Graduating & Living the 4D Experience

Miranda was one of the 13 graduates of the 10th cohort of the 4D Development Program.

In 2017, PWNA completed its 10th cohort of the 4 Directions Development Program (4D) and Miranda Lente was one of the 13 graduates who shared the many challenges of working in communities they serve. Through its 4D initiative, PWNA recruits and trains “emerging leaders” who are already recognized as local leaders, trusted members of the community to whom others go to for support. These individuals come to 4D willing to expand their knowledge, skills and personal and professional impact, seeking to improve the quality of life in their communities and sharing a common belief that giving up is not an option.

Miranda, who is of Isleta and Acoma ancestry, observed that “the 4D training description was different and interesting. I knew it would benefit my current or future career path.” As a loan officer for Tiwa Lending Services, Isleta Pueblo, Miranda is helping members in her community learn about finances, credit, personal loans, and home purchase, and you can hear the excitement when she talks about her work.

During the training, it was always interesting for Miranda to return home with new information and homework. Community leaders like Miranda seem to have a constitution for being of service to others. This quality may be steeped in a Native perspective of what a true leader is — one that has a balanced focus on serving others beyond any personal gain. Miranda credits her mother for instilling this quality in her.

4D emerging leaders like Miranda are bound to have lasting impacts in the communities they serve and PWNA is honored to serve them.

Miranda shared about her 4D experience. “They emphasized taking care of ourselves in work and home environments. What caught my attention (and I think everyone else’s) was the strength finder test we took before the first session. Those top 5 strengths identified in the assessment become more important in our work and help us utilize what is already natural for us. Another aspect of 4D was that we [the cohort members] chose the topics and guided our own development by helping PWNA customize the 4D curriculum to our needs.”

Reflecting on her key (mentor), Vickie, Miranda referred to her as a “constant coach and supporter” — someone reminding you of your goals. “This helped me get out of my comfort zone… she would challenge me.” For instance, one of Miranda’s professional goals was improving skills in public speaking and introducing herself to other people. Vickie challenged Miranda to collect 20 business cards each day at a conference she was slated to attend — more than she would have without Vickie’s encouragement. Miranda shares, “The real benefit to this goal is that I do more public speaking and am way more comfortable with it.”

All 4D participants define personal goals as well, and Miranda’s was to take better care of herself. “A personal goal was to lose weight — and with the help of my key and the 4D health and wellness session geared toward indigenous backgrounds, I lost 15 pounds by the end of the cohort and it made me so proud.”

Another tool Miranda took away from 4D was the continuing use of a development plan. “This development plan template was given to us for identifying our professional and personal goals. I still use this tool for work — it helps me identify what I need or want to accomplish and when.”

Downstream from 4D Miranda emphasizes what sticks with her. “Never stop improving myself — it will only make my career and life better. Overall, 4D is a great program and a great memory. I am always grateful I was able to attend and meet incredible individuals, and if I could do it again, I would!”

PWNA launched the 4D capacity building service to provide ongoing support to emerging tribal leaders. 4D emerging leaders like Miranda are bound to have lasting impacts in the communities they serve and PWNA is honored to serve them.