Director

Mary Catherine Dillon
marycatherine.dillon@womenandhitech.org

“The future depends on what you do today.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Mary Catherine Mills Dillon is the Director of Learning and Development for Life Sciences at BioCrossroads, where she leads statewide workforce development efforts connected to Indiana’s life sciences sector through the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP). In this role, she collaborates with K–12 education, higher education, employers, and workforce partners to strengthen talent pipelines, align learning experiences to workforce needs, and expand career-connected pathways in the life sciences industry.

Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in General Biology with Science Education Licensure from University of North Carolina Asheville (2008) and a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Mississippi State University (2011), where she specialized in biological sciences and ecology research.

Prior to joining BioCrossroads, Mary served as District K–12 Senior Science Coordinator for Indianapolis Public Schools, where she led districtwide science curriculum implementation, STEM initiatives, professional learning, and strategic partnerships to improve science teaching and learning for students across grades K–12. She also previously taught middle and high school science at Sheridan Community Schools and Southern Guilford High School, building more than 15 years of experience in science education, instructional leadership, curriculum development, and STEM workforce alignment.

Mary has been recognized through honors including Graduate Research Assistant of the Year, Best Student Teacher Award, Outstanding Earth Science Teacher recognition, and participation in the RISE Indy Circle City Leaders Cohort. Her professional work centers on building equitable pathways into STEM and life sciences careers, strengthening partnerships between education and industry, and preparing the next generation of talent for high-demand fields.

Mary lives in central Indiana with her husband, Kevin, who works for Corteva, their energetic seven-year-old son, and their pet cats. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, canning, and lifelong learning, with a particular interest in science, conservation, and the connections between nature, food systems, and sustainability. Mary also enjoys travel, museums, and cultural experiences, and values spending quality time with family and friends. Deeply passionate about education, workforce development, and community impact, she is energized by opportunities to connect people, ideas, and partnerships that create meaningful pathways into STEM and life sciences careers for future generations.

Throughout her career in science education and workforce development, Mary recognized the need for stronger connections between students, educators, and STEM professionals, especially women in technology and life sciences. She saw Women & Hi Tech as an organization uniquely positioned to create mentorship, visibility, and pathways that inspire more women and young people to pursue and thrive in STEM careers.

Mary’s goal during her time on the Board of Directors is to expand K-12 outreach and industry partnerships that help more young women see themselves in STEM careers while strengthening Indiana’s future technology and life sciences talent pipeline.

Connect with Mary Catherine on LinkedIn to learn more about her professional journey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-dillon-63451a4a/