Jearenna Franklin was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is an army veteran and an advocate for under-served populations.

In 2012, she graduated from San Jose State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology and in 2015, earning a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on mental health which led to earning her clinical license in 2021.

In the mid-1990s, Ms. Franklin worked as a correctional officer by day and earned her Associate degree in legal studies by night. After the events of 9/11, she joined the Army working an assignment as a supply sergeant where she supported soldiers on the front lines of the war in Iraq. After military service, she worked as a wraparound clinician for juvenile probationers and foster care children. Thereafter, she was employed as a psychiatric social worker for Santa Clara County jails working with incarcerated military veterans and individuals dealing with severe mental health issues. Before joining the Stanford Mills Legal Clinic team, Ms. Franklin worked for the Santa Clara County Public Defender and the San Mateo County Private Defender Program.