NACA participant recognized for jumping life's hurdles

Native Americans for Community Action Workforce Investment Act participant and employee Pamela Jensen (center) was recently recognized at the national level for her strengths, determination and outstanding abilities. She received the National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Administration (NINAET) 2007 Outstanding Participant of the Year in Newport, R.I., and was honored with a plaque and Pendleton blanket (Courtesy photo).

Native Americans for Community Action Workforce Investment Act participant and employee Pamela Jensen (center) was recently recognized at the national level for her strengths, determination and outstanding abilities. She received the National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Administration (NINAET) 2007 Outstanding Participant of the Year in Newport, R.I., and was honored with a plaque and Pendleton blanket (Courtesy photo).

A person's level of success can be measured in many ways, but no matter which method is used to evaluate Pamela Jensen, she receives flying colors and a gold medal.

This is exactly what the National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Administration (NINAET) determined by selecting Jensen as the 2007 Outstanding Participant of the Year. This spring, Jensen, along with Flagstaff's Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Workforce Investment Act director Jamescita Peshlakai and WIA employment specialist Michael Brabec traveled to New Port, R. I. to attend the 28th NINAET Conference and Awards Ceremony where Jensen was recognized for her outstanding ability to jump the hurdles life had placed in her path.

Jensen is a member of the Diné nation of the Towering House Clan, born for the Dark Streak Wood Clan. Her maternal grandfathers are of the Many Goats Clan and her paternal grandfathers are of the Wandering People Clan.

In October 2005 Jensen enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act Indian and Native American Program at NACA after leaving her hometown of Tuba City. In her care were her three children and added to this responsibility was the fact that she was six months pregnant.

"We didn't have much. The first thing on my list was getting a job," Jensen said. "Everyday there was a to-do list for me. We had to reestablish ourselves in Flagstaff. NACA helped me to get housing. Mike [Brabec] helped me out a lot with my resume, establishing contacts and finding opportunities."

Shortly after initiating contact with NACA, Jensen enrolled in the work experience training component of WIA and began as the medical office assistant at NACA's Family Health Center.

"It was a perfect fit. This lady is detailed, responsible, super-sharp and always professional," Peshlakai explained.

"It worked out great and turned into something permanent," Jensen said. " I have health benefits, good pay and it's something I'm very comfortable with."

Through her experiences with NACA and creating a life for herself and children in Flagstaff, Jensen said that she has learned an incredible amount about her personal strength.

"It took a lot of pushing and asking, because nothing is going to be handed to you. It takes a lot of willpower and just going at it everyday to get interviews, to get that opportunity to make ends meet-especially being a single mom. It took a lot of preparing to do it on our own. I found that the only way to make it work is to just get out there and just work on it everyday," Jensen said.

"I think the most outstanding thing was her simple faith that things would be alright," Peshlakai reflected. "If it were me, I would have been hysterical. She took everything in stride. She just simply believed that God would lead her through."

Peshlakai explained that Jensen made the perfect nominee for the NINAET Outstanding Participant Award, and that she had confidence from the moment that she nominated Jensen that she would be chosen as one of the three recipients from the entire nation.

Jensen, however, was shocked to learn she had been selected.

"I had no idea. I was so excited," Jensen remembered. "It just makes me really proud of my accomplishments."

Jensen attributed her success to her children and the need to set a positive example for them.

"I did it for my kids-to inspire them to not give up and to learn that whatever life brings you, you can do it," she said. "When they do things, not just to do it, but to push for that A and do your best. There's so much out there. Don't just wait to hear who gets what, but be the one receiving it."

Jensen's future plans include returning to Northern Arizona University to complete her bachelor's degree in health promotion.

"I've learned that it has to come from within you. You have to believe in yourself-that's what I kept instilling in myself."

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