Senator Copening was born in Las Vegas, NV in 1964. After graduating from Bonanza High School in 1982, she attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where she received a B.A. in Communication Studies.

Senator Copening has an extensive business background. She launched a full-service marketing and public relations agency, Spotlight Creative. In 1998 she was named a "Top 40 under 40" recipient by the Las Vegas Business Press.  She then moved on to work with Pulte Homes/ Del Webb as the Director of Public Affairs. After four years, she left Pulte Homes to help open the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, a 180-acre cultural and historical attraction celebrating the birthplace of Las Vegas. In 2000 she graduated from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Las Vegas program.

Not only does Senator Copening have a strong business background, but she is also affiliated with many organizations and volunteer groups. She previously served on the boards of the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Kids Voting Nevada, and Corporate Volunteer Council. Currently, she is a two-term trustee with the Desert Research Institute Foundation and a board member for Child Focus, an organization that serves children living in the State foster care system.