Awards: Joint Service Commendation Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device; Army Achievement Medal; Armed Forces Service Medal-Iraq; Texas Federal Service Medal; Texas Faithful Service Medal
A second-year J.D. candidate at St. Mary's University School of Law, she brings a distinguished background in global intelligence operations to her legal career. Most notably, she served as the Lead Intelligence Analyst for Operation Long Island Iced Tea, where she orchestrated the intelligence framework necessary to disrupt DAESH forces on Qanus Island, Iraq. Throughout 2019 and 2020, she spearheaded a portfolio of classified operations, delivering mission-critical insights in high-pressure environments.
From the inception of her military service, she established a consistent trajectory of leadership that defined her entire Army tenure. This commitment to excellence was recognized early in her career when she was named the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Basic Leader Course at Camp Cook, LA—a merit-based distinction awarded to the top-performing leader in the graduating class for both academic and tactical proficiency.
Her commitment to the San Antonio community is defined by her leadership in several key organizations. As an executive officer for the SVA, she ensures the financial and administrative stability of the military-affiliated student body, effectively resolving systemic benefit delays. Simultaneously, she contributes to the local legal landscape through her involvement with First Generation Professionals and the National Trial Team. Her work is uniquely impactful in her collaboration with the Bexar County Conviction Integrity Unit, where she utilizes her legal research and writing expertise to file writs of habeas corpus, directly influencing the administration of justice in Texas.
The people who mean the most to me are the anchors of my ambition and the reminders of who I strive to be. My mom has always been my unwavering foundation, supporting my numerous endeavors and constantly reminding me why I work so hard every day. She is the voice that assures me I am more than enough, inspiring me to live as the best version of myself while always thinking of and helping others. Alongside her, my fiancé has been my ultimate champion throughout the rigors of law school. He is the definition of leadership and support, providing a daily motivation to be better than I was yesterday. His selflessness, passion for developing others, and relentless drive for self-improvement make him the true model of the person I want to be. Together, their belief in me fuels my dedication to a lifetime of service and excellence.
Makayla Slater is a third-year J.D. candidate at St. Mary’s University School of Law, leveraging a distinguished background in global intelligence operations to advance her legal career. A recipient of the prestigious Joint Service Commendation Medal, she previously served as the Lead Intelligence Analyst for Operation Long Island Iced Tea, orchestrating the intelligence framework that successfully disrupted DAESH forces on Qanus Island, Iraq. Throughout 2019 and 2020, she spearheaded a portfolio of classified operations, delivering mission-critical insights in high-pressure environments. Dedicated to the San Antonio community, she serves as an executive officer for the Student Veterans of America (SVA), securing financial stability for military-affiliated students by resolving systemic benefit delays. Her leadership extends to the First Generation Professionals organization, Inspiration Hills HOA Board Director, and her role as Captain of the National Trial Team. Furthermore, she contributes to local justice initiatives through impactful collaboration with the Bexar County Conviction Integrity Unit.
