Mishal Qureshi ’26
Mishal Qureshi ’26 is a junior double majoring in accounting and finance with a minor in accounting analytics. Originally from Pakistan, the Qureshi family immigrated to the United States in order to increase access to education and opportunities for Mishal and her siblings. As a first-generation college student, Qureshi initially felt uncertain about navigating higher education without a blueprint. However, she recognized the breadth of opportunity ahead and the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone to discover her full potential.
With the support of scholarships at Fairfield, Qureshi was able to come to the University and focus on her academic success and leadership development. She is the founder and president of First Gen Stags, a club created to provide an intentional space for first-generation students to connect and empower each other. In just one semester, the club grew to over 100 members, elevating a sense of belonging for all involved. The development and success of this club has been deeply personal to Qureshi, knowing that she is creating a space that will support Stags for years to come. Qureshi also serves as vice president of the Muslim Student Association and secretary of the South Asian Student Association, both of which have played a significant role in her campus experience. “My faith and cultural identity are central to who I am, and these organizations have allowed me to build meaningful connections and celebrate diversity on campus.”
Qureshi’s campus involvement also includes participation in Fairfield StartUp, service on the Fairfield University Student Association, mentorship through the Cura Personalis Program, and various other initiatives. This expansive involvement helped her make connections and experience the full potential of the support systems available on campus, “Whether it’s faculty members who genuinely care about their students, students uplifting peers, or other small yet meaningful moments of connection, Fairfield has fostered an environment where everyone wants to see each other succeed.”
Qureshi has taken advantage of the academic resources available to her through the Dolan School of Business as well—leveraging networking, mentorship, and other professional development in order to best prepare herself for the workforce. With this dedication, she has secured a well-deserved internship at Ernst & Young for the summer of 2025, where she is eager to deepen her knowledge of best practices and professional paths through this hands-on experience. “Whether it’s through corporate finance, consulting, or another industry, I see careers in accounting and finance to be a powerful tool to drive change and create value on a global scale.”
Qureshi holds immense gratitude for the scholarships she has received and the change it has made in her life. “Fairfield has given me the space to challenge myself, embrace leadership and create lasting impact, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. This experience has been life-changing, and I cannot wait to continue growing, learning, and giving back.”