On today's show we visit Girls Inc of Greater Atlanta, a nonprofit 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.

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.

Consider this...

• Globally, 65 million girls are not in school.

• A girl with an extra year of education can earn 20 percent more as an adult.

• 4 out of 5 victims of human trafficking are girls.

• By 2020, there will be 1.4 million open technology jobs in the U.S. and, at the current rate of students graduating with degrees in computer science, men will outnumber women 4:1.

• Less than 30 percent of the world's researchers are women.

With the right skills, a young woman will be self-reliant, independent and strong. With the right mentorship from a youth engagement program, girls are better equipped to overcome barriers.  And this brings us to today's charity, 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.  @girlsincatl

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.

This 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 this year’s event with Raymund King, a Board member of The Peace Fund.  Listen in to his thoughts….

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. 

Karma dreams of a world where the rainforests plunge green and uninterrupted to pristine beaches and a vast, pure ocean beyond it. She sees a future where animals should be wild and free. What’s more, she feels called to save them.

(KSTR) is a 501c3 non-profit  based in California, 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.

KSTR invites participation by schools, children’s organizations and individuals throughout the United States and abroad who further the purpose by learning about the rainforest, doing projects that raise money to donate to KSTR and spreading the message further through educating others.  KSTR reaches out to kids, teachers, parents, rehabilitation specialists, primatologists and others around the world.