Illuma Family Law’s Abby Pang nominated for the 2023 YWCA Women of Distinction Award

Written By Abby Pang

YWCA Metro Vancouver has selected Abby Pang of Illuma Family Law as one of 78 nominees across 12 categories for the 40th Women of Distinction Awards. Over the past four decades, the YWCA has recognized leaders in the community advancing gender equity alongside women, families, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people through advocacy and integrated services to help create a more equitable world.

 The nomination recognizes Abby’s contributions to the legal field along with 14 other women in the Business & the Professions category. The category includes 15 nominees who have made a significant and sustained difference in Metro Vancouver while leveraging their achievements and business acumen to facilitate change and create opportunities for others. Last year, Abby founded her own women-led law firm. Inspired by her lived experience, professional training, and commitment to advocacy, Abby has sought to lower barriers for women across Metro Vancouver. This commitment to gender equity is reflected externally through her legal services and internally within Illuma Family Law’s work culture.

 In addition to the Women of Distinction Award nomination, each nominee is eligible to win the Connecting the Community award. The winner, selected by a public vote, will donate $10,000, courtesy of scotia Bank, to the YWCA program of her choice. Abby’s commitment to lowering barriers and creating opportunities for women through her legal practice aligns with YWCA’s programs advancing gender equity. “Advancing gender equity is integral to improving the quality of legal services in our community, and in enhancing female self-worth in the workplace,” says Pang, “I whole-heartedly battle for our voice to be heard, our point of view to be validated, and our ideas to take hold. Only then will the legal system change in ways to serve the wider society fairly.”

 An external, diverse panel of judges comprised of community leaders and members of the public will evaluate nominee applications to decide each category recipient.

 The 2023 Women of Distinction Awards takes place at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver on May 9, 2023.

 Please join us in congratulating Abby Pang for this remarkable achievement.

Abby Pang

Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: Jansson v. Malone, 2021; Binning v. Kandola, 2021; Bergeron v. Malloy, 2020; Urwin v. Hanson, 2019; Lally v. He, 2016; Kandola v. Mactavish, 2016; Kweon v. Roy, 2016; Chan v. Caer, 2014; Saadati v. Moorhead, 2015; Loft v. Nat, 2015. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com/team
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