Utica, N.Y. – The Center is proud to announce An Evening with Kao Kalia Yang, to celebrate our 45th Anniversary. The celebration will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at Munson in Downtown Utica. The celebration is made possible through the generous support of Turning Stone Enterprises.
Beginning as The Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees in 1981, The Center has resettled 18,000 refugees from 37 countries over the past 45 years. The evening at Munson includes a talk, audience Q&A, followed by hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and an author signing for all books purchased at the event.
Kao Kalia Yang was born in the Ban Vinai refugee camp in Thailand after her Hmong family fled war in Laos, and arrived in Minnesota at age 6. Her memoir the Latehomecomer was the first Hmong-authored book to reach national distribution. Her work has been recognized by the National Book Critics Circle and the Chautauqua Prize, among others. The Treehouse Reading and Arts Center of Yorkville will have a table for onsite book purchase of selected titles of Kao Kalia Yang’s books.
“I heard Kao Kalia Yang speak at a conference several years ago and was so inspired by her story, talent, and humanity, I made it a priority to bring her to Utica. She is the perfect voice for our 45th Anniversary Celebration. Please join us to spend an evening with this remarkable woman and celebrate this milestone in “the town that loves refugees.’” Shelly Callahan, Executive Director, The Center.
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