational coaching and training.
- Accomplished financial objectives by forecasting requirements, scheduling expenditures and preparing annual budgets.
- Founded, fundraised, and led the Women of Color, Honor, and Ambition Leadership Development Program with 97% retention rate amongst women in year 2-5.
Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT, Rochester, NY
Coordinator, Cultural & Programmatic Initiatives
2009.05 - 2012.02 (2 years & 9 months)
Job overview
- Planned and executed North Star Center/MCAS Signature events that include but are not limited to: multicultural celebrations, Homecoming, Orientation, Professional Development Series.
- Fostered rapport with Institutional leadership and students to build trust and cultivate communication.
- Communicated effectively and delivered positive reinforcement to students, which enabled building of trust and rapport.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to students success, recruitment and retention.
Education
University of Rochester Rochester
Master of Science from Human Development
05.2025
University Overview
SUNY College
Bachelor of Arts from Broadcast Communications
University Overview
Skills
- Builder of inclusive, diverse, and courageous spaces
- Fluent in Spanish language
- Conversational American Sign Language
- Cross Functional Collaboration
- Relationship Building
- Problem-Solving
- Drafting and Administering Contracts
- Negotiation Tactics
- Planned and executed 300+ experiences for celebrating, educating and training on diversity, inclusion, equity and access for community, faculty, staff and student participants.
Affiliations
Affiliations
- 2022-present: Lead Consultant, Beyond Boundaries Consulting
- 2022-present: Board Member, Writers & Books Literary Arts Center
- 2022-present: Member, Greater Rochester Chamber's DEI Leadership Exchange
- 2021-present: Member, Geva Artistic Council
- 2017-2023: Member, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
- 2013-2016: Chair, United Way Latino Leadership Development Program Executive Steering Committee
- 2012-present: Founder/Board Present, Rochester Latino Theatre Company, Inc.
- 2012-2016: Member, Association of Sorority/Fraternity Advisers
- 2001-present: Member, Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.
Certification
- 2014: Dale Carnegie: Skills for Success Leadership Training, Human Relations, and Communication
- 2014: United Way of Rochester: Latino Leadership Development Program
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
The cave you fear to enter contains the treasure you seek.
Timeline
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocate
University of Rochester
2022.10 - Current (11 months)
Assistant Director, Community & Belonging
Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT
2018.08 - 2022.09 (4 years & 1 month)
Manager, Multicultural Student Life
Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT
2012.02 - 2018.07 (6 years & 5 months)
Coordinator, Cultural & Programmatic Initiatives
Rochester Institute of Technology, RIT
2009.05 - 2012.02 (2 years & 9 months)
University of Rochester
Master of Science from Human Development
SUNY College
Bachelor of Arts from Broadcast Communications
- 2014: Dale Carnegie: Skills for Success Leadership Training, Human Relations, and Communication
- 2014: United Way of Rochester: Latino Leadership Development Program