As TAG continues to grow, so too do the needs of our members. We’re excited to introduce our newest Field Representative, Megan Esber, who will be joining Field Reps Leslie Simmons and Mairghread Scott to help ensure those needs are met. Read on to learn more about Megan’s extensive experience in labor organizing and what she hopes to bring to her job at TAG.
Tell us a little about your professional journey.
I’ve spent the past two decades working in labor organizing and worker advocacy in both the entertainment and public sectors. My focus has been helping workers build collective power through contract campaigns, steward training, and organizing new units.
In entertainment, I’ve worked with Actors’ Equity Association and helped organize over 1,700 Disneyland performers and Chippendales dancers, as well as built coalitions across theme parks and cities nationwide to lift up live entertainers. In the public sector with SEIU, I organized 8,000+ workers from L.A. County social workers, Ventura County clinic workers, Riverside County service workers, and even launched the fast food campaign “Fight for $15.”
Over time, I’ve developed a deep commitment to strong, member-led unions, which is what brought me to TAG.
What is your role at TAG and what do you hope to accomplish?
As a Field Representative, I support members directly—enforcing contracts, helping navigate workplace issues, and making sure members have the tools to advocate for themselves. My goal is to strengthen members’ connection to their union so they see it as a daily source of power, not just something they turn to in crisis. I also want to help make engagement feel active and even fun—because when people are energized and connected, that energy becomes real collective power we can use to fight injustice and create opportunity.
How do you hope to support animation workers in general?
Animation is a deeply creative industry, but it also comes with instability and unique challenges. I want to be accessible, responsive, and proactive in helping workers understand their rights and feel confident speaking up.
I also want to engage members in a new way—so they’re not just informed about their union, but actively involved in it. Union membership is like a gym membership: it’s not enough to just have it—you have to use it. And it helps when you’ve got support and guidance to get the most out of it.
How do you plan to approach your job as a Field Rep?
My approach is relationship-driven and member-centered. Strong unions are built when members are informed, involved, and leading the work. I focus on clear communication, education, and consistency so members can navigate issues but also get involved in a way that plays to each member’s unique strengths. I also believe members are the experts in their own workplaces, so my goal is to ensure our work is grounded in their experience and driven by their leadership.
How can TAG members support the work you do?
Members can support this work by staying engaged—sharing concerns early, asking questions, and participating in union activities. Building power starts with building leverage, and that starts with participation. I’ll rely on members to help identify priorities and shape how they want their union to grow. At the core of it, solidarity is what makes everything work—when members support each other, that’s where real leverage comes from.
Can you share a little bit about yourself personally?
I’ve spent much of my life in creative spaces, including competitive dance, musical theater, acting, drag, and comedy. I’ve never met a stage I didn’t like. I also love sailing and have even sailed to Catalina Island!—it’s taught me a lot about patience, strategy, and adaptability, which I bring into my organizing work. I try to balance creativity and structure in everything I do. But always with a little sparkle and a lot of fun!