BETTER TOGETHER | VIDEO INTERVIEW PROJECT

In Better Together, IRL Fellows share how they approach collaboration and partnership differently in community-engaged, equity-focused projects. Speaking in their own words, they reflect on the relationships, experiences, and lessons that have shaped how they work with others, what it means to collaborate across differences, and what becomes possible when people come together to create meaningful change. THIS VIDEO FEATURES Lorraine Dean, Cohort 6, Team Baltimore Dawn X. Henderson, Cohort 2, Team Guilford County Eboni Winford, Cohort 6, Team KnoxHEAL/Knoxville Shoba Ramanadhan, Cohort 7, Team Boston Brian Sims, Cohort 2, Team Guilford County Judson Laughter, Cohort 6, Team KnoxHEAL/Knoxville Jessica Owens-Young, Cohort 7, Team DC Jennifer Jabson Tree, Cohort 6, Team KnoxHEAL/Knoxville VIDEO INTERVIEW PROJECT | VIP The Video Interview Project (VIP) shines a light on the voices and experiences of IRL Fellows and Teams who are leading change in their communities. Through their stories, we explore how being part of IRL has shaped the way they approach research, partnership, and action to dismantle structural racism and advance health equity. At the 2024 IRL Minnesota Leadership Meeting (October 23–25 in Minneapolis, MN), Mandy LaBreche had the privilege of conducting 30 individual and 4 team interviews with members of Cohorts 6 and 7 and invited alumni. Each short conversation offered a powerful reflection on their IRL journey and a glimpse into the more just and equitable world they are working to create. The resulting video collections weave these stories together, thematically highlighting the transformative impact of the IRL program on research leadership and community-driven change. ABOUT THE INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH LEADERS PROGRAM | IRL Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL) is a national leadership program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for teams of researchers and community partners. These teams use the power of applied research by working with the community to explore critical issues and apply the findings to advance health and equity. Their innovation helps build a Culture of Health, one that enables everyone across the United States to live longer, healthier lives. The Interdisciplinary Research Leaders program is a national leadership program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.