Kara Monaco was born on February 26th, 1983 in Lakeland, Florida. Prior to becoming a Playmate, she worked as a bartender, modeled swimwear and lingerie in Florida, and appeared in FHM and Men's Fitness magazines. Kara also worked at Disney World, where she was one of the performers who portrayed "Cinderella" and "Snow White" in the resort. Her connection with Playboy began when she chosen as one of "Playboy's Sexiest Bartenders 2004" and when appeared on the cover of "Playboy Special Edition Girls of Summer" in August 2004.
Later, was chosen as Playmate of the Month by Playboy Magazine in June 2005. That same year, she participated in a home video fitness program, Envy (2007) (V), under the name "Vala" (the "V" in "Envy"), and acted together with C.J. Gibson, sister of Playmate Raquel Gibson. In June 2006, was chosen as Playmate of the Year and, later, she appeared in episodes of E! reality TV series "The Girls Next Door" (2005). Also appeared in the 2006 "Playmates at Play" swimsuit calendar, shot in Las Vegas.