Emily’s Story: Leading with Purpose, Building Community, and Giving Back
Stories of Impact
For Emily, high school was a time of creativity, connection, and discovering her passions. As a student at Yale Secondary, she was a well-rounded learner who gravitated toward subjects like English, Social Studies, and History, while also finding a second home in Yale’s musical theatre program.
Having danced from a young age, Emily was naturally drawn to performing arts. Musical theatre became the perfect combination of everything she loved: acting, singing, and dancing. Surrounded by a strong group of friends and a supportive family, she looks back on her high school years with gratitude and fondness.
As graduation approached, Emily knew she wanted to continue learning and growing. She planned to leave Abbotsford to pursue a Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia (UBC), focusing on political science and history. Law had always lingered quietly in the back of her mind. Her father practiced law in Abbotsford, and although she wasn’t sure whether she would ultimately become a practicing lawyer, she knew she was interested in the opportunities a law degree could open.
A MEANINGFUL MOMENT OF RECOGNITION
At her graduation ceremony, Emily received the Beatrice Marchant Award through Abbotsford Community Foundation’s Student Awards Program. Receiving the award while crossing the stage was a memorable and emotional moment.
While she felt immense gratitude, she also felt a deep sense of responsibility. “I wanted to make sure I stewarded it well,” she reflects. “I wanted the donors to know their gift didn’t go to waste.” The award represented more than financial support. For Emily, it was a sign that others believed in her potential and her future. That belief became something she carried with her throughout her educational and professional journey.
EXPANDING HER WORLD THROUGH EDUCATION
With the support of her award, Emily attended UBC, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts before continuing on to the University of Alberta for law school.
Looking back, she describes her post-secondary years as some of the best years of her life. “They were the years where I really learned how to learn,” she says. “My mind expanded, I built friendships, and I was surrounded by peers I admired so much that they pushed me to rise to the occasion.”
Studying at two different institutions gave Emily two very different but equally valuable experiences. During her undergraduate degree, she also completed an exchange semester in Nottingham, England, an experience that further challenged and broadened her perspective.
Like many students entering new environments, Emily wrestled with imposter syndrome. “When I first got to UBC, I felt like a fish in a pond,” she recalls. “You wonder when people are going to figure out you don’t belong there.”
Those feelings resurfaced throughout different stages of her life, from law school to becoming a lawyer and eventually helping launch her own law firm. But with each new challenge came growth. “Every time you put yourself in a vulnerable situation, those feelings can come back,” she says. “But when other people believe in you, it helps you believe in yourself.”
That encouragement, whether through receiving an award or earning the trust of a client, reinforced Emily’s belief that the opportunities she had been given came with a responsibility to use them well.
One verse that the judge read when she was called to the bar has remained a guiding principle throughout her life: Luke 12:48 — “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Emily describes it as her “north star” and a reminder of the responsibility she feels to give back.
BUILDING A CAREER ROOTED IN VALUES
Today, Emily is one of the founding partners of Albert Law & Co., an Abbotsford law firm that’s female-founded and female-led law firm specializing in wills, estates, and trusts.
After practicing law in Abbotsford since 2015, Emily and her business partner, Sara, decided they wanted to create a different kind of firm, one built intentionally around their values, workplace culture, and vision for client service.
“We wanted to lead in a way that reflected who we are,” she explains. “Women often lead differently, with a different intuition and perspective, and we saw an opportunity to create something unique.”
Since opening in 2024, the firm has quickly grown to five lawyers and six staff members.
While the rapid growth has been exciting, Emily says her current focus is stability. Her word of the year is “stabilize”, maintaining the level of service and culture they envisioned as the firm continues to grow.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT SHAPED HER
Beyond her legal career, Emily is deeply involved in the Abbotsford community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Abbotsford Community Foundation, as the Vice President of Administration for the Abbotsford Minor Fastball Association, and as the President of the Estate Planning Council of Abbotsford.
Her drive to volunteer and give back stems from the same values that guided her educational journey.
“Abbotsford has been very good to me,” she shares. “I was born and raised here, and now I’m seeing the community through the lens of being a parent. I want to help make Abbotsford even better for the next generation, including my daughters.”
In a full-circle moment, Emily recently had the privilege of presenting the Beatrice Marchant Award at the 2026 Yale Secondary convocation ceremony. She says it was truly an honour to present the award to another student 25 years after receiving it herself.
She also values the broad impact of Abbotsford Community Foundation, noting the many ways the organization supports the community through initiatives ranging from food security to women’s support services and agriculture.
GRATITUDE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVED IN HER
Reflecting on her journey, Emily is quick to acknowledge the many people who supported and encouraged her along the way.
“There have been so many people who helped me throughout my life and career,” she says.
From family and mentors to donors and colleagues, Emily recognizes that each opportunity she received helped shape the path she’s on today.
Her story is a powerful example of how investing in students can create lasting impact. Through support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow, students like Emily are able to pursue their goals, build meaningful careers, and give back to the communities that helped them succeed.
To learn more about how Abbotsford Community Foundation continues to support graduating students through our Student Awards Program, click here.