Meet Makenna, Grant Halliburton Foundation’s development intern for the summer.
Born in Dallas, Makenna is entering her Sophomore year at Parish Episcopal School, a high school in Dallas, Texas. Shes passionate about music, fashion, education, mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy, and making a difference in youth mental health in Dallas-Fort Worth. During her time with the Foundation, Makenna is gaining hands-on experience in development, donor relations, and supporting the Mental Health Education team.
Here are 10 things to know about Makenna!
1. What was your first job?
My internship at Grant Halliburton Foundation is my first job! So far, I’ve enjoyed it immensely. I’ve been able to oversee and learn more about the Foundation’s programs and volunteer opportunities that have an impact on the DFW community. I’ve also worked on spreadsheets and on the donor database, which was entirely new for me.
2. What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is watching reality TV and game shows. “Love Island UK” has influenced how I spend my weekends, which typically involves eating cookies and watching television for most of the day, and has also shaped my perspective on romance.
3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Even though I’m still a teenager, I’d continue to tell myself to follow my dreams and passions without worrying about other people’s judgment. It’s important to be yourself. Life is too short to worry about people’s opinions!
4. What’s your favorite movie scene and why?
Being a movie fanatic, I have many favorite movie scenes. However, one scene in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is when Gwen confronts her father months later, after reacting negatively to discovering her secret identity.
Overall, the visual storytelling, achieved through the use of color switching and various art styles in the scene, makes it highly impactful and appealing. Changing the primary colors from blue to pink after Gwen and her dad hug highlights the extreme emotion in the scene. Additionally, Gwen's vulnerability and self-doubt contrast significantly with the beginning of the movie, where she concealed her feelings from everyone, including Miles.
5. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was born as a premature baby, two to three months before my expected date. This came with many complications for me and my family. I was born two pounds, two ounces, and the size of my mom's hand. I spent around three months in the NICU. It was a miracle to my family that I survived. Being born early came with its struggles, like growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and sensory eating disorder. Still, almost 16 years later, I'm proud to say I'm thriving!
6. What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“The Chaotic Life of Makenna Murfin: Being a Mental Health Advocate and a Hopeless Romantic”
7. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I love playing piano, guitar, and singing. I'm in a band at my high school called Essential Standards. I'm a vocalist and keyboardist, and I thoroughly enjoy performing for an audience. It brings my confidence level to the max. I also enjoy reading books, watching TV, listening to music, researching various topics, and participating in tumbling and cheerleading!
8. What are the top three TV shows you’re watching right now?
Currently, my top three TV shows are "Love Island UK" (Season 8), "Orange Is the New Black," and "Sweet Tooth.”
9. Where’s your favorite travel destination and why?
I have two favorite destinations: New York City and Coachella Valley.
New York City has always had a special place in my heart. My family and I would go on vacation there and used to attend theater performances and musicals in New York every night. Last summer was a challenging one, and I was unable to travel at all due to conflicts. So, my uncle and aunt offered to take me to New York for a week to do whatever I wanted. Of course, I accepted and had an amazing time visiting important NYC locations, shopping, and attending various performances. I even met Lady Gaga's father!
Last April, I had the opportunity to attend the Coachella Music Festival with my mom and uncle. It was truly the most amazing live music concert I have ever attended, featuring various performances from diverse genres, including Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone. It was an amazing experience. I would love to go to Coachella and experience it all over again!
10. Why is Grant Halliburton Foundation’s mission important to you?
In 2021, not only was my mental health in shambles, but so were my peers, with some even having attempted suicide. COVID-19 had a significant impact on all of us. I became a strong mental health advocate, supporting my peers in crisis and offering them guidance and advice. Mental health became something I was intensely passionate about and want to pursue as a future career.
In 2024, I won a school competition that awarded $10,000 to a nonprofit of my choice to implement a student-led initiative. I chose the Grant Halliburton Foundation because of its values, and I created the Early Risers program, which aims to educate elementary school students on mental health literacy and promote emotional well-being at an early age. This is achieved through classroom activities such as drawing, painting, and journaling, as well as implementing a designated "Calm Corner" with fidget toys and books. Additionally, mental health educators are brought into the classroom to educate youth about mental health.
Grant Halliburton Foundation's mission is so vital in today's world, with suicide rates increasing each year. However, the Foundation's programs have worked towards reducing the mental health stigma around the Dallas-Fort Worth Community. Their mission will change the world around us.
