A CONVERSATION WITH ISHA KHAN '91

“I am often asked when I decided to become a human rights lawyer. There was no single moment in which I made this choice. Rather, I learned a little in every position I’ve had about the kind of work that interested me and nourished me and the skills that I could develop to contribute to that work. I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunities I have because everyone has put challenges in front of me,” says Isha, adding that she feels lucky to be able to meaningfully contribute to issues that she is passionate about through her professional work. 

She continues, “I have had many experiences of advocating in the public’s interest, which is a unique role. It allows you to push for systemic change because it is the right thing to do and that change will benefit us all.  Being part of bringing about policy changes that recognize human rights has been amazing — whether it was the rights of transgender students in schools,  access to healthcare for children with disabilities from First Nations families, recognizing gender identity on birth certificates, or creating awareness and training around harassment in the workplace.”

Isha feels that early influences from life at Balmoral Hall School still resonate with her today.

“I had a great experience at Balmoral Hall. I developed strong friendships as well as communication and leadership skills that I rely on today. I learned that there was nothing that I could not do or try to do and that has stuck with me. I chose to enrol my daughters here because I want them to develop confidence in themselves. That confidence will enable them to do whatever they choose to do in life. When I look back now, I can see how supported and encouraged I was to be a better human and that is what I want for my girls, as well.”

Asked what she would have done differently and what advice she would offer to young people, Isha replies, “I wish I had been more focused during my undergraduate learning. I took such interesting courses, but, distracted and overwhelmed by university life, I don’t think I digested as much as I might have. That said, I often tell young people to enjoy university life — you learn so much during those years about who you are, what you might want to do, and who you want to spend time with.” 

Isha is a strong role model for BH girls of all ages. We are grateful for her involvement as a mentor to students and for her dialogue with Grade 8 students about her path from BH to CMHR.