Originally from Portland, Oregon, Kale’a holds Tribal and Filipino ancestry. She is enrolled at the Coquille Indian Tribe, with descent from Warm Springs, Yakama, Tulalip and Coos. 

Kale'a's work looks at her relationship to her cultural identities and personal stories related to growing up in Portland, Oregon, knowing that it is a part of her ancestral territory. Kale'a is interested in exploring craft and DIY, related to self-publication and other modes of disseminating information as well as art publications and critical essays regarding craft, ownership, material, and art objects.