Vikki Goodwin was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in marketing and government from the University of Texas at Austin in May 1989 and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Texas in May 1991. Goodwin's career experience includes working as the broker and owner of Goodwin & Goodwin Real Estate Inc. and as a systems analyst for the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. She has served as a member of the Austin Board of Realtors, Rotary Club, Austin SW, and the Metropolitan Breakfast Club.