Elsa Sevilla is a multi-Emmy-nominated, award-winning filmmaker, keynote speaker, and PBS TV host who brings untold history to life through powerful storytelling. As Executive Producer and Host of Historic Places, she highlights the overlooked contributions and resilience of our communities—stories too often left out of the history books. Elsa helps audiences reconnect with their roots, embrace their identity, and reclaim their place in history with confidence. A passionate storyteller and dynamic speaker for universities, non-profits, and corporate events, Elsa has dedicated her life to preserving history—because understanding the past helps shape our future. Shaped by forgotten stories and the challenges she’s overcome, Elsa now shows others why history matters. Raised by hardworking parents and inspired by her siblings, she learned perseverance early on. Her partner and children fuel her passion every day. Through MANA de San Diego, she found sisterhood, mentorship, and lifelong support. Elsa uses filmmaking to honor voices from the past and inspire future generations to listen, learn, and lead.