November Spotlight #2: Afifa Hashimi

Afifa, a former FACL BC board member, is an Associate Lawyer at Moore Edgar Lyster LLP. 

1. What is something that not many people know about you?

I love art. Recently, I’ve been trying to dedicate more time to painting and other creative hobbies I enjoy.

2. How did you first get involved with FACL BC?

I found out about FACL BC in 2018 through an access to justice event I attended organized by the Advocacy Committee. As a law student, I was inspired by FACL BC's mission and the board members I met, so I joined the Advocacy and Mentorship committees as a volunteer. I joined the Board and served as a Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committee while I was articling, and I served as VP External last term.

3. What has been your favourite FACL event or initiative so far?

They're all great – it's impossible to choose one! My favourites include our documentary, “But I Look Like a Lawyer”, the “Intersections of Racial and Gender Justice” event earlier this year, and the Advocacy Committee’s political engagement work. I’m so grateful to have worked on FACL BC's initiatives with amazing colleagues and friends who are so dedicated to making our profession and our world a better place. They continue to inspire me, and I'm excited to see new initiatives as the organization continues to grow.

4. What advice would you give yourself if you were to go back in time?

Stay true to your values and don’t be discouraged by those who think your goals are too ambitious or too idealistic. When your actions are aligned with your values, the right opportunities and people will always find you. Remember that there is strength in community. Positive change is only possible if people believe that it's possible and work together to make it happen.