2025 MitoScholars Helping young adults living with mitochondrial disease pursue their academic dreams

Areebah Qureshi | Hamilton, Ontario | 4th year Political Science, McMaster University

Areebah Qureshi is a young woman who is living with mitochondrial complex 1 deficiency (Leigh syndrome), a rare mitochondrial disorder where the cells can’t generate enough energy, especially in tissues with high energy demands like the brain, muscles, and heart.

Living with mitochondrial disease and vision loss has taught Areebah more than how to adapt. It’s shown her
how to lead. She’s learned how to absorb information in new ways, how to speak up when something
isn’t accessible, and how to navigate a world that wasn’t built for her. These aren’t just academic skills,
they’re life skills, grounded in courage and self-belief.

Areebah shares: “I am truly honoured to be selected as a MitoScholars recipient, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the committee for your generosity and belief in my potential. This scholarship will directly support my transportation, books, and other academic essentials—lightening the financial load and allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my education.

This fall, I will be entering my fourth and final year of Political Science at McMaster University. My passion lies primarily in public policy and the law in Canada, particularly within the criminal justice system and the field of criminology. I aspire to pursue a career as a policy analyst or a lawyer, using my education to advocate for informed, ethical, and equitable legal reform.

Throughout my studies, I have delved deeply into the intersections of law, governance, and social justice, building both the knowledge and commitment needed to serve my community. This award not only alleviates the practical challenges of completing my degree, but also affirms that my work and ambitions matter.

To me, this scholarship represents far more than financial assistance—it is an investment in my future and a profound source of encouragement as I prepare to take the next steps in my academic and professional journey. Your generosity motivates me to strive for excellence, dream without limits, and contribute meaningfully to the causes I hold dear.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will carry this recognition with pride and gratitude, and I look forward to one day giving back to others in the same spirit of kindness and support that you have shown to me.”