Irene graduated from the JD program at Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to law school, Irene studied at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, completing a BBA program in Information Systems. During her undergraduate, she assisted a few research projects in the field of Sociology and Modern Chinese History. She co-authored a journal article with a professor and contributed to a published book on the Korean War.

At Osgoode, Irene was a caseworker at Parkdale Community Legal Center (PCLS), where she helped people with income security and disability support concerns. She was also a caseworker at the Community and Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP) and volunteered for The Concerned for Working Children, an Indian-based NGO. 

In her spare time, Irene enjoys meditation, staying home with her cat Miao Miao, and trying new vegetarian recipes.