A selective mute in the English speaking world for much of her early life, Kalia’s unintended speaking career started in 2008 with the publication of her first book The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir. Since then, Kalia has spoken at hundreds of book groups, faith institutions, keynoted national conferences, presented for diverse organizations, and lectured at colleges and universities across the country. Kalia speaks with great intimacy, perspective, and grace on refugee and immigrant experiences, issues in literacy and education, race, class, and gender.