[2] She previously served as executive director of the Alberta Council on Global Co-operation.

[3][4] McPherson attended the University of Alberta where she earned an undergraduate and master's degree in education.

[4][5] McPherson became the candidate for Edmonton Strathcona after incumbent Linda Duncan announced her intentions to retire.

Straying from the party leadership's position, she supported the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.

[7] She was re-elected in 2021, and was appointed the NDP critic for Foreign Affairs in the 44th Canadian Parliament.