Stephanie Kalota was born and raised in Florida as an odd halfling of old Southern hicks and uppity Yankees, and if you want to know how this comes up just ask her how she takes her iced tea. Her parents believed that traveling and cultural immersion were important so before reaching the age of 35 she had traveled to 44 of the 50 states and 9 countries. Stephanie joined the Army Reserve shortly after graduating high school. Later, she became a Department of Army Reserve Civilian and worked on staff teams from battalion to two-star division staff teams. Writing has always been her passion, and while in the Army Reserve she authored countless lesson plans, handbooks, and standard operation procedures (SOPs). Currently, she writes for the Chicago Crusader and a monthly appearance on America’s Heroes Group discussing important legislative policy for military and veterans.
In April 2023, Steph graduated from Southern New Hampshire University summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing with concentration in screenwriting. In May 2023, she completed the Veteran Voices Playwriting Seminar with New York Theater Workshop and Poetic Productions.
Steph Kalota 