Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa Kolvites serves as a Retail Salesclerk with the United States Postal Service in San Mateo, California, where she is committed to delivering outstanding customer service while supporting the needs of her community. In her role, she assists customers with mailing and shipping solutions, processes packages, manages certified and other accountable mail, and provides guidance on the Postal Service's products and services. Her ability to communicate effectively and build positive customer relationships is strengthened by her previous experience as a drug and alcohol counselor and caregiver, where she developed exceptional active listening, empathy, and problem-solving skills. She is also a proud member of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). Kolvites has built a career centered on service, compassion, and lifelong learning. She studied Addiction and Mental Health Counseling at the College of San Mateo, where she earned academic honors as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and completed specialized studies in addiction and co-occurring disorders. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts from the University of the Arts, reflecting her passion for creativity alongside her commitment to helping others. Her diverse professional experience has equipped her with expertise in customer service, counseling, caregiving, communication, and community outreach. Beyond her professional career, Kolvites is an active community volunteer and advocate for service through the arts. Volunteering as a sewing workshop instructor with the Community Arts Program (CAP) for many years, empowering individuals by teaching practical and creative skills. She also helped build a tiny house for a friend experiencing homelessness, a project that raised awareness of housing insecurity and demonstrated the power of community collaboration. Kolvites attributes her success to perseverance and a mindset of making the most of available opportunities while continually striving for growth. She values honesty and self-accountability as the foundation for personal and professional development and encourages young women to pursue careers that align with their passions, regardless of outside expectations. She believes the postal industry has significant opportunities to modernize and innovate as it adapts to changing customer needs and evolving methods of communication.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and a commitment to never giving up. I've learned to accept situations for what they are and focus on making the most of the resources and opportunities I have, rather than dwelling on what I lack. Instead of waiting for ideal circumstances, I believe in taking action with what is available while continuously working toward acquiring the skills, knowledge, or resources I need to grow. That mindset of resilience, adaptability, and forward progress has been instrumental in both my personal and professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my uncle, who founded Skyy Vodka. He taught me that when you need something accomplished, it’s wise to ask at least two people, because it greatly increases the likelihood that it will get done. More importantly, he reminded me that what people often see as an "overnight success" is usually the result of 10 years of hard work, persistence, and dedication. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career, reinforcing the importance of resilience, patience, and never giving up on long-term goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to pursue what truly inspires you and take the time to discover what you genuinely want for yourself. Don't let the opinions or expectations of others define your path. Trust your instincts, remain curious, and have the confidence to make decisions that align with your own goals and values. When you pursue a career that is meaningful to you, you'll be more motivated, resilient, and fulfilled along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is adapting to the ongoing decline in traditional first class letter mail. Rising operational costs and a decline in business meant to support those costs has significantly impacted the postal industry. In my view, the challenges of navigating a longstanding, deeply rooted culture have also contributed to the difficulty. Large organizations often take time to adapt to change, and shifting long-established processes can be slow. At the same time, I see this as an opportunity to embrace innovation, improve operational efficiency, and modernize the way we serve customers while preparing the organization for the future.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the value I hold most deeply in both my professional and personal life. To me, honesty goes beyond simply telling the truth—it requires self-awareness and accountability. None of us are perfect, but being honest with ourselves about our strengths, weaknesses, and actions is what allows us to learn, grow, and improve. I believe that self-accountability is essential for personal and professional development, and honesty is the foundation that makes that growth possible.
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