Makenna McInroy-Gau, MSW Graduate Program Fellow
Makenna grew up in Renton, Washington, and first moved to Bozeman in 2022 to attend Montana State University. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2025, developing a strong interest in understanding people, relationships, and the ways communities support individual well-being. After graduation, she briefly returned home to Washington before realizing that Montana had become the place she wanted to build her future. She recently moved back and is excited to put down roots in the community she has grown to love.
Outside of work, school, and Befrienders, Makenna enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether she’s horseback riding on local trails, national parks or trails in different states, hiking with her dog, or gathering with friends, she values the connection, balance, and perspective that come from being active and engaged with the people and places around her. She is also pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) through the University of Denver, a program she began in September 2025 and expects to complete in Fall 2027. Her graduate studies continue to deepen her understanding of human development, advocacy, and the importance of building meaningful connections across all stages of life.
While Makenna has long envisioned a career working with children and young adults, her experience at Befrienders has opened her eyes to the profound value of relationships with older adults. She has discovered a passion for learning from their experiences, honoring their stories, and helping create opportunities for connection and belonging. Through her role, she hopes to strengthen community ties, support individuals in meaningful ways, and contribute to positive change that extends far beyond a single interaction.
“One of my favorite parts of this work is realizing how much we can learn from one another. I may be early in my career, but I’m excited to keep growing, building relationships, and making a positive impact wherever I can.”
