Unsung Heroines: The Hidden Histories of LA Women

This episode was recorded live during the third annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium," hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

In this episode, recorded live during Ebell's Distinguished Voices series, Nellie Scott, Executive Director of the Corita ArtCenter, takes a deep dive into Corita's iconic heroes and sheroes series (1968–69), created during one of America's most turbulent chapters. Through these electrifying screenprints, Corita paid tribute to figures of courage and conscience—while challenging all of us to see the world with more compassion, curiosity, and care. ‍Whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or someone seeking inspiration—this episode promises fresh discoveries about an artist whose revolutionary spirit transformed both art and activism.

In this episode, recorded live during Ebell's Distinguished Voices series, State Senator Susan Rubio, representing the 22nd district, shares her inspiring journey from public school teacher to groundbreaking state legislator. As the first Latina Chair of the Senate Insurance Committee and a tireless advocate for vulnerable communities, Senator Rubio discusses her path into public service and the issues that drive her work today—from her internationally recognized domestic violence legislation to her passionate fight against human trafficking. ‍ Drawing from her experience as both a survivor and advocate, Senator Rubio offers a unique perspective on creating meaningful change and protecting those who need it most.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

This episode was recorded live during the second, annual, "Women's History in LA Symposium", hosted by The Ebell Institute. The Institute works on building and sharing knowledge of remarkable women of Los Angeles, whose contributions have been omitted from history books and ignored in public spheres. Along with esteemed keynote speakers, distinguished and graduate scholars provide enlightening presentations on various aspects of women’s history in Los Angeles.

Listen in as historic preservationist Jenna Snow introduces us to Ms. Florence Schmidt, who along with her sister Mary Louise, influenced residential housing construction in Los Angeles for decades. As we listen in on stories from Florence’s diary from 1935, we get an insight on how the two sisters, limited in their opportunities by their gender, ran several successful businesses and carved space for themselves on the margins of a male-dominated industry. While Mary Louise Schmidt was the innovator behind their endeavors, Florence was the implementor.

What can a cape, a drawing, and a fountain reveal about Los Angeles and the women who shaped its history? Listen-in as Ebell scholar-in-residence, Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan, shares her insights and discusses the upcoming "Objectified" video series, showcasing how seemingly ordinary items can illuminate extraordinary stories. Discover how these preserved pieces serve as powerful windows into the past, celebrating the resilience and creativity of women in Los Angeles.

What can a cape, a drawing, and a fountain reveal about Los Angeles and the women who shaped its history? Listen-in as Ebell scholar-in-residence, Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan, shares her insights and discusses the upcoming "Objectified" video series, showcasing how seemingly ordinary items can illuminate extraordinary stories. Discover how these preserved pieces serve as powerful windows into the past, celebrating the resilience and creativity of women in Los Angeles.

In this talk, titled Out of Oblivion: The Women of Early 20th Century Los Angeles Dance, Dr. Alison D’Amato, a researcher, choreographer, and performer, guides us the history of women’s dance in Los Angeles, and those who shaped the scene as we know it.

The Women Who Built Hollywood - Hosted by the American Film Institute by The Ebell of Los Angeles

Listen in as Dr. Andrea Thabet leads us through a story on Sheroes and Anti-Sheroes and tells us about Dorothy Chandler, Grace Simons and the Remaking of Postwar Los Angeles.

Renowned author Lisa See speaks with the Ebell Scholar in Residence Dr. Meredith Drake Reitan on women’s experience and history expressed through collections and artifacts.