Yekaterina (Kitty) Taykalo has diverse roots from Hmong and Thai heritages. Both of her parents immigrated to the U.S. at a young age to follow the American dream. She has a passion for innovation and education, which led her to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University. Kitty is enthusiastic about sharing her culture with schools and local communities in Iowa to promote the Hmong/Thai culture. In her free time, she enjoys painting and dancing.