Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Ebor
Hi Megan , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been shaped by a blend of personal experiences, my passion for the arts, and a deep commitment to social justice. I originally started my career in the arts, working in theater and the music industry. I always loved the way the arts could reach people on a deep, emotional level, and I saw its potential for creating social change.
A deeply personal experience with my great aunt profoundly altered my path. She endured an undiagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) that went untreated for years, primarily because the healthcare system overlooked her as an aging Black woman. Witnessing this tragedy made me aware of the healthcare disparities affecting marginalized communities, and it motivated me to take action.
I decided to go back to school and pursue social work. I completed my undergraduate degree, master’s, and Ph.D. at UCLA, becoming a triple Bruin. Throughout this time, I realized that I didn’t want to just study people—I wanted to work alongside them. I became passionate about community-based participatory research, which is all about co-creating solutions with those most affected by the issues we study.
I now use my background in the arts and my experience in social work to direct the Health Equity Research (H.E.R.) Multimedia Lab at San Diego State University. We create culturally affirming interventions, particularly for aging Black women living with HIV. Through film, storytelling, and creative interventions, we’re able to reach communities in ways that traditional methods often fail to do.
Today, I’m focused on bridging the gap between research and real-life impact by making science more accessible and engaging, especially for under-resourced communities. My work is about healing, representation, and using creative tools to uplift those whose stories need to be heard.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
2. The journey has certainly had its challenges, especially given that traditional systems often rely on a top-down approach. In these models, the “experts” are the ones putting forth solutions, leaving little room for the voices of the communities actually being impacted. My belief, however, is that the community members themselves are the true experts of their own lived experiences. This hasn’t always been the most popular or widely accepted approach in research, particularly in academic circles where more conventional methods are seen as the gold standard.
For over a decade, I’ve been pushing for a “for us, by us” approach, where interventions are developed from within the communities they aim to serve, especially when addressing culturally sensitive topics like sexual health. Diverse groups require diverse interventions, and the traditional one-size-fits-all model often fails to address the complexities within marginalized populations.
While I’ve seen some changes over the years—there’s certainly more dialogue around community-driven approaches now than when I first started—there’s still a long way to go. The challenge lies not just in proving the efficacy of these methods, but in shifting the mindset of institutions and researchers to recognize the value of empowering communities to shape their own solutions. It’s been a slow evolution, but I remain committed to seeing this through because I know that real change happens when people are given the power to take charge of their own health and well-being.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I owe much of who I am today to my beginnings in the music industry and my theater training. Before returning to higher education, I spent significant time at A Touch of Jazz, a music production studio, during the early days of the Neosoul era in Philadelphia’s music scene. This period was defined by soulful expression and authentic storytelling taking center stage. Immersed in that creative energy, I embraced the transformative power of merging art and narrative, allowing me to connect with people on a deeper level. This pivotal experience laid the foundation for my life’s purpose: to blend science with the arts in developing culturally affirming health promotion strategies that genuinely resonate with communities.
I specialize in crafting innovative, multimedia-driven interventions aimed at tackling health disparities, particularly among marginalized populations like older Black women and individuals living with or vulnerable to HIV. Through my work, I challenge conventional academic approaches by emphasizing that diverse communities require tailored solutions—one-size-fits-all simply doesn’t work, especially when addressing culturally sensitive topics such as sexual health. My approach is rooted in a “for us, by us” philosophy, ensuring that the community is at the heart of the research process and actively guiding the development of solutions that genuinely meet their needs.
What I’m most proud of is my commitment to creating spaces that foster trust between researchers and communities. This commitment is embodied not only in my ongoing work but also in one of my most notable projects, Even Me (2012), my first documentary film. The film explores the lives of older adults living with HIV, shedding light on a deeply stigmatized topic that is often overlooked in both public health and media discourse. Even Me has been widely recognized for its powerful portrayal of older Black women and other marginalized groups, highlighting their resilience while underscoring the urgent need for better education, awareness, and healthcare access for aging populations affected by HIV. By bringing their stories to life, the film dismantled stereotypes around age, race, and sexuality, while sparking critical conversations about healthcare inequities.
In Summer 2024, we released Even Me 2.0, a sequel that revisits the original cast 10 years later, providing a compelling update on their lives. The sequel continues the conversation, offering deeper insights into the ongoing challenges and triumphs of these individuals while expanding the dialogue on the intersection of aging, HIV, and healthcare disparities.
Even Me exemplifies my mission to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact through the arts. This project laid the foundation for my broader vision, which is now taking shape through the official launch of the HER Multimedia Lab in early 2025. The lab will serve as a sanctuary where we can build trust with communities, merging scientific research with community-driven insights in ways that are both sound and healing. It’s about cultivating a sense of belonging—a space where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued as experts in their own experiences. Through the HER Multimedia Lab, I aim to create transformative spaces that not only address health disparities but also offer a pathway to healing for those who have long been overlooked.
Through the HER Multimedia Lab, at San Diego State University, we will continue pushing boundaries and creating a new model of research that centers on healing, belonging, and meaningful change across regions.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I appreciate the rich cultural diversity and vibrant community spirit that characterize our city. The blend of different cultures, traditions, and perspectives creates a dynamic environment that fosters creativity and innovation. This diversity is particularly significant in my work, as it allows for the development of culturally relevant health promotion strategies that resonate deeply with various communities.
One aspect I find challenging about our city is the prevalence of systemic inequities that persist despite its vibrant atmosphere. Issues such as access to healthcare, housing instability, and economic disparity often disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including communities of color and those living with chronic health conditions. While there are numerous initiatives aimed at addressing these concerns, the progress can sometimes feel slow. I believe it’s crucial for us to continue advocating for systemic changes that ensure all residents have equitable access to resources and opportunities for health and well-being. By working collaboratively with community members and stakeholders, we can create lasting change that uplifts and empowers everyone in our city.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drmeganebor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmeganebor/
- Other: https://socialwork.sdsu.edu/people/faculty/ebor-megan
Image Credits
Solo Images of Dr. Megan Ebor (photo credit: Bobby Quilard)
Group Images (photo Credit: Kendra Harris)
