Brenda is a first-generation college student who began her postsecondary journey at College of the Canyons. There she earned an Associate of Science in Biological Science and transferred to CSU Channel Islands. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from CSU Channel Islands, and a Master of Science in Counseling with a Career Emphasis from CSU, Sacramento.

Most recently, Brenda served as counselor for the First Year Institute Program at Mendocino College. She has worked in higher education since 2014 and previous experience includes Bilingual Admissions Counselor at CSU Channel Islands, Graduate Advisor Intern at the Internship and Career Center at UC Davis, College Advisor for the Sacramento County Office of Education and Success Coach for Sierra College's RISE program.