On Monday, August 25th, QueensCare hosted its second Scholarship Luncheon at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Past and present scholarship recipients were invited to meet with members of the QueensCare staff and board members, including members of the QueensCare Scholarship Committee. This celebration was created to honor the achievements of the scholarship recipients, granting the QueensCare team a chance to put faces to the names and applications they had carefully reviewed. The Scholarship Luncheon offers a unique opportunity to hear the scholars’ stories firsthand. The scholars, in turn, have the chance to learn more about the organization and connect with other scholars, some of whom are well-established in their careers and can offer valuable advice or encouragement.
Three scholars generously shared how QueensCare’s support has impacted their lives. Lauri Parson, RN, BSN, CNOR, walked us through her journey across multiple career pivots. She began as a chemical engineer designing refinery equipment, but soon felt bored and isolated. Then, seeking a role with more human connection, she devoted the next 15 years of her career to uplifting others as a spiritual mentor for women at her church. After moving to California, she pursued nursing—a field that merged her scientific background with her passion for people. In 2011, she applied for a QueensCare scholarship, saying, “The scholarship from QueensCare, and life’s twists and turns, helped put me on the path that I’m on today, and I will forever be grateful.” Today, she’s a Certified Perioperative Nurse, working and teaching in the operating room at Los Angeles General Medical Center, where she’s served for 11 years.
Next, we heard from Julianna Zepeda, who was accompanied by her mother, Regina, a nurse whom Julianna credits as her inspiration for everything. As a mother herself, working and studying full-time, Julianna is continuously guided by her mother’s commitment to lead with both heart and purpose. “This scholarship reminded me that investing in yourself, no matter how difficult the journey may be, is always worth it. When you choose to believe in your future, you’re choosing to bet on something that is certain, and that is yourself.” In addition to becoming a nurse, Julianna wants to set an example for someone else. She said, “I want to inspire others to find their voice, speak their truth, and never be afraid to pursue their dreams, even when the odds are overwhelming.” Julianna is now halfway through her nursing program at West Coast University and is expected to graduate next year.
Lastly, Robert Eugene del Carlo shared his deeply personal story, which drove him to pursue a career in medicine. His entire life, he had witnessed his father struggling with disabilities following a tragic accident in his own youth. This, along with the examples of dedication and compassion set by his mother, a nurse, shaped Robert’s commitment to the field of neuroscience. He shared, “My whole life has been trying to help those who, like my father, are eager to contribute to the world but need help. I wanted to understand the social, the structural, and the biological underpinnings of this challenge. Not just what’s in front of him, but what’s holding him back from within.” He aspires to treat injuries in the critical moments following medical emergencies—starting with the brain—so patients have the best chance of recovery. To prepare himself for this vital work, he made the difficult decision to relocate, far from the people who matter most to him, to continue his studies and research as a medical student at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Each speaker demonstrated how no journey is linear, the importance of investing in oneself, and that we must all, at some point, take a leap of faith. Hearing their stories served as a powerful reminder of the deep commitment these recipients have to advancing healthcare in ways that uplift underserved communities. The event concluded with a group photo, locking this moment we all shared in honor of the many journeys that brought us to this point.
See photos from this event below, or click here to see additional photos.