Lizbeth Cervantes grew up in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood and attended Kepner Beacon Middle School. Her journey to Arrupe Jesuit High School began with her parents’ deep belief in the value of education and their Catholic faith. After middle school, they sought a high school that would offer her greater opportunities for her future. A family friend recommended Arrupe Jesuit, and it felt like the perfect fit. Lizbeth recalls the admissions process as both exciting and nerve-wracking, as she hoped the school would see her potential and invest in her future.
Attending Arrupe Jesuit changed Lizbeth’s life in profound ways. The school gave her access to an excellent education and the opportunity to participate in the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). This program allowed her to become the first in her family to graduate from college, setting an example for her younger siblings. The support she received at Arrupe Jesuit also opened the door to a scholarship at Regis University, which helped her pursue higher education without creating a financial burden for her family. Lizbeth often reflects on how the support helped her break new ground both academically and professionally.
One of her standout memories at Arrupe Jesuit was a college essay writing program at Regis University. With guidance from Arrupe Jesuit alumni studying at Regis, Lizbeth refined her essays and took a tour of the campus. This pivotal experience provided not only practical help with college applications but also a vision of what her future could hold. Seeing herself in the shoes of these alumni was inspiring, giving her a glimpse of the possibilities that lay ahead.
Reflecting on her journey, Lizbeth wishes she could reassure her freshman self not to worry so much. Entering high school without the comfort of her middle school friends left her feeling anxious. She soon realized that high school is meant to be a time of discovery and personal growth and rather than being daunting, it’s a chance to embrace new experiences, connect with others, and learn everything possible along the way.
Through Arrupe’s Corporate Work Study Program, Lizbeth gained early exposure to the professional world, an opportunity many of her peers from other schools didn’t have. By the time she graduated, she had already built a solid resume, which boosted her confidence and skill set. This unique experience gave her a head start in her career and set her apart in the job market.
After graduating from Regis University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Criminology, she began her professional journey at Haselden Construction. In her role, she manages the development and submission of proposals and oversees the proposal process from start to finish, ensuring accuracy and quality. Additionally, she leads a talented team, guiding and supporting them in their professional growth. Recently, Lizbeth’s work came full circle as she took an active role in Haselden’s proposal process for Arrupe Jesuit High School’s building expansion—a project close to her heart, given her background as an alumna. Her dedication and expertise exemplify her commitment to both her alma mater and her professional growth.
Lizbeth’s path from Kepner Middle School to Arrupe Jesuit and beyond showcases the impact of hard work, opportunity, and a strong community. She continues to draw on the skills and experiences she gained at Arrupe, applying them in her professional life while serving as a role model for her younger siblings and those around her and the entire Arrupe Jesuit community is looking forward to all she will accomplish.
