Build A Better Future Scholarship Winners

At Solano Law Firm, LLC, we are passionate and committed to supporting the immigrant community. As an extension of our commitment to helping the lives of our immigrant community, our firm offers the $1,000 Build A Better Future Scholarship in efforts to recognize our goal-oriented youth. This scholarship is intended to shed light on difficulties or disadvantages students have faced and how they overcame them. Below is our past scholarship winner:

2025 Winner: Yoscarli D.

Reaction Statement: “I take pride in being a Venezuelan immigrant and a first-gen student because it has pushed me to work hard and stay focused on my education goals. From earning certifications in pharmacy and EKG to now studying psychology at TCU, I’ve built each step with the hope of creating a future where I can be a counseling psychologist. A professional that helps others, through challenges of their own, challenges I didn’t have help with. This scholarship means so much because it’s the financial support I need to follow my goals without burdening my parents with bills they can’t afford. This scholarship it’s truly a reminder that all the sacrifices, late nights, and determination are paying off, and that I’m not alone in chasing my dreams.”

2025 Winner: Khadicha K.

Reaction Statement: “Losing my little brother to complications of my mother’s autoimmune disease changed the way I see both science and life. For a long time, I felt powerless, but that grief became the reason I turned toward research, determined to understand the mysteries of the immune system and genetics. From studying circadian rhythms in mice to exploring the Xist gene’s role in autoimmune disorders, my academic path has been about more than just experiments but also about finding answers my family never had. At the same time, I immigrated from a country that does not give women the opportunity to explore STEM, and as a first generation student myself, I’ve built communities like S.A.F.E. and STEM Seeds to create the mentorship and opportunities I once lacked, especially for young women and marginalized students. My goal is to become a physician-scientist who not only investigates the mechanisms of disease but also ensures that others never feel as voiceless as I once did. This scholarship eases the burden of pursuing that path, especially in continuing my research and nonprofit work, and is a reminder that my brother’s life continues to give meaning to mine, and my journey to America has a purpose.”

2024 Winner: Favio L.

Biography: Growing up in Long Beach, California, this year’s recipient has always valued hard work, family, and giving back to his community. With roots in Mexico, he embraces his culture with pride and sees his academic and personal growth as a tribute to the sacrifices his family has made.

A recent graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High School, he maintained a 3.5 GPA while balancing varsity athletics, club participation, and a part-time job. His leadership both on and off the soccer field earned him several honors, including Defensive MVP, Principal’s Honor Roll, and Employee of the Month at his workplace. Beyond academics and athletics, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community service through local fundraisers, food drives, and youth programs.

This fall, he’ll be the first in his family to attend college, choosing to begin his undergraduate studies at Azusa Pacific University with the goal of pursuing a degree that allows him to lead and serve others—both values that reflect his upbringing and personal mission.

Reaction Statement: “Receiving this scholarship means more than just financial support, it’s recognition of my journey, my culture, and the people who helped me get here. I’m thankful to the Solano Law Firm for believing in students like me and making higher education feel more within reach. This opportunity is a reminder that I’m not alone in this, and I plan to carry that encouragement with me throughout college and beyond.”

2023 Winner: Elizabeth C.

Biography: “I was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina. My mother is from San Jose, Hidalgo Mexico and my father from Torreon, Mexico. I take pride in what runs in my veins and am proud to represent it. Not only representing my culture but also my family who have stood by my side and supported me throughout my life and given me so much love. Being able to make them proud and make their sacrifices pay off is a wholesome feeling.

I’m currently an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Economics, also planning to stay another year to double major into Operation Systems Management. Other than being a full time student, I am working towards being certified as an insurance agent at Pegram Superior Insurance Mitchell Agency in Charlotte, NC. As well as running a dog grooming home based business, Salvador’s Dog Wash & Groom, I started up back when the pandemic started in 2019 to start saving up for my university journey and dreams.

After graduating, my long term goal is work in the marketing field whether that means social media promotions, financial guidance for firms or being a representative in the medical field. I want to be able to help people on a daily basis wherever I am in this life, showing love, patience and kindness. Giving everyone I cross paths with the best version of myself and continue to grow in heart and life.”

Reaction Statement: “This scholarship is a blessing itself, it’s only going to make me push myself harder to continue to complete my degree and reach for my dreams. I am grateful for being this year’s recipient in being given the opportunity which means so much to me and my family. Pursuing a higher education comes with financial challenges too and Solano Law Firm came to the rescue to be part of my academic journey in helping my dreams, just like how they are making immigrants dreams not only be a dream but a reality. Being able to concentrate on my studies and not have the burden of debt is relieving.”

2021 Winner: Constanza G.

Biography: Constanza G. is a rising sophomore at The University of Texas at Austin – McCombs School of Business. Constanza was born in Eagle Pass, Texas but grew up in the bordering city, Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Constanza’s upbringing in a diverse community instilled within her an appreciation towards her background as well as compassion and dedication for those around her. She plans to major in International Business with a minor in Finance and a Healthcare Innovation and Reform Certificate. After graduating with a McCombs School of Business degree, her long-term goal is to work in a field that puts her education and knowledge to use by helping others financially. Whether it be becoming a financial advisor for a company, a business firm, or a patient struggling with medical bills, she aspires to be an advocate for others.

Reaction Statement: “I am beyond thrilled and fortunate to have been chosen as the Solano Law Firm Building a Better Future 2021 Scholarship recipient! When applying for this opportunity I couldn’t stop thinking about my Mexican parents and all their support and effort towards wanting to build a better future for myself. This scholarship means so much to me because I am now blessed to obtain support from remarkable individuals such as Zaira Solano who are kind enough to assist other people and students like myself. With the help and the support of the Solano Law Firm I am able to pursue my passions and gain an education where my abilities will be of use towards helping others build a better future for themselves. To Zaira Solano and the Solano Law Firm team, I am incredibly thankful and beyond blessed to have been granted this opportunity, thank you from the bottom of my heart!”