WOMEN WHO SHAPED SAN DIEGO: A HISTORICAL LOOK WITH ELSA SEVILLA

The upcoming program, airing on KPBS TV on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 9 p.m., celebrates four pioneering women whose exceptional skills and leadership were instrumental in shaping San Diego’s history. Their narratives reflect their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and contributions to the community.

Among these trailblazers is Juana Machado, a midwife and healer whose expertise benefited many in 19th century San Diego. Doña Vicenta Sepúlveda de Carrillo became a notable rancher, managing vast landholdings and establishing herself as a respected figure in the region. Margaret Tull Robinson made her mark as a pioneering Black entrepreneur, founding a bakery, restaurant, and the Hotel Robinson in 1897. Belle Benchley, who began her career as a bookkeeper, rose to become the first female director of the San Diego Zoo, transforming it into a renowned institution while advocating for animal care standards. Their legacies are a testament to determination and leadership.