Meet Makenna McCartney
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Makenna McCartney
Associate Attorney Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner P.L.C. 4301 Fashion Square Boulevard Saginaw, MI 48603 (989) 498-2100 [email protected] |
Q: What year did you begin working at your company?
A: 2024
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: 2026
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I was born and raised in Saginaw but left to pursue my undergrad and graduate studies. When I returned, I was eager to reconnect with the community and build relationships with other young professionals who are invested in Saginaw’s growth. Serving on the YPN Steering Committee allows me the opportunity to contribute to that mission while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, connection, and leadership within our community.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: YPN Par-Tee with the Pros Golf Outing. 2025 was the first year I attended, and I had a great time. The event offered a perfect balance of networking, learning, and fun. As someone who is always looking to improve my golf game, I appreciated the opportunity to get out on the course. Also, the added bonus of fun door prizes made the experience even more enjoyable.
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: All of the above. One of the best things about YPN events is that they offer multiple opportunities to build meaningful connections. Depending on the event, networking can happen naturally during the activity itself. For example, at the Par-Tee with the Pros Golf Outing, it was easy to connect with others while riding through the course. Pre-event social or cocktail hours also provide a great setting to meet new people, while post-event conversations allow time to reflect on the experience and continue building relationships with those you connected with earlier.
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: I hope they leave with a strong sense of community, feeling welcomed, included, and excited to stay engaged with the YPN and the broader Saginaw area.
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: Initiating small talk when meeting someone new. Although I’m an extrovert at heart, I’ve always found starting conversations with new people to be a challenge. YPN events have given me a supportive environment to practice this skill, helping me gain confidence and expand my professional network.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: There are a couple of moments that stand out to me: volunteering at the 2025 BWell Race Series and the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by the Urban Racquet Sports Foundation at Garber Courts. Volunteer opportunities bring people together around a shared purpose, while events like pickleball create connection through friendly competition. Both experiences made building relationships in the community feel natural and fun.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: I view career growth and community involvement as interconnected. Keeping my focus on giving back to the community helps me stay balanced and intentional with both.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: Working out. As a former athlete I’ve learned that I perform at my best when my mind is clear. Taking time to work out helps me manage stress, recharge, and return to my work focused and ready to go.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: Imerman Memorial Park. The scenic trail makes it easy to forget you’re in Saginaw, and I enjoy using the space to walk, recharge, and reconnect with myself. It’s the perfect spot to clear your mind and enjoy the outdoors.
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: Dancing in the Moonlight. It’s my reminder to stay joyful, positive, and enjoy the moment.
Published: January 2026
A: 2024
Q: When year did you join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: 2026
Q: What motivated you to join the YPN Steering Committee?
A: I was born and raised in Saginaw but left to pursue my undergrad and graduate studies. When I returned, I was eager to reconnect with the community and build relationships with other young professionals who are invested in Saginaw’s growth. Serving on the YPN Steering Committee allows me the opportunity to contribute to that mission while creating meaningful opportunities for engagement, connection, and leadership within our community.
Q: What YPN event do you look forward to the most and why?
A: YPN Par-Tee with the Pros Golf Outing. 2025 was the first year I attended, and I had a great time. The event offered a perfect balance of networking, learning, and fun. As someone who is always looking to improve my golf game, I appreciated the opportunity to get out on the course. Also, the added bonus of fun door prizes made the experience even more enjoyable.
Q: What’s your favorite way to build meaningful connections at YPN events—before, during, or after the event?
A: All of the above. One of the best things about YPN events is that they offer multiple opportunities to build meaningful connections. Depending on the event, networking can happen naturally during the activity itself. For example, at the Par-Tee with the Pros Golf Outing, it was easy to connect with others while riding through the course. Pre-event social or cocktail hours also provide a great setting to meet new people, while post-event conversations allow time to reflect on the experience and continue building relationships with those you connected with earlier.
Q: How do you hope someone feels after attending their first YPN event?
A: I hope they leave with a strong sense of community, feeling welcomed, included, and excited to stay engaged with the YPN and the broader Saginaw area.
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve strengthened through your involvement with YPN?
A: Initiating small talk when meeting someone new. Although I’m an extrovert at heart, I’ve always found starting conversations with new people to be a challenge. YPN events have given me a supportive environment to practice this skill, helping me gain confidence and expand my professional network.
Q: What’s one moment during your time with YPN that made you feel especially connected to the group or the community?
A: There are a couple of moments that stand out to me: volunteering at the 2025 BWell Race Series and the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by the Urban Racquet Sports Foundation at Garber Courts. Volunteer opportunities bring people together around a shared purpose, while events like pickleball create connection through friendly competition. Both experiences made building relationships in the community feel natural and fun.
Q: What’s one habit or mindset that helps you balance career growth with community involvement?
A: I view career growth and community involvement as interconnected. Keeping my focus on giving back to the community helps me stay balanced and intentional with both.
Q: What’s something outside of work that brings you energy or inspiration and helps you show up as a better leader?
A: Working out. As a former athlete I’ve learned that I perform at my best when my mind is clear. Taking time to work out helps me manage stress, recharge, and return to my work focused and ready to go.
Q: What’s a hidden gem in Saginaw County you enjoy recommending to other young professionals?
A: Imerman Memorial Park. The scenic trail makes it easy to forget you’re in Saginaw, and I enjoy using the space to walk, recharge, and reconnect with myself. It’s the perfect spot to clear your mind and enjoy the outdoors.
Q: If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be and why?
A: Dancing in the Moonlight. It’s my reminder to stay joyful, positive, and enjoy the moment.
Published: January 2026
Thank you to our Chairman's Circle Sponsors
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