Graduating from the University of Virginia with an urban planning degree, Ella Camburnbeck thought she’d landed just the right gig as she packed up for Washington D.C. to work for a general contracting firm. It didn’t take long, however, for Ella to realize that the real love affair wasn’t with her position, but with the history-rich city surrounding her. In fact, Ella felt so connected to the city and its past that she decided to go back to school to pursue a masters in historic preservation.
After receiving her masters, Ella’s preservationist passion — and a tip from a friend-of-a-friend — led her to her current role as house director at the Beauregard-Keyes House Museum in New Orleans. Ella admits she was nervous to apply, given her age and limited direct experience, but she’s glad she took the leap of faith. “I was encouraged by the people that care about me to give it my best shot,” admits Ella. “And goodness, I’m so glad I did!”