Meet our newest members, and please welcome them!
Julia Long
Julia grew up in Pasadena and studied Art History, gaining her BA from University of Toronto and post graduate degree from Oxford University. She also has a Certificate in Heritage Management from Ironbridge Institute.
In 2016, she began working for Downtown LA Walking Tours, and she founded Pasadena Walking Tours a year later. Researching and creating scripts for those companies helped her expand her knowledge and love of Los Angeles. For the past few years, she has focused on work in museums, curating and installing exhibitions in Los Angeles and other locations. She is currently the Curator of Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design, a traveling exhibition exploring the 30+-year career of Oscar-winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter. She has also continued to pursue her own research, particularly in Los Angeles and California history, as well as fashion history.
Julia joined The Ebell because “I particularly love learning about interesting women in LA’s history – so it seemed like a natural fit!” She also lives nearby and loves the architecture of the complex. As a result, one of the first things she did after joining The Ebell was to become a member of the Historic Costume Collection Committee, “which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed so far!”
Heidi Rigney
Heidi moved to Brentwood in August to be close to her children and grandchildren who live in Santa Monica. Originally from NYC, she has lived most of her life in Englewood, NJ.
Heidi practiced law at an entertainment law firm for many years, whilst raising two children: a son, Oliver, and a daughter, Chloe, who are now grown with their own respective families. She has two granddaughters, Althea and Ruby, and two newborn grandsons, Max and Peter, and has been married to Lee for 23 years.
Her interests are “all over the place”: she is a goldsmith, a skier, knitter, hiker, walker, and art collector. “Friendship is very important to me and cultivating friendship is high on my list of interests. I love meeting new people and exploring new things.”
Kristen Toher
Kristen Toher graduated from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 2014 with a BFA in Dance Performance and a minor in Psychology. She went on to dance professionally with San Diego Ballet and American Contemporary Ballet while simultaneously working in the yoga industry as an administrator and teacher.
Kristen is currently working remotely as a Business Analyst – IT with PNC Bank in Los Angeles while continuing to teach yoga and explore her artistic passions. She is thrilled to be a new member at The Ebell and is looking forward to connecting with everyone.
Jolin Crofts
Jolin has been the single mother for over 30 years to son Samy Kamkar. She has a degree in Computer Science and a Masters in Telecommunications, and works as a filmmaker. She is Co-Founder of the streaming channel TheFlickFest.com.
Not surprisingly, Jolin is a movie buff and also enjoys tennis and swimming, and she is an active member of the Assistance League and Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society. She joined The Ebell “because of the support the club provides to women”.
