100 years after becoming the first woman elected to Edmonton City Council, Izena Ross’ story has largely been lost to history. Thanks to a volunteer grassroots effort led by YWCA Edmonton, Parity YEG and several current and former Edmonton City Councillors, Searching For Izena: ‘Unwomanly’ Stories of Female Leadership at Edmonton City Hall, will tell the untold story of Izena and the 30 other women who’ve served Edmonton in the last century. This special nine-part podcast will bring their political journeys to life, and also teach us about the political barriers yet to be broken — even in 2021. The podcast is part of a year-long campaign, generously supported by the Edmonton Community Foundation, to commemorate the centennial of Izena’s historic win in 1921.

The first episode will be released on January 19. For more information, head to: searchingforizena.com

Music by: Lyra Brown (lyrabrown.com)

Art by: Deanna Bains (Instagram: @deannabains)