Her Story
About Brenda
Brenda Livingston, MBA, is a Human Resources Consultant II at Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she specializes in employee relations, workplace culture, and compliance. Since beginning her human resources career in 2018, she has built a well-rounded career across healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education.
In her current role, Livingston manages employee relations investigations, performance management, EEO oversight, ADA accommodations, conflict resolution, training, and policy compliance. As a Certified Mediator for the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources, she is committed to fostering positive workplace environments through collaboration, fairness, empathy, and effective communication.
Prior to joining Winston-Salem State University, Livingston advanced through a series of progressively responsible human resources roles at IFB Solutions, serving as Human Resources Representative, Human Resources Generalist, Senior Human Resources Generalist, Human Resources Manager, and HR Compliance Manager. She began her professional career at Horizons Residential Care Center, where she worked in direct care and quality improvement before transitioning into human resources. These experiences have provided her with a broad perspective on workforce development, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness across multiple industries.
Livingston earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2012 and a Master of Business Administration from Winston-Salem State University in 2018. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and enjoys giving back through volunteer service in her community.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Livingston serves as a 2026 Delegate for the Ms. Full-Figured North Carolina Pageant, where she proudly represents her platform, “Redefining Resilience: Life Beyond Scleroderma.” Inspired by her own journey with scleroderma, she is passionate about raising awareness of autoimmune diseases and encouraging others to embrace resilience, persevere through adversity, and recognize that life’s challenges do not define their future.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brenda
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my strong support system, the values instilled in me from an early age, and the drive and resilience that have shaped my journey.
Above all, I give glory to God for His grace, guidance, and faithfulness through every season of my life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be a sponge—soak up as much knowledge as possible. I make it a point to learn from those who have come before me, seek guidance from mentors, and remain curious, humble, and open to continuous growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't limit yourself. If there's something you truly want, pursue it with confidence and determination. Never be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance, and don't let adversity or the limiting beliefs of others define your potential. Believe in yourself, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and keep moving forward with purpose.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is helping people connect and grow while contributing to the success of my organization. The biggest challenge is staying ahead of evolving employment laws and regulations while continuing to effectively support employees.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, kindness, understanding, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. I also believe in treating everyone with empathy, recognizing that each person's journey is unique, and listening to their story without judgment.
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