MEET ELSA

Growing up in Southeast San Diego, Elsa discovered her passion for storytelling in first grade. By seventh grade, after her mother suggested a radio career, she knew she wanted to become a broadcast journalist—and worked hard to achieve her dream.

At 14, she had her first job and learned customer service and promotional skills running a fruit stand at the swap meet. By 17, she was working at NAVWAR (SPAWAR) on Pacific Highway, gaining office experience while balancing high school and later, college. She began her studies at Southwestern College before transferring to San Diego State University as a political science major, interning at NBC San Diego and C-SPAN in Washington, D.C.

Her passion for storytelling led her to co-found Sevilla Productions, LLC with her partner, Guillermo Sevilla, which she operated for 25 years, spending 12 of those years documenting San Diego’s rich and diverse history. Elsa remains dedicated to uncovering untold narratives and preserving cultural heritage, using history as a powerful tool to educate, inspire, and foster meaningful dialogue for future generations.

WHY HISTORY MATTERS

Elsa’s passion for history took off in her Chicano Studies class at SDSU, where she became curious about migrations to San Diego, people’s origins, and what motivated their journeys. This curiosity grew throughout her journalism career, eventually leading her to become a TV host and filmmaker for Historic Places.

Through her research, Elsa uncovered countless untold stories missing from history books. She highlighted one of the most profound—the journey of Koreans who fled war, settled in Mexico, and later moved to the United States in search of a better life. She also brought to light the remarkable contributions of women, from midwives to doctors and authors, dating back to the 1700s. Many of these women were overlooked, their achievements erased as history credited their husbands instead. Their stories matter and deserve to be told.

Determined to change this, Elsa made it her mission to preserve and share these histories, ensuring the contributions of all communities are recognized. Through her work, she has helped document the region’s rich past for future generations to learn and appreciate.

HISTORIC PLACES

FROM TV TO SPEAKER

Elsa’s journey from television to public speaking naturally evolved from her passion for storytelling. As a journalist and filmmaker, she produced Historic Places and researched 88 historical documentaries, giving her a front-row seat to history and the chance to walk in the footsteps of those who shaped our world. She uncovered untold stories of resilience, from the First People of the Kumeyaay Nation to San Diego’s first Black, Chinese, and Jewish pioneers, deepening her connection to history and its role in shaping identity and empowerment.

Through her research, Elsa saw how history is built on determination. The Kumeyaay’s deep ties to the land, Black pioneers’ fight to build communities, Chinese immigrants’ innovation, and Jewish settlers’ perseverance all revealed the power of resilience and adaptability. Their struggles and triumphs still offer valuable lessons on overcoming challenges, building communities, and shaping a more inclusive future.

Now a public speaker, Elsa brings history to life, helping others see themselves in the past, understand their place in the present, and feel inspired to shape their future. Just as history gave her clarity on her journey, she now shares these lessons to help others find their voice, roots, and purpose.

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Empowered
By History

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Elsa, a three-time Emmy-nominated and award-winning journalist and filmmaker, has dedicated 35 years to uncovering hidden histories and preserving cultural heritage through powerful storytelling. Honored with the prestigious Emmy Silver Circle Award for her lifelong contributions to broadcasting, she has produced 88 Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla documentaries on the region's history that air on PBS, earning her a 2023 Resolution from State Senate President pro tempore Toni G. Atkins.

Now as a speaker, Elsa uses the power of history to help others see how it shapes identity, builds confidence, and fosters leadership. Her extensive experience in journalism and filmmaking seamlessly transitioned into public speaking, where she brings history to life, connecting audiences to their roots and instilling a deeper sense of belonging.

Through Historic Places and her engaging presentations, Elsa inspires audiences at universities, colleges, middle and high schools, conventions, and leadership events. She demonstrates how history is more than the past—it’s a guide for personal growth, empowerment, and shaping the future.