Worthington, MN – October 17, 2023 – Minnesota West Community & Technical College is thrilled to announce an upcoming author event that will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talent of Hmong-American writer Kao Kalia Yang.

Yang will be speaking on Wednesday, November 29, at 12 p.m. in the Center for Health and Wellness Gymnasium on the Worthington Campus. The event is free and open to the public. A book signing session will follow the event, offering attendees the chance to get their copies of Kao Kalia Yang's books personally signed by the author. The Minnesota West bookstore will have a limited number of Yang's books available to purchase.

Kao Kalia Yang is a prolific writer known for her powerful storytelling, chronicling her experiences as a Hmong American and bringing to light the often untold stories of her community. Her notable works, including "The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir" and "The Song Poet: A Memoir of My Father," have garnered critical acclaim and touched the hearts of readers worldwide. Yang's highly acclaimed children's book, "A Map Into the World," won the 2020 MN Book Award in Children’s Literature. Her other children's books have received multiple starred reviews and appeared in many end-of-year lists as Notable Books by the American Library Association.

We encourage interested school groups to attend and ask that all large groups call our Communication Center at 800-658-2330 by November 15 to reserve their seats for this exclusive event.

This event is made possible through the support of Minnesota West and Southwest Minnesota State University.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Yang's storytelling. Join us for an unforgettable event that promises to inspire and captivate.

To read more about Kao Kalia Yang's work, visit https://kaokaliayang.com.

For inquiries or additional information about the event, please contact Minnesota West History Instructor Dr. Anita Gaul, anita.gaul@mnwest.edu.