Penso was raised in Stuart, Florida, and began refereeing at the age of 14 alongside her older brothers.

She worked in marketing for Coca-Cola and Red Bull until relocating to Ohio to earn a Master of Business Administration in 2015 from the Case Western Reserve University.

Penso later served as a fourth official at several Major League Soccer (MLS) and referee in USL Championship matches, in addition to assignments in the NWSL.

[5][6] In January 2020, Penso was appointed as the managing director of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association.

[3][6] In addition to refereeing, Penso teaches a University of South Florida course in social media and sports.