About Empowered Access

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Hi, I’m Lizette Paredes, founder of Empowered Access. I’m a College Counselor with two decades of experience helping students feel confident, grounded, and prepared as they navigate the journey to college.

My Background

I’ve worked on both sides of the desk:

• Undergraduate Admissions at USC — reading applications, coordinating outreach and recruitment, and supporting prospective students
• Over 15 years as a School Counselor — guiding students of all backgrounds, including first-gen, international, gifted, neurodivergent, and high-achieving teens
   

I hold a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from USC and completed the College Admissions Counseling program at UC Berkeley. I stay current through ongoing training with ASCA, NACAC, and IECA, ensuring my guidance is ethical, up-to-date, and student-centered.

My Approach

I believe every student deserves a clear, supportive path to college — one that aligns with who they are, not who they think colleges want them to be. My work blends:

• Deep expertise in admissions
• A counselor’s ability to truly see and support teens
• A structured, proven framework that brings clarity to families
   

The result is confident students and relieved parents who know they’re making informed, thoughtful decisions.

Who I Support

I work with:

• High school students (grades 9–12) 
• Transfer students 
• Graduate school applicants 
• Schools & community organizations

All services are offered virtually through Zoom and CounselMore, allowing me to support families locally and globally.

Why I Do This Work

Because access matters.
Because clarity changes everything.
And because I love helping teens discover who they are, and where they’ll thrive next.