La Reina and Anita’s Mexican Foods are delighted to congratulate the recipients of the 2024 Tortilla Industry Association (TIA) Scholarships! This scholarship program supports students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and community involvement while being connected to the tortilla industry through their family members. Each recipient has been awarded $1,000 to support their educational pursuits.
Meet the 2024 TIA Scholarship Winners
Alexis Garcia Quiroz
Alexis, whose mother Maribell Quiroz works at La Reina, is set to attend Cal Poly Pomona to study Mechanical Engineering. Alexis’s passion for math and engineering, combined with her resilience and determination, makes her a standout candidate. Her essay highlights her love for solving complex problems through math and her goal to create machines and generators that will benefit her community. Alexis's journey has not been without challenges; her mother's battle with cancer profoundly impacted her, teaching her the value of resilience and perseverance. We are confident that Alexis will achieve great things and make significant contributions to her field.
Rodrigo Ramirez
Rodrigo, whose mother Guadalupe Vargas works at Anita’s Mexican Foods in San Bernardino, will be heading to UCLA to study Marine Biology. Rodrigo’s exceptional academic achievements, including being the Valedictorian of his class, and his active involvement in community service and school leadership roles, underscore his dedication and leadership. In his essay, Rodrigo shares his commitment to creating welcoming environments and inspiring others to pursue their dreams, particularly in fields where representation is limited. His passion for marine biology and his drive to expand his academic knowledge make him an excellent recipient of this scholarship.
Fatima Lopez
Fatima, whose mother Areli Guerra Cruz works at La Reina, plans to attend UC Santa Barbara to study Biology. Throughout her high school career at Downtown Business Magnet High School in Los Angeles, Fatima excelled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, maintaining a high GPA of 3.5 and above. Her outstanding performance in courses such as AP English, AP History, Advanced Biology, and Statistics showcases her academic prowess and readiness for college-level work. Fatima's dedication to her studies and her ambition to pursue a career in biology are truly commendable.
Scholarship Application Criteria
To be eligible for the TIA Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Current Enrollment: Must currently be enrolled and attending an accredited High School, College, or University.
- College Acceptance: If in High School, must be accepted to an accredited college for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- First-Time Recipient: Must not have previously been a TIA scholarship recipient.
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 16 years of age.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or a legal Permanent Resident.
- TIA Member Connection: Must have one immediate family member employed by a company that is a dues-paying TIA member in 2024 (either the applicant, parent or step-parent, uncle/aunt, spouse, or sibling).
- Academic Performance: Proof of current school enrollment with a GPA of at least 3.0, such as a report card.
- Essay Submission: Submit a typed essay meeting certain requirements.
Apply for the 2025 TIA Scholarship!
If you have a family member working at La Reina or Anita’s Mexican Foods, you might be eligible for the 2025 TIA Scholarship! Visit TIA's scholarship page to learn more about the application process and see past winners.
A Bright Future Ahead
Congratulations once again to Alexis, Rodrigo, and Fatima! We are incredibly proud of their remarkable achievements and dedication. Their essays and academic records reflect not only their individual strengths but also their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Their hard work and dedication are truly inspiring!