On the August 4, 2026 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Bridgeport native, Shaenna Taylor.

Shaenna Taylor is an award-winning educator, mentor, community advocate, and entrepreneur from Bridgeport, Connecticut. With more than 10 years of experience in the Bridgeport Public School system, she has been recognized with multiple Staff Member of the Year awards for her dedication to students and education.

Beyond the classroom, Shaenna serves as the Mentor Lead and Director of #100GirlsLeading, empowering girls age 9-18 through mentorship, leadership, and personal development. She is also the co-founder of Bridgeport Stronger Together, where she works alongside community members to advocate for justice, strengthen neighborhoods, and amplify voices that often go unheard.

Her commitment to service has earned her the Connecticut Entrepreneur Community Builder Award and the Black People Rock Community Leader Award. A graduate of Sacred Heart University, Shaenna continues to inspire others through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community storytelling.

During the conversation, Shaenna discusses the March 2025 Bridgeport Police murder of her friend Dyshan Best, shares memories and stories of Dyshan, and speaks about the unjust incarceration of Joe Grits.

To connect with #100GirlsLeading:
https://www.100girlsleadinginc.org/

To connect with Bridgeport Stronger Together:
On Facebook
On Instagram

Letters of Solidarity can be sent to Joe Grits by writing to:

Joseph Thompson
#322513
Bridgeport Correctional Center
1106 North Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Commissary Funds can be sent via JPay to Joseph Thompson / #322513,
or via depositing cash at the kiosk inside Bridgeport Correctional Center.