Inna Shames
The Women of Quail Creek (TWOQC) has been awarding scholarships for a decade to women graduating from Rio Rico, Sahuarita, and Walden Grove high schools (HS), as well as scholarships to women over 21 returning to school—AWE (Advancing Women through Education).
This Year, TWOQC introduced PATH (Progress, Access, Tenacity, and Hope) for young women who previously received HS scholarships, needed financial assistance going into their second year of post high school education, but were too young to qualify for AWE.
Meet Mia Mezquita, a first generation Mexican American and the first in her family to attend college, One of three PATH recipients in the program’s debut year of 2026, her goal is to pursue a medical career specializing in anesthesiology and her own words exemplify what this program represents:
Progress: “I was raised by a single mother who managed to provide us with our necessities but there was no extra money for college. I am the first of three siblings to attend a university. I will use this scholarship to further my education and reach my goal of helping others through my career.”
Access: “My ultimate career goal is to become an anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist assistant. I will reach this by completing my bachelor’s degree at the U of A in their College of Medicine program, then take the MCAT, apply to medical school, pass the licensing exams, complete residency, and obtain a Board Certification.”
Tenacity: “Although medical school is a lengthy process with many obstacles, I am a strong-willed person and dedicated worker. I have the motivation to push myself forward.” When asked what advice she had for young women facing some of the same challenges, she replied: “I would say to not give up. You may have to fail an exam or two to realize that what you are doing isn’t cutting it and you need to find a new method. Not beating yourself up for mistakes but learning from them is easier said than done but it will test if you truly want this career or not.”
Hope: “I believe that by being bilingual I will be able to help more people and make them feel comfortable, knowing someone is able to understand and advocate for their needs. I have been accepted into the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine and will pursue a Basic Medical Science major.
This will be one of my many steppingstones to get me where I want to go … Being awarded The Women of Quail Creek scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies with less financial burden. Thank you so much … I truly appreciate it!”
For more information about TWOQC Scholarships, you may contact Director of Scholarships Deb Melton at scholarships@womenqc.com.