Carena received her BA in Political Science from the University of South Carolina and obtained her JD from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law. She has practiced law for over 21 years and served on various boards including: the Greater Raleigh Chapter of NAWBO, her local Women’s Bar (DOWA) and her local District Bar Grievance Committee. She taught for Duke University’s paralegal program and at NCCU School of Law. Carena focuses her law practice, The Lemons Law Firm, PLLC, on employment and entertainment law. She is also an actress and former talk show host.