Brenda Louise Garno is born in Ogdensburg, New York. Her early life and upbringing, while not always widely publicized, laid the foundation for her later creativity and innovative thinking. This period marks the start of her journey towards becoming a prominent game designer.

Brenda began her career in the video game industry in the early 1980s. This was a crucial period, as she gained foundational experience in various roles, learning the intricacies of game development and establishing connections that would shape her future career. Working on titles during the burgeoning arcade and early home console era provided invaluable insights into the creative and technical aspects of game design.