SEATTLE, Wash. – KIRO Television is proud to present "KIRO Backstage," a locally produced special hosted by KIRO 7 news anchor Julie Francavilla on Sunday, March 27, 2004 at 5:30 p.m. This thirty-minute program explores the diverse lives of women who make up our Pacific Northwest communities.

There's an extraordinary program for adolescent girls in Seattle that's rapidly gaining national reputation. It's called "Powerful Voices" and its mission is to help adolescent girls find their voice. KIRO 7 consumer investigator Bebe Emerman introduces us to some local girls who are gaining strength and confidence through the power of their voice.

Maid For Life Foundation Web Site: www.maidforlife.org Contact: Elaine Gordon Evans Email: emg377@aol.com 3517 259th Way NE Redmond, WA 98053 (425) 868-5091

Bolivia is a country of startling contrasts. It's a country made up of beautiful landscapes and colorful cultures but it’s also the poorest nation in South America. Many of Bolivia’s children end up in orphanages -- some abandoned or abused, others left by parents who can't afford to take care of them. However, one local woman is making a difference in the lives of these children by opening the first dental teaching clinic in Cochabamba. KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Penny LeGate introduces us to Sandy Kemper, a dental hygienist from Seattle and founder of "Smiles Forever." Get more information at www.smilesforever.info.

There's one local woman who's been behind-the-scenes of KIRO-TV for more than 20 years. In this edition of "KIRO Backstage" we profile Kathy Sullivan, the first woman in Seattle to direct a live television broadcast!

And finally, Seattle's oldest law firm, Preston Gates and Ellis, turns out to be the best place for women to work in the nation. KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Deborah Horne introduces us to two women in this exemplary firm and examines women’s love affair with high heels in "why feet pay the price."

"KIRO Backstage" is produced by Emmy-award winning reporter Deborah Horne.

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