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. 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 served from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024. == Personal life ==