Brenda Grace Agoyothé McKenna is an American politician, educator, and former political advisor serving as a member of the New Mexico Senate from the 9th district. Elected in 2020, she assumed office on January 19, 2021.

Early life and education

A native of Nambé Pueblo, New Mexico, McKenna graduated from

Pojoaque Valley High School Pojoaque Valley High School is a public high school in unincorporated Santa Fe County, New Mexico. It is located on the Jacona Campus, which is outside of the Jacona census-designated place. - Compare to the zone map and to thJacona CDP map It se ...

in Santa Fe. Her father served in the Vietnam War and her mother worked as a dental assistant. McKenna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from

Syracuse University Syracuse University (informally 'Cuse or SU) is a Private university, private research university in Syracuse, New York. Established in 1870 with roots in the Methodist Episcopal Church, the university has been nonsectarian since 1920. Locate ...

and a Master of Science in organizational development from Central Washington University.

Career

After earning her master's degree, McKenna worked as a language program coordinator for the University of New Mexico Department of Linguistics. She also served as the public relations director of the Central New Mexico chapter of the

League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters (LWV or the League) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization in the United States. Founded in 1920, its ongoing major activities include registering voters, providing voter information, and advocating for vot ...

. She was the chair of the Nambe Pueblo Gaming Enterprise Board and worked as an examiner for Quality New Mexico, a non-profit based in Albuquerque. Prior to her election, McKenna worked as field representative in the district office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland. In the 2020 Democratic primary for the 9th district in the New Mexico Senate, McKenna placed first in a field of three candidates. She then defeated Republican nominee John Clark in the November general election. She assumed office on January 19, 2021.

Personal life

McKenna and her husband, Ralph McKenna, live in

Corrales, New Mexico Corrales is a village in Sandoval County, New Mexico, United States. First farmed by Tiquex Pueblo people, chosen due to its proximity to the Rio Grande, as documented by Hispano farmers of Nuevo México in the late 1500s. Despite being a part ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:McKenna, Brenda Living people People from Nambé Pueblo, New Mexico Syracuse University alumni Central Washington University alumni Women state legislators in New Mexico Democratic Party New Mexico state senators Native American state legislators in New Mexico People from Santa Fe, New Mexico People from Santa Fe County, New Mexico Year of birth missing (living people) 21st-century American women 21st-century Native American women 21st-century Native American politicians Native American women in politics