Meet Marisel Pacheco Schweitzer

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marisel Pacheco Schweitzer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marisel, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I draw my resilience from a deep sense of adventure and an unwavering commitment to personal growth. I thrive on setting goals, tackling challenges, and pushing beyond my comfort zone to achieve the dreams I set for myself. My family, especially my husband and children, are a constant source of strength. They inspire me daily with their perseverance, their pursuit of self-improvement, and their dedication to service.

Life has offered me incredible opportunities that many others may not have had, and I feel a deep responsibility to give back. This gratitude fuels my desire to leave the world better than I found it, paying forward the blessings I’ve received by helping others on their own journeys. It’s this blend of purpose, family inspiration, and appreciation for life’s gifts that drives me to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the founder and CEO of Engaged Families, a company dedicated to empowering parents of young children, especially from birth to 5 years old. We offer practical, research-based strategies that support a child’s development during these critical early years. Our mission is to close the kindergarten readiness gap, helping families recognize that they are their child’s first and most influential teachers.

What excites me most is seeing the transformative impact our work has on families. Parents often come to us uncertain about how to nurture their child’s growth, but through our programs, they leave feeling empowered and confident, equipped with tools to make everyday moments meaningful learning experiences. We guide them in creating fun, natural learning opportunities, whether through simple activities at home or preparing their children for kindergarten and beyond.

At Engaged Families, we’ve developed a curriculum that helps parents build environments that foster learning through play, communication, and connection. Our approach is not only about academic readiness but also focuses on social and emotional growth. One of the unique aspects of our work is the ability to tailor our strategies to each family’s needs, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce new early childhood workshops, expanding our reach to parents of children up to 8 years old. We’re also enhancing our virtual programs to connect with families globally. Additionally, we’re launching Parent University sessions, designed to strengthen parent-educator partnerships, and developing family engagement toolkits to help parents create rich learning opportunities at home.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three key qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are consistency, goal-setting, and adaptability. Consistency has helped me build trust and steady progress across various initiatives, ensuring that I can show up for families and provide them with the support they need. Goal-setting, especially when broken down into smaller, manageable steps, has kept me focused and motivated even when challenges arise. Lastly, adaptability has been essential in navigating the ever-changing landscape of education, allowing me to adjust my approach when necessary and seize new opportunities for growth.

For those starting out, my advice is to stay organized, set clear and achievable goals, and embrace change with an open mind. Being adaptable will help you remain resilient in the face of obstacles and take advantage of unexpected opportunities that come your way. It’s a crucial skill for staying grounded while pursuing long-term goals.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

One of the most impactful things my mother did for me was to always prioritize education, despite having limited opportunities herself. Growing up, she came from a background where completing school wasn’t an option, yet her intelligence, curiosity, and desire to learn were truly remarkable. Though she only finished the sixth grade, her passion for knowledge and self-improvement left a deep impression on me. My mother’s constant encouragement to value education and never stop growing became a guiding principle in my life. Her determination to provide me with opportunities she didn’t have has shaped who I am today and continues to inspire my journey.

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