Meet Our Team
Michael Sanchez
Co-Founder, Executive Director & Director of Academics
“When done correctly, the college application process can be a transformative moment and one of the first times that a student will truly reflect upon their engagements with the world around them. For a low-income minority student, attending college could mean bettering the lives of oneself and one’s community. I created Circle Match to help the next generation of change-makers who may need an extra push.”
Yale University 2023
B.A. English, Education Studies Scholar
B.A. English, Education Studies Scholar
Lizzett Cuervo
Co-Founder & Director of Community
"I have been an educator for the WNY school district for 14 years, specifically working with students with learning disabilities. I joined Circle Match because I have always loved the idea of helping students from underrepresented communities like WNY thrive and be able to attend great schools."
Rutgers University
B.A. Political Science;
University of Phoenix
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
B.A. Political Science;
University of Phoenix
M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction
Max Kaplan
Co-Founder & Director of Strategy
"I joined the Circle Match team because I want to help bridge the gap when it comes to the underrepresentation of minority students on college campuses. Having split time between Public and Private High Schools, I have seen firsthand the difference in resources when it comes to preparing students for the college application process. I hope to share these resources to help make higher-education a level playing field."
University of Virginia 2016
B.S. Political Science & Economics
B.S. Political Science & Economics
Terance Tan
Head Advisor
"Joining Circle Match as a Head Advisor was a natural extension of my commitment to educational equity and my belief in the transformative power of access to higher education. This role is not only an opportunity to contribute to a cause close to my heart but also a chance to be part of a larger movement that champions equity & belonging in the educational landscape"
New York University 2015
B.A. Psychology & History;
Harvard GSE Ed. M Human Development & Psychology
B.A. Psychology & History;
Harvard GSE Ed. M Human Development & Psychology
Elise Fuller
Head Advisor
“Having personally experienced the educational and professional benefits of attending a highly selective university, I joined Circle Match as a Head Advisor to help more students of color access those same opportunities. This role allows me to support both high school students applying to college and current college students serving as advisors. Witnessing their successes, from acceptances to internship offers, is incredibly rewarding.”
Columbia University 2019
B.A. Social and Cultural Anthropology
B.A. Social and Cultural Anthropology
Evelyn Limon
Design & Marketing Fellow
"Coming from a family of Cuban immigrants, they didn’t have the finances to help me on my college journey. But when I attended MHS, I was honored with caring and passionate teachers. I’ve joined Circle Match as the SAT Tutor because I would like to pay it forward and give the next student the best opportunity to succeed."
Rutgers University 2025
B.S Marketing and Concentration in Management Information Systems
B.S Marketing and Concentration in Management Information Systems
Mame Diarra Diakhate
Design and Marketing Fellow
"Circle Match has supported me beyond the application process --- adapt to college, build my network, improve my resume, and find a community with genuine connections. As a Circle Match marketing fellow, I volunteer to help students have access to the tools I benefited from and the support to acheive their dreams. Circle Match isn't just about getting into college; it is about creating a lasting impact for future generations"
New York University 2028
B.S. Computer Science & Computer Engineering
B.S. Computer Science & Computer Engineering
Irenys Reyes
Cornell 2026
Union City High School
"College applications are scary at first but not impossible. It’s a process that has to be embraced and persevered through — Circle Match taught me the necessary skills and gave me the needed help to do so. Aside from being grateful for the opportunities Circle Match has offered me, I want other students just like me to know they’re not alone in this."
Aiden Claros
Cornell 2028
East Orange High School
"Before finding the program, I felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the college application process I felt lost, without anyone to turn to, but Circle Match is more than just a well of information—it’s a community of mentors, leaders and supporters who guided me every step of the way to the university I’ll one day call my alma mater, and beyond. The advisors, and the encouragement they gave made me believe in myself. Without their guidance and the network of support Circle Match provided, I wouldn’t be where I am today. For this, I am forever grateful and inspired to pay it forward by helping other students find their own path to success."
