Makenna graduated from the University of Washington School of Law with her Juris Doctorate in 2020 and was admitted to the Washington Bar in 2021. Before attending law school Makenna received her Associate of Arts from Yakima Valley Community College through the Running Start program and obtained her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington.

Makenna spent a gap year between undergrad and law school working as legal support staff at a small firm in downtown Seattle to gain legal experience before starting at UW Law. During her first year at UW Law Makenna worked for a Family Law firm that specialized in helping victims of domestic violence. Through the remainder of her time at UW Law she worked as a Litigation Paralegal and as a student representative for the legal research platform LexisNexis.

As a student at UW Law Makenna’s courses focused on Estate Planning and Alternative Dispute Resolution training. Makenna was a member of the Legislative Advocacy Clinic and participated in passing a bill focused on bipartisan criminal justice reform. She was also an officer for both the Federalist Society and Parents Attending Law School.

Makenna moved to Yakima in July of 2021, and returned to the Seattle area in February 2023. Makenna, her husband, and two children enjoy living in the Seattle area while working remotely with frequent visits to Yakima to attend to client and family needs.