MaKenzie is the Senior Manager of Government Relations at EdTrust-Tennessee, where she develops legislative strategy to advance ET-TN’s policy agenda, strengthens relationships with a diverse array of policymakers and community stakeholders, and manages bill tracking and analysis.
Prior to joining EdTrust, MaKenzie was the Executive Assistant of Policy and Research to the Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman, Senator London Lamar, at the Tennessee General Assembly, where she supported the development of the Chairman’s legislative agenda and strategy, managed relationships with key partners, and assisted with caucus operations. MaKenzie began her career as a seventh-grade math teacher and grade level chair in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Memphis.
Born and raised in East Tennessee, MaKenzie has lived, learned, and worked across all three grand divisions of Tennessee. She holds a bachelor’s in urban studies from Rhodes College in Memphis, and a master’s in public policy with a concentration in K-12 policy from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development.
What is your proudest moment?
I am so proud of my second year of teaching – 20% of my students moved out of the bottom quartile of math achievement!
What is your secret talent?
Recently, I traveled out of the US for the first time, and I learned that I pick up languages quite quickly. Being able to immerse myself in local cultures through language adds a meaningful authenticity to my travel experiences.
Why are you passionate about working at EdTrust?
Working at EdTrust allows me to unapologetically lean into my values and belief system as a premier organization of bold, dedicated advocates of equity in education for the most vulnerable student populations. This role feels like a return to my classroom as I will be able to advocate for the futures of my students and children who look like them.