Melissa Vergara
Yale 2028
Wildwood High School
"I decided to join Circle Match as an advisor because of the incredible support and love I received from my own advisors, who believed in me and helped me navigate a process my family and I had never known. Their guidance gave me the confidence to embrace my worth and achieve my dreams, and now I want to pay that forward. Circle Match is more than a program—it’s a community driven by passion and connection, and I’m honored to continue that legacy by supporting others on their journeys."
Annalie Diaz
Yale 2027
North Bergen High School
“I joined the Circle Match team since I am a witness to the immense impact that the program has… I thank Circle Match for helping me obtain a full ride scholarship to my dream college, so now I want to pay it forward and support the students in my community by making their dreams come true as well."
Nour Farhat
Washington & Lee 2028
East orange High School
"Circle Match had a profound impact on my college application journey. Coming from a low-income school, I didn’t always have the resources or guidance to navigate the college process, but Circle Match gave me the support I needed to get into a top university. Now, as an advisor, I get to pay it forward—helping other students see what’s possible and giving them the same support that made such a difference in my life."
Ashley Cangana
Wash U 2027
North Bergen High School
"As someone who was a Circle Match student and got the opportunity of a lifetime, I hope to give other students the guidance I received in order to find their story and help them find community to rely on throughout the college application process."
Lexa Rivas
Middlebury 2027
Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School
"As a highschooler, I joined Circle Match because as a first-generation, low-income student, I had no idea how to navigate the college application process or write a proper application essay. Thanks to their completely free of cost guidance and incredible community support, I was able to gain admission to one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Now, I’m paying it forward by helping other students who might not otherwise have the chance to pursue their dreams—or even imagine them—without Circle Match stepping into their lives."
Nico Rivas
Middlebury 2029
Wildwood High School
"Joining Circle Match was an incredible opportunity that helped me better understand the college application process while providing a dependable source of support and information. I’m eager to paying it forward because Circle Match not only helped me discover more about myself but also connected me with a supportive community that made me feel less alone. They guided me toward opportunities tailored for me, and without this program, I wouldn’t have been accepted into the school that truly fits me best."
Raymon Esparza
UCLA 2028
Garfield High School
"To answer the circle match question - Prior to receiving circlematch advising I was unaware of the significance of my story, connecting with advisors who were alumni of my highschool not only helped me build personal lifelong connections but discover my story and interest. I decided to become an advisor to help students from underrepresented communities like my own further pursue and discover their academic interest and story through writing."
Kaydee Garcia
UCLA 2028
West Chester High School
"As a first-generation student, utilizing Circle March advising services was essential in navigating my college application journey. Advisors provided guidance on academic planning, connected me to resources, and helped me build confidence in my abilities. Their support made me feel empowered, ensuring I stayed on track and I wish to pay this forward!"
Damian Chamale
Brown 2029
Union City High School
"Circle Match helped me turn my potential into action. Navigating the college admissions process without proper support is both challenging and overwhelming. However, with Circle Match's guidance, I was able to develop and refine my skills—from crafting compelling essays to structuring the finer details of my application. More than just a college application resource, Circle Match became a supportive community where I found encouragement, shared laughs, and meaningful peer mentorship. The transformative nature of Circle Match inspired me to become an advisor, driven by a desire to support and empower my community."
Cecelia De La Cruz
Brown 2026
Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School
"Circle Match has made me realize that I want to give back to students who have had similar pathways as me. As a first-generation, low-income student, I remember how rigorous the process of applying to and preparing for college was. I realized that if I hadn’t had a proper support system, I wouldn’t have excelled as much as I did. Additionally, I love being in an environment where communication is transparent and easy to manage. My work team is very optimistic, creating a great environment to work in."
Gallery
Circle Match Programs
Find out more about how each role impacts our students throughout our 4 tracks.
