Dakota was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida where she graduated from Osceola Fundamental High School in 2020. She graduated from Florida State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a minor i Crime Scene Investigation. In May of 2026, she graduated from Emory University School of Law with her Juris Doctorate and a concentration in Criminal Litigation. While in law school, she was the Vice President of Student Life for Emory Student Bar Association and was the Director of Finances for Emory Law Mock Trial. While in Mock Trial, she was able to compete in California, Georgia, Virginia and New York. She was also named a Kessler-Eidson Scholar, an honor awarded to the top students in the senior class in recognition of their exceptional oral advocacy skills, and was awarded "Cross-Examination Queen" by class vote. During her final year of law school, she interned at the Dekalb Public Defenders Office, gaining courtroom experience under the "Third Year Practice Act".

In her free time, Dakota enjoys hanging out with her Fiancé and cat Toby. She is also an avid reader, averaging 30 books a year."