Givan received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Miles College in 1992 and her Juris Doctor from Miles Law School in 1996. Following her education, she began her career in public service as a Political Appointee serving as an Administrative Cabinet Member to Birmingham's first African American Mayor, Dr. Richard Arrington Jr., where she was responsible for Capital Projects and Development in the City Center. She later served as a HOPE VI Coordinator for the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District HOPE VI Revitalization Projects at Metropolitan Gardens and Tuxedo Court. In this role, she oversaw the transformation of blighted public housing communities into revitalized neighborhoods.

In 2004, Givan founded Givan & Associates, a law firm offering services in governmental relations, business disputes, estate planning, and program management consulting. She also leads That Girl Inc., an organization focused on public speaking and mentorship. Before her election to the state legislature, Givan provided political commentary and analysis for the Birmingham View Television, which aired on WABM My/68.

Givan was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2010 and has been re-elected in subsequent elections, including in 2018 when she defeated Le'Darius Hilliard in the Democratic primary with 75.9% of the vote, and in 2022 when she defeated J.P. French in the general election with 89.4% of the vote. Throughout her legislative career, she has served on several committees, including the Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee, the Fiscal Responsibility Committee, and the Jefferson County Legislation Committee.

Her legislative work has included bills addressing postpartum depression education, municipal firearm regulations, and administrative filing fees for expungements. In 2017, Givan highlighted racial disparities during a debate on marijuana possession laws, an exchange that drew broader media attention. She has also supported calls for investigations into policing practices in Brookside, Alabama.

In 2021, Givan was elected as the National President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL), expanding her leadership beyond Alabama and into national politics. She has also been active in the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, serving on its Executive Committee.

In January 2025, Givan announced her candidacy for Mayor of Birmingham, positioning herself as a challenger to incumbent Mayor Randall Woodfin. Her campaign has focused on issues such as crime reduction, clean neighborhoods, affordable housing, and job creation. She officially launched her campaign in March 2025 with a rally at the Four Seasons Bar and Grill, where she emphasized the need for change in the city's leadership and management.

Givan is recognized for her community involvement through various organizations, including the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (Omicron Omega Chapter), Tri-County Chapter of the Links Incorporated, and the Museum of Urban Arts. She also served as the inaugural 2010 Chair for the United Negro College Fund's "For the Love of Learning Masked Gala".

Throughout her career, Givan has received several awards, including Freshman Legislator of the Year in 2010, Legislator of the Year in 2014, NAACP Woman of the Year in 2014, and the Margaret Tucker Humanitarian of the Year Award. She continues to balance her legislative duties with her law practice and community advocacy work, focusing on improving the quality of life for citizens in her district and throughout Alabama.