ABOUT US/Testimoials

empowered prep is a tutoring collective co-founded by kwana martinez in 2008. 

2021-2022 Senior Matriculations include BARD, BROWN, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, NYU, UC Berkeley, UCLA, St Andrews, TULANE, Vassar, & more!

TESTIMONIALS FROM some of OUR FAVORITE FAMILIES:

"I cannot recommend Kwana highly enough for the excellent college counseling and test prep tutoring she provided to my sons as we all grappled with the challenges of navigating the college admissions process. Both boys ended up at UC Berkeley, where they had a wonderful experience. It was a stressful time, and I honestly don’t know how anyone manages it without help! Kwana was a life saver!"

Eli S. (Campbell Hall Parent)

"Kwana was extremely organized, thorough, and prepared with a detailed plan to help our daughter achieve her goals. Lola learned valuable writing techniques, organizational skills, and tools for making decisions. These lessons will serve her perfectly in life too - an extra bonus! Lola was accepted to 24 colleges, it was all because Kwana took the time to really assess what she wanted/needed. Together they put together a diverse, comprehensive list to cover all the bases. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience or outcome to all their hard work."

-Cynthia  J. (Immaculate Heart Parent)

"You are AMAZING tutors and I'm very excited for you to help more students achieve their college dreams"

- Josh N. (Shalhevet)

"Kwana is so much fun! Every tutoring session is informative, yet entertaining. I have loved working with her."    

- Nicole G. (Brentwood School)

"Kwana provided reassurance and a sense of stability that I feel is crucial during such the college process. She was unfailingly patient and supportive of me and readily equipped with resources, backup plans, and detailed timelines. Kwana not only helped me craft essays that I'm proud of and raise my scores on standardized tests, but she also gave me the skills I will need to succeed in future endeavors. She taught me how to approach interviews, balance a heavy workload, construct resumes, and ultimately portray myself in an authentic and professional light. I am so grateful to have worked with Kwana. The attention to detail and determination that she put into our sessions still inspires me to do my very best work. "

-L. J. (Immaculate Heart student)

"Kwana is honestly the best. She raised my Critical Reading score 70 points, my SAT II Literature score 150 points, and to top it all off, I got a 710 on the SAT II US History test without having studied US History in school for over 4 months. Kwana really found my weak points and worked with me to overcome them. She made everything so much easier and I'm so happy my friend referred me to her! She's amazing!"

- Tabi Y. (Harvard-Westlake)


"I started working with Kwana as a junior in high school, and was nervous about the many tasks and responsibilities that go hand in hand with applying to college. For the SAT, Kwana not only targeted the

areas I needed to work on, but also made sure I stayed on track. I have always been a devoted student, but she pushed me to work that much harder in order to reach the level she knew I was capable of

reaching.When it came to writing college essays, there is no one who knew how to work with me as well as Kwana did, which I’m sure her other students would agree with. Kwana helped me just the right

amount, while still allowing me to let my voice be heard. Despite the countless essays that I needed to write, she encouraged me to approach the writing process as an opportunity to show off a

different side of me that colleges couldn't see through grades and test scores.  I truly believe that this writing process

would have been extremely difficult without Kwana’s guidance,

experience, knowledge, and encouragement."

-Nina G. (Buckley)


"Kim and Kwana have been a gift for [my daughter]. She looks forward to her sessions because they not only encourage her to succeed, but they also make her laugh. I am impressed with the detailed feedback I have received and their professionalism. I have recommended them to many of my friends."   

- Dana G. (Brentwood School parent)

"You are amazing. First, you tutored my daughter for her second attempt at the SAT. She wanted to raise her score and she did! By 100 points! Then Kwana further tutored her for polishing her college application essays. Fingers are crossed for that...we'll let you know WHEN she is accepted to her dream college. You  found ways to relate to her personality and point of reference. She actually enjoyed being tutored and may call you from college next year for more help. Thank you so much! I have recommended you to virtually everyone I know.

- Chelsea C. (Burbank High School parent)


"We want to thank you so much for your time and effort in helping our daughter. You have provided her some invaluable skills that she can not only use on the college board tests, but throughout her college years. We so appreciate your professionalism, your wisdom and your knowledge of the tests as well as the college application process! You have definitely given her great confidence in all these areas, and we are extremely grateful. Wishing you all the best."

- Josiane C. (Brentwood School parent)

"[My daughter] absolutely loves you and I have been singing your praises...that Kwana {and her collaborators} are the top tutors in this town! You not only have great tutoring styles, but make this whole process much more enjoyable because of your winning personalities. We love super smart girls who rock their talents! [...] Thank you for giving her great assistance in this process as she has already made considerable improvements under your direction."

- Adrienne W. (Brentwood School parent)

"Kim and Kwana really helped me develop confidence as a test-taker. Their un-condescending and fun approach made taking the SAT totally manageable! In addition to their help with the SAT, Kwana gave me valuable feedback on my college essays, and Kim has helped me to both understand and laugh at calculus. I fully recommend both of them!"

- Emilie P. (Wildwood School)

"Kwana tutored my daughter and raised her reading from 550 to 680 and writing from 530 to 700. Her enthusiasm and energy rubs off on the kids and keeps them motivated. Kwana is awesome!!"

- Malak S. (Marymount High School parent)

"Working with Kwana was an amazing experience for our daughter. Her energy and enthusiasm for difficult subject material made the task of studying for the SAT much more enjoyable. They gave her confidence in her own abilities, along with strategies for taking the exam. They set up a plan that worked specifically for her, and were always flexible with her ever-changing schedule. Their wonderful demeanor and professionalism was a great asset for our daughter."

-Stacey R. (Beverly HILLS High School parent)

 

"Kwana has helped me drastically improve my scores. Her cheerful and encouraging attitude towards preparing for the SAT made this whole experience very manageable. I raised my overall SAT score by over 500 points from our first tutoring session together and I could have never done it without her!"

-Natalie S. (Marymount High School)

"If you put in the work, these girls will get your score up."

-Nick S. (Wildwood School)

"Kwana helped me so much through the entire college application process. I don't know how I would have gotten through it without them. Kwana is also incredibly helpful in the essay writing and college application process. I recommend them to anyone who is in search of brilliant, helpful, and friendly tutors."

-Elena C. (Harvard-Westlake)

"Kwana is amazing! She has the ability to teach and get the best work from each student while remembering to keeping it fun (yes… ACT, AP, SAT and college applications can be made more enjoyable). Kwana has the gift of intellect and motivation and organization that is rare to find in a tutor. I would recommend her without question. In fact, I already have!!"

-Louise G. (Milken School Parent)


I knew what I wanted to write about , but Kwana helped me approach my writing from a different angle. She made sure I was telling a story, while also showing off what qualities I have to offer. She also taught me how to edit my resume to look more appealing. I would not have been able to go through the {Graduate school} application process without Kwana. "
-N.G. (Berkeley Graduate, 2019)

     

more to come!  questions? visit our   for more info!