Catching up with Kaya Melchor: From preschool classmates to colleagues

For many of us, preschool was a time of pure naivete and endless possibilities. We dreamed without limits and had full confidence in our aspirations. Born in the Y2K era, I remember drawing in my journal that I was going to be a pop star when I grew up, fully inspired by the Cheetah Girls.

However, Gen Z has grown up, and as more of us begin to enter the workforce, we’re realizing the job market is a lot tougher than we expected. With limited opportunities and a competitive job market, many of my friends and classmates have moved away to the mainland. So when I first saw my old preschool classmate in the elevator here at work, I was hit with a sense of awe and gratitude for the opportunities Hawaiian Electric is providing for our generation.

Looking at my preschool yearbook to check the class list, my jaw dropped after realizing that not one, but two of my classmates work at the company — one of them in the same department as me (how did I not realize sooner)! I thought it would be fun to catch up with my other classmate, Kaya Melchor, a project analyst in our Pole Infrastructure Enterprise (PIE) department, to learn more about her role and experiences here so far.

After preschool, Kaya attended Kamehameha Schools Kapalama and graduated as a 13-year lifer! She then went to Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland, where she doubled as a student athlete, majoring in Business Management while playing volleyball. She said she always knew she was going to come back home after graduating college.

“My mentality was: home first, job will follow. That’s kind of how I tackle life as a whole — everything will come my way when it’s meant to, the way it’s meant to. It eases the stress and overwhelming sense of dread that can come with being a ‘new adult’. My family owns a food truck and a brick and mortar, Flyin’ Ahi, so I was fortunate enough to have a back-up plan to fall onto for a bit if the job search was futile.”

She stuck to her plans and moved back to Oahu after college, then took a year off to acclimate being back home. In between helping with her family’s business, working at the food truck with her dad, and enjoying quality time with the rest of her ohana, Kaya learned about a temporary position at Hawaiian Electric. She applied and began her journey here at the company as a Joint Use Infrastructure Aide in the PIE department.

Initially, Kaya was brought on to help with the department’s workload while someone went on maternity leave, so her contract was only meant to be for a year. Fortunately, her contract was extended, and she continued working for another year. Then, last spring, a project analyst position opened in the same department and Kaya was officially hired!

“It was a chance to actually get into the company while still working with the people I’ve spent the last two years working and curating relationships with — the perfect situation!”, Kaya said.

Now, in her current role as a project analyst, Kaya assists in managing the finances for our Pole Infrastructure Enterprise department. On a typical day, you’ll find her processing incoming payments from carriers for pole attachments or make-ready work, which involves preparing our existing utility poles to accommodate new attachments. She also helps with paying contractors who assist us on the removal of double poles and collects rental payments from external contractors, such as telecommunications, cable, and broadband providers who lease space on our utility poles for their cables and equipment.

Our PIE department also helps manage repairs and upgrades of our utility poles. Sometimes, we receive inquiries about damaged utility poles or hanging lines. If you see sparking, downed power lines, or hear a loud noise or explosion, call our trouble line immediately and press 1. Be sure to stay a safe distance from downed poles and sparking wires!

“People always ask me what I studied in college when I tell them I work at Hawaiian Electric in Pole Infrastructure — I never thought this would be my niche, but here I am!” she said.

One of our company’s key efforts is to help local talent thrive here at home by creating quality jobs for residents. As a young professional, Kaya feels that our company is a great place for Gen Z to work at and find new opportunities.

“There are so many different avenues and opportunities within the company. There’s a place for almost anything,” she said. “As one of the youngest in my area, I was welcomed with open arms. I never felt like I was ‘less than’ due to my age or experience in the working world.”

In her free time, Kaya coaches girls’ volleyball at Spike and Serve and has also helped with both the boys’ and girls’ programs at Kamehameha Schools.

“I love the fact that I am able to give back to the programs and institutions that helped to shape my life and get me to where I am today,” she said.

One of my most distinct memories of Kaya in preschool is when I was eating lunch with her. We had just come back from outdoor play, where one of our other friends told me she was no longer my friend because I didn’t want to jump off the side of the playground with her. I was so disappointed that I could barely eat, but Kaya turned to me and said, “I’ll still be your friend.” In that moment, her reassurance meant everything and I was so grateful and relieved to have a friend like Kaya.

Today, Kaya still radiates with warmth and friendliness. As she continues her journey at Hawaiian Electric, I know her positive energy and fresh perspectives will shine through in her work and the relationships she builds. With young professionals like Kaya entering the workforce, the future generation is in great hands!

If you’re interested in a career at Hawaiian Electric, be sure to check out our Careers page for more information! Our Summer Internship Program also supports young professionals in college. Hawaiian Electric is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.