April Spotlight #1: Khalil Jessa 

Our first spotlight of this month is Khalil Jessa, senior legal counsel at the BC Securities Commission and a former board member of FACL BC. 

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

A good friend of mine, who was a board member at FACL BC, suggested that I join the board. At that time, I wasn't familiar with FACL BC, but my friend told me that it had a highly engaged board, and that it would be a great opportunity to connect with the community. Having completed my law degree in Ontario, I felt that my connections to the legal community in BC were somewhat limited. Therefore, I saw joining organizations like FACL BC as a valuable way to expand my network and deepen my involvement in the legal community.

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

FACL BC has organized numerous events and initiatives that I deeply appreciate. The documentary "But I Look Like a Lawyer" was exceptionally well-executed and inspiring. The online events we held during the pandemic were instrumental in providing a sense of connection and community to those who felt isolated. I'm proud of our ability to quickly pivot towards virtual events during those challenging times. Undoubtedly, the annual Gala is a standout event for FACL BC, but I must say that my personal favorite is the board retreat. It provides an opportunity for board members to bond and foster strong relationships with one another. Ultimately, it is these close-knit connections that enable us to work effectively as a team and contribute to the success of FACL BC's initiatives.

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

When I was completing my undergrad in Montreal, I had originally planned to learn French. However, when the French class I had applied for was already full, I decided to study Farsi instead. That semester, I immersed myself in the study of Farsi, which led me to an incredible opportunity. During the summer of that year, I traveled to Iran, where I spent several months continuing my studies of the language. This experience opened my eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking, and it remains one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life.

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

It's important not to judge events in your life as either good or bad. When you categorize events in this way, it can bias your thinking and affect the feedback you receive from the universe. It's better to receive everything neutrally and be patient. It's only when you reach the end of your life that you'll be able to fully understand whether something was truly good or bad.

Until then, it's best to remain open to all experiences and trust that they will ultimately contribute to your growth and development.