About Us - South Carolina Interfaith Power & Light

Mission

South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light (SCIPL) is inspired by diverse faith perspectives to respond to climate change and to care for the Earth and all its inhabitants by engaging people of faith to work together for a just and sustainable future.

We do this by: engaging with faith communities to grow their understanding of climate justice and how they can respond to climate change and environmental justice in their homes, houses of worship, and communities; educating ministers and lay leaders in building their climate justice ministry; promoting energy efficiency through energy audits and a mini-grants program for houses of worship; collaborating with other organizations to develop and influence environmental justice policy; and organizing with vulnerable communities to advocate for equitable environmental policies.

History

South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light (SCIPL) was founded in 2011 as an affiliate of the National Interfaith Power and Light organization to serve faith communities through environmental action, awareness, and resources. It originally operated under Wofford College’s Center for Global & Community Engagement, and was adopted by Sustaining Way in 2017. SCIPL is the only statewide faith-based organization focusing on environmental issues. As such, it is uniquely situated to work with South Carolina’s faith community to increase environmental awareness and promote sustainable action. Today, SCIPL is a growing network of diverse faith communities committed to environmental stewardship.

Staff

Alecia Brewster

Program Director

Before joining South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light and Sustaining Way as Program Director, Alecia served on Sustaining Way’s board of directors for three years. As Sustaining Way’s first Program Director, Alecia is responsible for the efficiency and effectiveness of Sustaining Way’s programs. Alecia recently helped to establish the Greenville County Mentoring Collaborative and is an active Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Ambassador, Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Advisory Council Member, and Past President of Greenville Breakfast Rotary Club. Her career began as an elementary teacher in Greenville and Charleston County School Districts. Alecia holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from College of Charleston and a Master of Public Administration from Clemson University. She is married to Reverend Zachary Brewster and has three children.

Gerkayla (Kayla) Smalls

South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light Intern

Kayla is a native of Georgetown,SC. Kayla is currently a sophomore at North Carolina Central University, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. She participates in many organizations including Collegiate 100 Women, The National Council of Negro Women and the Juice Network. Upon graduating, Kayla has hopes of attending Morehouse school of Medicine and pursuing a career as an Ob/Gyn. She even plans to one day run a nonprofit organization centered around the rehabilitation of nonviolent felons. With this being said, Kayla is no stranger to community service and strives hard to make a difference both socially and environmentally. She is more than elated to further her service to the community by working with SCIPL.

Connor Campbell

South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light Intern

Connor is from Florida, but he has lived in the upstate of South Carolina since beginning college four years ago. He is studying Christian Ministry, and has a heart for practical ministry through outreach and service. Connor is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys fly fishing, hunting, and backpacking. These passions have inspired him to take a more critical view of the impact that he and those around him have on the planet, and to cherish the sanctity of creation in all of its forms. He has experience in various leadership and non-profit roles. He hopes to one day serve in a leadership role in a non-profit organization.

Leadership Council

Coming soon!

Partners

Coming soon!