Osgoode alumna Soliyana Yared (JD ‘24) has won a prestigious award for being the faculty’s graduating student most likely to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada. The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) awards the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize to graduating students across 23 law schools in the country.
“I think that being able to highlight social justice advocacy in the way that the Justice Rosalie Abella Award does is really awesome,” says Soliyana. “Knowing what some of the other recipients have gone out and done, it is an honour to know that I’m following in a path that is so well known for being one of advocacy.”
Soliyana was recognized for advancing refugee policy reform at Refugee Law Lab, supporting women experiencing intimate partner violence through the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic and co-authoring a Black applicant stream proposal with Osgoode’s Black Law Student Association.
“I think that every single one of my interests has something to do with the intersection of marginalized identities and being able to say something about it, study it or learn about it,” says Soliyana.
The award was established in honour of Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella, the first Jewish woman, refugee and the youngest judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. She is recognized around the world for her significant contributions to Canadian law such as developing the concept of “employment equity” and shaping the first decision made under the 1989 Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Soliyana is currently an articling student at an immigration firm and will later support the Federal Court.
“I’m very intentionally leaving the door open afterwards to see what happens next,” says Soliyana. “I have been very lucky to always really enjoy my experiences and know that everything I’ve done so far are avenues that I could see myself going down long term. But it’s a very conscientious choice to keep it open and be open to whatever the world wants me to do next.”
Founded in 1882, the Royal Society of Canada comprises the Academies of Arts, Humanities and Sciences, and The College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists. The RSC recognizes excellence, advises the government and the larger society, and promotes a culture of knowledge and innovation in Canada and with other national academies around the world.
To learn more about the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize, visit the RSC website.