On today's show we look back at one of our earlier highlighted nonprofits, Girls Inc of Greater Atlanta, an organization inspiring all girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold.  Adrian then brings us a report from Night of Superstars, an event he attended in Dallas.  Later in the show, Bruce Gale brings us an interview with an earlier Kid Hero, Karma Kasey.

Educating a girl can break cycles of poverty in just one generation. Girls who get an education marry later, have fewer children, earn higher wages and support healthier and more prosperous families.  If you educate girls, you give them the power to conquer the world.

Studies conducted by the United Nations on different traditional practices have found that the boy child is still viewed as better or more capable than the girl child in many countries.  

Despite all the talk about equality these days, women are still stereotyped even in Western countries, especially if they try to fit into men-dominated spaces. Many industries, such as the tech, engineering, and mining sectors employ very few women compared to men.

With the right skills, a young woman will be self-reliant, independent and strong. With the right mentorship from a youth engagement program, girls can take part in activities for women’s empowerment and also mentor other girls in their locality.

One program making a difference is Girls, Inc of Greater Atlanta…

The mission of Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta is to inspire ALL GIRLS to be STRONG, SMART, and BOLD!  They envision reaching this goal by becoming the premier organization that helps girls to realize their potential and exercise their rights.  

The network of local Girls Inc. nonprofit organizations serves girls ages 6-18 at more than 1,400 sites in 400 cities across the United States and Canada. Their research-based programming is delivered by trained professionals who focus on the development of the whole girl, supporting, mentoring, and guiding girls in an affirming, pro-girl environment. Here, girls learn to value their whole selves, discover and develop their inherent strengths, and receive the support they need to navigate the challenges they face.

Bev had the opportunity to sit down with Michelle Graves, the Director of Programs at Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta and talk about their programs and impact in the community.

Night of Superstars was founded by Greg Johnson in 2005.   It isn’t just a one-night, “make you feel good” event. In fact, the event is just the beginning. Their mission is to assist the Superstars in reaching their maximum potential through every stage of their lives through their Mentor Program and their Superstar College Scholarship & Entrepreneurial Funds.

Last year in Dallas, the grand “Oscar-like” charity event drew numbers of local celebrities and high-profile personalities, mass media attention and hundreds of guests; all to celebrate the accomplishments of 20 of the most amazing kids in the area who are affected by varying types of disabling conditions; yet reach far beyond their adversities excelling in areas such as academics, athletics, the arts and community service.  

Adrian attended the event with Raymund King, a Board member of The Peace Fund. 

On today’s Kid Heroes segment, Bruce Gale talks with 10-year old Karma Casey who lives in Costa Rica. She works with Kids Saving the Rainforest, educating people around the world about the ecological importance of the rainforest, and preserving and protecting the rainforest and its wildlife. 

Kids Saving the Rainforest began in 1999 in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica when Janine Licare and Aislin Livingstone were 9 years old.  Janine and Aislin saw the rainforest disappearing from their beloved home and the negative impact of this on the animals, particularly the mono titi monkeys. They were kids inspired to save the precious rainforest and their name became Kids Saving the Rainforest.