Walker was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn in Prospect Plaza Houses, a NYCHA development.

[1] She attended New York City Public Schools, including Brooklyn Technical High School, prior to receiving her bachelor's degree at SUNY Purchase College, and her J.D.

Prior to her election to the assembly, Walker served as chief counsel to United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who represents much of the same area in Congress.

Walker is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.

In 2014, Assemblyman William F. Boyland Jr. was found guilty of corruption and was therefore forced to resign.