Ep 68: Learning the Skills Nobody Taught Us: Executive Function, Equity, and Education with Lizzett Cuervo

I’m so happy to be able to bring this conversation to you today! My guest is Lizzett Cuervo - a first-generation Cuban American, executive function specialist, and co-founder of the nonprofit Circle Match. I first connected with Lizzett over LinkedIn and then we got to meet in person when she attended my presentation on college students and executive functioning at our local public library. Lizzett is such a fantastic person doing such important work that I knew I had to have her on the show. As you’ll hear, Lizzett’s personal journey through life has moments of discouragement and frustration that many of you may relate to - either directly or in your own way. Her experiences are also deeply inspiring. I know I was very moved by her story. From being told by her high school counselor that she wasn’t “smart enough” for college, to later discovering a love of learning and receiving a life-changing ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, Lizzett has used her experiences and this deep love of learning to create a future for herself, her son, and others that is full of hope and opportunity. In this conversation, you’ll hear about how Lizzett’s own academic struggles lit the spark - hah! for Chispa, a company she started that helps adults and students strengthen their executive function skills and conquer their challenges—and how Circle Match, a non-profit she started with her son, Michael, opens doors to Ivy League and other top tier colleges by offering free college admissions advising and executive function support to students and their families who have historically been left out of those spaces. Lizzett is living proof of what happens when young people are given not only access and knowledge, but also a place to belong. This is a story about overcoming shame, challenging broken systems, being brave enough to do things differently, and creating something better for the next generation. I can’t wait for you to hear it. Show notes: Learn More About Lizzett and Her Work https://chispaefc.com/ Circle Match https://circlematch.org/ Other Resources Focus Forward Ep 32: College Admissions Made Simple: An Executive Function Approach to Success in College https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/podcast?wchannelid=y1lzulxlcs&wmediaid=q38ax8pzj7 Making College Affordable: 5 Tips for Securing Scholarships https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/making-college-affordable-5-tips-for-securing-scholarships How to Navigate Student Supports in College https://www.beyondbooksmart.com/executive-functioning-strategies-blog/how-to-navigate-student-supports-in-college