By KYRA LOW

The Mirror

Federal Way will soon have a new program geared toward empowering girls.

“It’s about inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold,” Susan Kovalik said of her new program, Girls Inc.

The group, which Kovalik hopes to fully launch later this year, will be housed at The Center for Effective Learning, which she also founded.

It’s the perfect space for the program, Kovalik said.

Some of the programs offered to girls include lessons in preventing adolescent pregnancy, sports involvement, and a program called Operation SMART, which gives girls a basis in science, math and relevant technology. Girls Inc. will include other programs geared to help with self-esteem and issues facing young girls today.

Kovalik decided to create this local branch of the national organization after learning about it in the course of a speech on domestic violence.

Stopping the violence before it begins is the only way to win, Kovalik said.

“Empowering girls at a young age is the way to combat domestic violence,” Kovalik said.

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Girls Inc. is set to debut this summer.

A general meeting for interested parents and volunteers will begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at The Center for Effective Learning, 33506 10th Place S., Federal Way. To learn more, call Susan Kovalik at (253) 815-8800 or (253) 681-6161. Also e-mail suskaj@aol.com.