Barbara Givens was born in California, grew up in Reno, Nevada, and moved to Las Vegas in 1952 with her family when she was 14 years old. Her father ran a small construction business here in Vegas until he retired about 15 years ago. Her brother Steve and his children live in Vegas also. Barbara graduated from Las Vegas High School and enrolled in the first matriculated teacher's program at the Southern Regional Division of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (now known as UNLV). Barbara was involved in organizing the first "Rebel Yell", school dances in Las Vegas, and other collegiate activities in Reno. In her senior year, she returned to Las Vegas High to complete her student teaching. After graduation, Barbara was assigned to Rancho High School to teach biology. She left after a year and a half because she had married and was expecting her first child. At that point in time, Clark County School District did not allow pregnant women to remain in the classroom. Fifteen years later she returned to the classroom, this time at Chaparral High. Concurrently, Barbara entered the Master's in Education program at UNLV, and graduated in 1980. Barbara has always loved to travel and has experienced many wonderful trips to exotic places around the world. In retirement, she assists with special events at Hamm Hall and Judy Bailey Theater, goes on-line to offer her services as a biology tutor to high school students, and continues to plan exciting trips abroad. She also indulges in her favorite hobby - attending Star Trek conventions and collecting Star Trek memorabilia.

The dormant Fontainebleau Las Vegas on the Strip as seen from the air. The Fontainebleau was announced as the Las Vegas version of a classic Miami Beach hotel. Construction started in 2007, and stopped in 2009. In November of that year, financier Carl Ichan purchased the unfinished Fontainebleau out of bankruptcy. The following year, he sold off the fittings and furnishings purchased for the hotel. In late 2015, the Fontainebleau was listed as being for sale.