From Falls Church, Virginia, Makenzie Hymes joins The Department excited to engage with highly motivated students and scholars, alike. A member of the class of 2026, Makenzie’s deep-rooted passion for the African American tradition of equal justice- one present in her own family history- empowers her academic pursuits.

Her upbringing in the D.C. Metropolitan area sparked an interest in politics and community organizing as an avenue of social change. Now, studying African American history pushes her to seek a better understanding of America’s multi-racial democracy. Pursuing a minor in History, Makenzie enjoys working across disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of and policy in the United States. She plans to pursue a J.D. to cultivate a deeper understanding of the intersection of Blackness and the law. With the lifelong goal of retaining Spanish fluency, Makenzie is also pursuing a minor in Spanish Language and Culture.

Outside of her academic life, Makenzie is proud to serve on leadership for Princeton University Ballet. Dancing, choreographing, and planning bi-annual performances cultivate the same appreciation for artistry and creativity that appear in the classroom. An enthusiastic member of the dance community at Princeton, Makenzie has served on leadership for BodyHype Dance Company and performed with Black Arts Company. Makenzie channels her passion for sustainability into digital marketing work for the Office of Sustainability as the leader of the EcoReps social media team.