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.

Brenda worked at Sir-Tech Canada, the developers of the Wizardry series, for much of the 1990s. She contributed to several games in the series, honing her skills in RPG design and working with a team of talented developers. This period was instrumental in solidifying her reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable game designer.

Brenda moved to independent development and consulted for various companies. This allowed her greater creative freedom and control over her projects, enabling her to explore new ideas and experiment with different genres and design approaches. This period marked a significant shift in her career trajectory, paving the way for her more personal and experimental works.

Brenda created the 'Train' board game as part of her 'The Mechanic is the Message' series. This was followed by other analog games such as 'Síochán Leat' (Peace Be With You). These games explored complex social issues through game mechanics, prompting players to confront uncomfortable truths and challenge their own perspectives. This work cemented her reputation as a designer who uses games as a powerful medium for social commentary.

Brenda Brathwaite married John Romero, another legendary figure in the video game industry, known for his work on games like Doom and Quake. This union brought together two of the most respected and influential individuals in the field, creating a power couple in game development.

Brenda received a Fulbright Scholarship to study the game industry in Ireland. This provided her with the opportunity to immerse herself in a different cultural context and gain new perspectives on game development and design. The scholarship allowed her to conduct research, collaborate with local developers, and contribute to the growth of the Irish game industry.

Brenda Romero continued to teach game design at universities. She has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the game industry, working to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and promote a more inclusive and equitable culture. Her advocacy extends beyond gender to encompass race, ethnicity, and other forms of diversity.