Megan Pennings

Pro Type: Photographer

An Xicana educator and artist based in Southern California, Megan Pennings (she/her) brings her diverse cultural background to her multifaceted photography practice. Her work spans portraiture, documentary, still life, and urban lifestyle, exploring the intersections of social media, culture, and community while delving into questions of identity and social expression.



Megan's extensive academic background reflects her commitment to both artistic practice and cultural studies. She earned her MFA in Photography from the Academy of Art University San Francisco, complementing her earlier degrees: an M.A. in Mexican-American Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Cal State Los Angeles, a B.A. in Mexican-American Studies and Sociology from the same institution, and an A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Mt. San Antonio College. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty in Ethnic Studies at multiple institutions - Chaffey College, Citrus College, Fullerton College, and Santa Ana College - while also teaching Digital Photography at South Hills High School.



Beyond the classroom, Megan actively engages with community initiatives that align with her values of representation and empowerment. She mentored with Las Fotos Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering teenage girls and gender-expansive youth through photography. As a member of Mujeres de Maíz, a collective supporting women of color, she contributes to creating inclusive spaces for marginalized voices. Her role in co-curating their annual live art show and exhibition demonstrates her ongoing commitment to fostering social change and community engagement.