Elsa Quiroz Downs was the first woman and nurse to be a Founder of Clinicas de Salud del Pueblo, Inc.  Elsa was also the first and only nurse in Imperial County to assist with health care services on the 100 mile Cesar Chavez March from Coachella to Calexico. 

Her commitment to the community and her patients was demonstrated through her advocacy for the improvement of the education of migrant children.  In a lifetime of firsts, Elsa was the first woman to serve in the local Mexican American Political Association and on the Employment Opportunities Commission Board of Directors.

MANA of Imperial Valley is proud to honor her achievements by offering this scholarship in her memory.