Part 1: #30 & #31

To start this story, let’s go right to the end. In the last 100 years, only 31 women have been elected to Edmonton City Council. In Part 1 of ‘Searching For Izena’, we talk to #30 and #31 — Councillors Bev Esslinger and Sarah Hamilton. They are currently the only two female councillors out of 12 at Edmonton City Hall. You’ll learn about why they ran, what their experiences have been like, being called the C-word and why they relish talking drainage with the best of them.

In Part 1, you’ll also hear from YWCA Edmonton CEO Katherine O’Neill and Parity YEG Vice-Chair Rajah Maggay about why they are co-chairing the ‘Searching For Izena’ Project and what you can expect to learn about the history of female leadership on Edmonton City Council during this special year-long centennial project.

For more information about ‘Searching For Izena’ and how you can get involved, head to: searchingforizena.com.

Music by: Lyra Brown (lyrabrown.com)
Art by: Deanna Bains (Instagram: @deannabains)