Now working for Deloitte, Kenneth Brewer, ‘17, planted the seed as an Explorer to grow his passion for leadership and innovation. 

Kenneth Brewer, ’17, has always felt a calling to leadership.  

“For me, some people might say it’s a calling,” Brewer said. “I always knew that I would have my hand in something that would impact the lives of others.”   

Even as early as his high school days, Brewer felt called to campaign for student body president at his New York City high school. Prior to the campaign (and victory), Brewer visited a leadership seminar held on La Salle University’s campus. He quickly knew it was where he wanted to continue his education following graduation.  

Now, following a stint as a consultant and business resource group co-chair of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at asset management and consulting firm Mercer in New York, Brewer is working in the New York office of Deloitte—one of the world’s Big Four accounting firms. There, he serves in Deloitte’s consulting arm, specializing in human capital, leadership development, and DEI. The majority of his clients stem from the technology, media, and telecom (TMT) sector. 

For Brewer, who received a bachelor’s degree at La Salle in communication (public relations concentration) with a marketing minor, his current role is the perfect mix of his passions, as he works with clients to set the foundations for better workplaces.  

“When it comes to DEI, I see this intersection as it relates to race, work, and politics—all of these are intertwined,” said Brewer, who serves on La Salle University’s Board of Trustees. “So when I think about leadership development, especially as a Black man in America, this makes sense for my client work because it is an emotional connection for me.”  

Brewer’s work varies client to client, but the core of the work involves creating a DEI strategy including initiatives and programming. “Activating” these goals, Brewer said, utilizes many of his skills including management training, communication, public relations, and marketing.  

“There is a distinct difference between leading and managing. I am dedicated to this work, and I will be dedicated to this work for the rest of my life.”

Leadership development is essential in business, Brewer said, especially in his consulting work.

“There is a distinct difference between leading and managing. I am dedicated to this work, and I will be dedicated to this work for the rest of my life.”  

While studying at La Salle, and working with the people he met here,  Brewer pursued as many leadership opportunities as possible. He served as president of Enactus, a student organization committed to business innovation, and stayed involved in Students’ Government Association, supported fellow students as a resident assistant, and served in student ministry, as just a few examples.  

His years at 20th and Olney, he said, set him on the path to his current role at Deloitte. It was in his second year at La Salle that Brewer was selected to participate in Stanford University’s Innovation Fellowship program along with two other La Salle students, Trans ‘RJ’ Lualhati, ’16 , and Onesimus Morrison, ’16 —an experience he said further shaped his career. Through Stanford’s program, these three La Salle students co-created blueprints for what would become an innovation and maker space on La Salle’s campus, with 3D printers and collaborative learning tools.  

“It was in that moment [at Stanford], I was talking to several university professors and leaders, and I realized, ‘This is similar to consulting,'” Brewer said. “We are problem-solving for the university’s biggest issues. I remember thinking, ‘Hmm. I like problem-solving. I like drafting proposals. I like going through the process of budgeting and making requests for proposals.’” 

La Salle helped cultivate his ability to navigate multiple aspects of a project—skills that have served him well in his professional career.  

“Consulting to me is one of those careers where I’m doing a little bit of everything,” he said. 

In his junior year after a meeting with Communication Associate Professor Michael Smith, Ph.D., Brewer had an introduction to Mercer partner Craig Johnson, M.A. ’01, and Maryellen O’Brien, ’13, two La Salle alumni who encouraged him to apply for a position at the business services firm.  

 “It was due to great networking and timing that I got my job at Mercer, and that’s how my career got started,” Brewer said.  

Brewer also utilizes his professional skills with La Salle’s Board of Trustees. As the youngest board member, the alumnus uses his closeness to present-day student issues to his advantage. When he visits the University, he makes a point to walk around campus and speak with current students prior to his meetings.  

It’s through this routine, he said, that he gains “an energy, spirit, and zeal” for his Board work, — three ideals that have served him well throughout his personal and professional life. 

—Deanna B. Narveson