By UK Illustrator Fiona Wylie

In an effort to fill the dearth of social organizations for young women in Spokane, local activist Mariah McKay recently launched the first-ever Spokane Shrinking Violet Society. While Spokane is home to a handful of women’s professional groups, including the Northwest chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, McKay observes these organizations tend to support more mature, established professionals. With SVS, McKay hopes to extend the support and empowerment such organizations offer career women to the growing number of 20- and 30-something young ladies who call Spokane home (McKay says young men who support gender equality are encouraged to participate as well). To this end, McKay and an impressive number of young women filled the dining room Jan. 24 at One World Spokane, a local non-profit organic community kitchen in the up-and-coming East Sprague district. In addition to McKay, local hipster celebrities on-hand for the inaugural meeting included rising singer-songwriting sensation Kaylee Cole and Luke Baumgarten of Inlander fame. The group is planning an informal coordination meeting to plan a series of small group gatherings and discuss ideas, logistics etc. Jan. 29, 6 p.m. at Zola, 22 W. Main Ave. For more information contact McKay at 509.939.0015 or email mariah.mckay@gmail.com.