Waves of Change is an online interview series highlighting the diverse faces and perspectives shaping the environmental justice movement throughout the Great Lakes region.
This month, we spoke with Ashley Williams, executive director of Just Transition Northwest Indiana, or JTNI, a grassroots environmental justice organization representing the northwest region of Indiana — one of the most industrialized zip codes in the country.
Listen to the full interview:
Residing in Michigan City, Indiana, Williams is committed to realizing a just and equitable transition for her community and the impacted workforce as they anticipate the retirement of the local coal-burning plant.
“A quote I often hear is that, ‘if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,'” Williams said. “Northwest Indiana has always been on the menu, and we’re really trying to change that paradigm at Just Transition Northwest Indiana.”
Learn more about the featured organizations:
- Delve into the history of the Radium Girls
- Learn about JTNWI’s Coal Ash Campaign
- Learn about the Just Transition Arts Campaign
- Learn about JTNWI’s Hydrogen Hub Campaign
- Learn about Williams’ allies at Southeast Environmental Task Force
- Learn about Williams’ allies at Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
- Get connected with Earth Justice
- Get connected with Citizens Action Coalition
- Get connected with Hoosier Environmental Council
- Get connected with Climate Justice Alliance
- Learn about retired steelworker Elizabeth Palacio
Catch more news at Great Lakes Now:
Poisonous Ponds: Tackling Toxic Coal Ash
Featured image: Photo courtesy of Ashley Williams
