From Hardship to Pathfinder: Emmy-Nominated Journalist Elsa E. Sevilla Spotlights Book for Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Emmy-nominated journalist, public media host, and filmmaker Elsa E. Sevilla is spotlighting her debut book, "Camera Ready: From Hardship to the Spotlight."

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online, the book traces her journey from an uprooted childhood to becoming a pathfinder in university, journalism, business, and documentary filmmaking.

Sevilla’s story began in Mexico, where at just five years old her father’s near-fatal accident in San Diego forced the family to relocate. While he fought for his life in the ICU, Sevilla and four of her siblings were placed in a shelter—an experience that marked her life until this day.

Starting over in a new country, Sevilla faced the challenges of being a first-generation student with no mentors outside her home. Through instinct, determination, volunteerism, and a passion for storytelling, she turned pain into power. After 18 years as a broadcast journalist, she founded Sevilla Productions, LLC, and launched the Emmy-nominated KPBS/PBS series HISTORIC PLACES WITH ELSA SEVILLA, producing more than 80 documentaries that highlight San Diego’s history and overlooked stories of women and people of color. Today, she is a keynote speaker and author.

“My passion for storytelling and history became my compass,” Sevilla said. “When we moved to the U.S., I lost my sense of identity. As I got older, I reconnected with my heritage and found my purpose. 'Camera Ready' is about turning pain into power and showing how our stories root us in where we come from while guiding us to our future.”

Sevilla believes history is vital to who we are. Research shows that when students see themselves in culturally relevant curriculum, their engagement can rise by more than 30%. Yet Latinas/os make up just 8% of U.S. authors and Latina filmmakers less than 1%. Through books and film, Sevilla works to preserve culture, strengthen identity, and inspire the next generation to lead and create.

*UPCOMING SCREENING & BOOK SIGNING - SPECIAL EVENT AT THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO

Join Elsa Sevilla on Sept. 25, 2025, for a special screening and book signing at the historic Hotel del Coronado. Guests will enjoy an exclusive showing of her latest Historic Places episode documenting the resort’s six-year restoration and revitalization, followed by a Q&A and book signing where Sevilla shares behind-the-scenes stories of this landmark project. View the event on Facebook

Instagram / TikTok