Kaya Flatz, an associate at the United Parcel Service (UPS) in Portage, is a shining example of young ambition. At the age of 22, Flatz is committed to supporting her work, family, and friends. She works hard and has an innate desire to give back to the community that brought her up.
“People recognizing hard work helps them want to do better,” said Flatz. “I think people my age who like working hard help inspire the younger generations.”
Flatz, a lifelong native of Portage, set her sights on pursuing a career even before she graduated from Portage High School. At the age of 15, she tread into the exploratory world of the workforce.
“I started my first job at McDonald’s. My brother who worked there brought me in,” said Flatz. “I was there for about two years. Then, for about a year-and-a-half, I went to Goodwill before making the switch to UPS.”
In her nearly three years working for UPS, Flatz has worked diligently and takes pride in her position. She often performs administrative tasks, including shipping out packages, greeting customers, taking returns, and doing print jobs. In a field requiring prioritization and decision-making skills, her role often puts her in an unofficial second manager position.
“I started in August of 2021, and my typical workday has been basically the same thing,” said Flatz. “My schedule has changed, but my duties in helping customers and assisting my coworkers stay consistent.”
Though sometimes dealing with the challenges of working with the public, she invests her energy in helping customers and building strong relationships with her coworkers. Outside of her career, Flatz often delegates her time to serve Discovery Kids Preschool, an educational institution started by her mother and her friend Melissa Evanatz Medina. The preschool is designated in the Flatz household and has spanned two decades. Inspired to give back to her mom’s line of work, Flatz makes herself available to assist as needed.
“I help out by playing with the kids,” said Flatz. “Whenever they are on the carpet, I help my mom out. If she needs to step out for a minute, I am there willing to do whatever she needs to help with the kids.”
Flatz’s commitment to helping others extends beyond her job and assisting her mother. In addition to helping with early childhood development and fundraising opportunities, Flatz also offers her time and vehicle to support Evanatz Medina’s family, whom she has grown close with.
“My mom’s best friend, Melissa, and her family have become a second family to us,” said Flatz. “Her daughters are my best friends, and since some of them cannot drive yet, I do the honor of driving them around to work or to hang out.”
Outside of work and volunteering, Flatz finds inspiration in her family. She enjoys spending time with her mother, father, and three brothers. Her adventurous spirit often leads her to play video games, hang out with friends, and listen to music. She has an affinity for singer Billie Eilish, who she will be seeing at an upcoming concert, and is a big fan of all things Halloween. In her free time, she loves driving around town.
“I love that, in Portage, everything is close by and not too far of a drive,” said Flatz. “I live maybe five minutes from my work. I also like that the Market on the Square happens during Friday nights in the summer. I love that they have a bunch of vendors, food, and movies at dusk for everyone to enjoy.”
As she reflects on her upbringing and experiences, Flatz exudes gratitude for all the sacrifices and commitments her family has made for her. As she continues hard work at UPS and for Discovery Kids Preschool, her familial love keeps her motivation and positivity high.