Makena Patterson is an Associate for TrailRunner International based in Phoenix, Arizona, where she serves clients on matters of ­­corporate communications, executive positioning, consumer public relations, media relations, and crisis preparedness and response. Her work spans a variety of industries, including consumer technology, entertainment, travel, finance, and sports, working with companies ranging from Fortune 500s to startups. Makena also has experience in navigating complex scenarios such as restructurings, M&A transactions, executive leadership changes, IPOs, and sensitive business challenges. She has helped manage consumer campaigns for iconic events, such as the Olympics and Super Bowl.

Makena began her career at TrailRunner International as an intern before joining the team full time as an Analyst in the fall of 2020.

Makena graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. While at Texas A&M, Makena was also a collegiate volleyball player. In her free time, Makena enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog, Bagel.

Tracy Thompson is an Associate for TrailRunner International in New York where she works with clients across a range of industries.

Previously, she worked as an Analyst for TrailRunner International. Before that, she served as a marketing coordinator for CityScape Capital Group, a boutique investment banking firm in Los Angeles, and as a development assistant at Berger Hirschberg Strategies, a national fundraising firm in Washington, D.C.  While in college, Tracy interned at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C and with The Rose Group, a public relations firm in Los Angeles.

Tracy graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

In her free time, Tracy enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring the city.

Ayania Wellington is an Associate based in TrailRunner International’s New York office where she works with clients across a broad range of industries on matters including corporate and financial communications, executive positioning, media relations, brand building, and crisis preparedness and response. She has also worked on high-stakes special situations such as SPAC mergers, M&A transactions, and fund closings.

Prior to joining TrailRunner International, Ayania spent five years serving as the Communications Manager and Academic Advisor for the Kaplan Educational Foundation where she managed internal and external communications, including website content, social media, press inquiries, and communications for various publications. She also coached students and assisted them with scholarships, financial aid, the admissions process, and leadership growth paths for their desired field. Her previous experience includes working as a freelance journalist for a local Brooklyn newspaper.

Ayania earned a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast and digital journalism and African American studies from Syracuse University. In her free time, she enjoys visiting restaurants throughout the world to create content for her food blog and hanging out with her daughter, Atlas.