I’m Lizette Paredes, founder of Empowered Access! I'm a Counselor and Educational Advisor dedicated to guiding students and their families through the complexities of the college admissions process. With over 15 years of experience as a School Counselor and a background in undergraduate admissions, I understand the challenges students face and the importance of personalized support.

About Me

My Educational Background
I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California, where I gained a solid foundation in student development and mental health. Additionally, I completed the Professional Program in College Admissions Counseling at UC Berkeley, which deepened my expertise in the college admissions landscape and equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively support students in their educational journeys.

I'm also a lifelong learner, continuously taking professional development trainings through organizations like the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). This commitment to ongoing education ensures that I stay current with best practices and emerging trends in college counseling, allowing me to provide students and families with the most up-to-date guidance.

Professional Experience
Before becoming a School Counselor, I served in an admissions role at the University of Southern California, where I coordinated outreach and recruitment events on campus, visited local high schools to meet with prospective students, and evaluated applications for both admission and merit scholarships.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students from all walks of life on their educational journeys. Whether working with international students, first-generation college applicants, gifted students, students with learning disabilities, transfer students, or graduate school applicants, I bring a tailored and compassionate approach to every student’s unique needs. My combined experience in admissions, school counseling, and international education advising enables me to help students find their best fit and navigate the often-overwhelming college admissions process with confidence and clarity.

Having worked on "both sides of the desk", I bring valuable insights into the admissions process, empowering students to craft compelling applications and make informed choices about their college options.

Professional Affiliations
I am a proud member of the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), as well as an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). As such, I adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring that my practices are transparent, respectful, and focused on the best interests of my students.

My Approach
At Empowered Access, I believe that every student deserves access to the resources and support they need to succeed. My approach is centered around understanding each student’s unique goals, strengths, and challenges. I provide personalized guidance throughout the college admissions process, from academic planning to selecting the right colleges and crafting compelling applications.

Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or preparing for college applications, I’m here to empower you every step of the way. My goal is to help you navigate this journey with confidence and clarity, ensuring that you find the right fit for your higher education aspirations.

Thanks to tools like Zoom and CounselMore, I'm able to work with students all over the world from my home on the California Central Coast.

I look forward to partnering with you and your family as you embark on this important journey!

Specialty Areas

International to USA, College Financing, General Ed Counseling, Transfer Planning, Grad School Admissions-General

Students Enrolled