Kalea is a sophomore attending Chapman University, where she majors in Peace and Justice Studies, with an accompanying minor in Religious Studies. Before moving across the country for college, Kalea graduated from Iowa City High School in Iowa City, Iowa. There, she was captain of her high school’s swim team, principal first chair violist in the orchestra, and was honored as one of the Iowa City Youth Human Rights Award recipients for her work in founding an anti-war student organization. At Chapman, Kalea serves as the service chair on the Disciples Leadership Board, helping to lead their Disciples on Campus group in events that engage in the local community. As part of this program, she has organized events that helped to involve the group in social justice issues on campus and the surrounding community, as well as join local churches in serving the wider community.

In addition, Kalea recently interned with Be the Neighbor for this summer, where she facilitated service trips with a focus on various issues of social justice across diverse communities. Kalea is especially passionate about the voices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within all spheres of society, and brings this perspective, experience, and desire for inclusion to all the work she does. In the future, Kalea hopes to pursue a career in international peacebuilding, as she strives to uplift disabled voices in intersectional settings, and work for the peace, justice, and dignity of all.