At The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, we want to give back to the women who have proved to be strong-willed trailblazers and trendsetters. Each year, we offer the Pioneering Women Scholarship to celebrate the women who are or will be the first female in their family to attend college. Below are our past recipients:
2025 Winner: Hannah Esqueda
Biography
My name is Hannah Esqueda, and I am a first-generation college graduate originally from Southern California. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Science in Biology at Arizona State University, specializing in neurobiology. With an academic foundation in cognitive neuroscience and music humanities, I explore how musical structures influence brain function and emotional healing. As a proud Latina and mental health advocate, I draw from personal experiences to fuel my research and drive for inclusive, community-based care. My academic path bridges science, advocacy, and resilience, with a mission to transform how mental health is understood and treated.
Reaction Statement
I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Pioneering Women Scholarship from The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm. This award not only recognizes my commitment to neuroscience and mental health advocacy but it also affirms the resilience and dedication behind my academic journey. As a Latina woman in STEM, I have worked tirelessly to transform personal struggles into scientific inquiry and community impact. This scholarship enables me to continue my graduate research and bring innovative, culturally sensitive approaches to mental health treatment. Thank you for investing in my mission and empowering me to be part of a future where neuroscience serves all communities with empathy and equity.
2024 Winner: Aden Basir
Biography
My name is Aden Basir, and I am originally from Lahore, Pakistan, which is where I spent the majority of my life before moving to pursue higher education in the United States. I am a rising junior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Sociology. I have consistently achieved Dean’s List honors each semester, reflecting my commitment to academic excellence. My interests are rooted in social justice and gender equality, areas that I am passionate about advancing through my studies and future endeavors.
Reaction Statement
“I am truly honored to be awarded the 2024 Pioneering Women Scholarship. Being a recipient of this scholarship feels incredibly rewarding and validates the hard work I have put into my studies. It encourages me to continue striving towards my goals with even more dedication. This support significantly eases the financial burdens of my education, allowing me to focus more on my academic and professional development. Thank you to The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm for believing in my potential and supporting my journey.”