In this episode of Mic Check, host Tyler Nelson speaks with Terri Eickel, Executive Director of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), Connecticut’s only faith-based environmental non-profit organization. Committed to justice and grounded in hope, IREJN seeks to inspire and equip Connecticut’s religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy.

Topics covered in their conversation include:

• IREJN's origin story and how Terri came into this work
• the meaning and opportunity of interreligious coalition building
• distinctions between eco-justice (a.k.a. environmental justice) and environmentalism
• barriers to participation preventing vulnerable CT residents from home weatherization
• Residential Energy Preparation Services (REPS) – its success and the need to replenish funding
• the value of rapid solar deployment and turning houses of worship into climate resiliency centers

Find more information about Interreligious Eco-Justice Network at irejn.org or by contacting Terri at terri@irejn.org.

Resources mentioned by Terri include:

• IREJN Energy Efficiency Small Grant Program
• Residential Energy Preparation Services (REPS)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• EnergizeCT

On the November 18, 2025 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Debbie Gray, founder of Women Aligned With Abundance (WAWA), a Waterbury-based non-profit focused on women's empowerment.

Debbie spoke about her personal journey, and the motivation and inspiration behind her founding WAWA, and engaging in the women's empowerment work she's doing.

WAWA meets every fourth Wednesday at the North End Recreation Center at 268 North Main Street in Waterbury, Connecticut.

For more information, Debbie and WAWA can be reached at 203-514-2144, via email at wawainc24@gmail.com, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/467279502566892.

WAWA's website is https://wawainc.mailchimpsites.com/.

On the September 21, 2025 episode of Mic Check, host Mike Merli sat down with Derrell Soulds. Derrell was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to a single mother, and has two siblings. He has served over twenty years in and out of prison here in Connecticut, and is currently home and on a positive path. Derrell’s prized possessions are his family members. He has worked hard to earn certifications that include ServeSafe, OSHA 30, Flagging, and a Human Services Certificate via Asnuntuck Community College, with employment tenures at Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Global Steering Company, and as a Support Specialist for Entry Point Staffing. Derrell’s mantra is: “Through God, all things are possible.” During this program, Derrell speaks out about the impacts that systemic racism and the injustices within the prison system have had on him, while also shining a light on his journey, his childhood, the immense and profound love he has for his family, and his hopes and dreams for the future.

Derrell welcomes correspondence and support via email at dsoulds731@gmail.com and via CashApp at $DerrellSoulds.