Kristen (Stewart) Brewer '06: The Art of Leadership

Kristen (Stewart) Brewer’s educational journey began at SUNY Corning Community College right after high school, and it eventually brought her back to finish her degree in her 30s. For Kristen, CCC was the obvious choice, both times. “I knew I could receive a high-quality education right in my hometown,” she recalls, “with the flexibility to transfer my credits to any institution I chose for further education beyond my associate degree.” This combination of accessibility and academic excellence drew her to CCC, becoming the foundation for the successful career she would go on to build.

One of the most memorable parts of Kristen’s time at SUNY CCC was her experience in art classes, especially those with Professor Dave Higgins. “He made learning both fun and challenging,” Kristen says, crediting him with reigniting her passion for art. His influence, along with the peaceful beauty of CCC’s campus, left a lasting impression. “I loved walking the campus between classes,” she says, describing it as an inspiring place that complemented her creative growth.

After completing her studies at CCC, Kristen pursued continued education and professional development, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Keuka College’s Accelerated Studies for Adults Program and a Master’s in Management online from American Public University. Not content to stop there, she also took certification courses through Cornell University, honing her skills in social media and marketing to keep pace with the demands of the digital age.

Today, Kristen serves as the Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Town of Erwin, NY, where she oversees community planning, economic growth, and local resource development. Her role involves crafting strategies to promote economic vitality, engaging with community members, managing grants, and coordinating development projects. Prior to her current role, she worked for Corning’s Gaffer District, a non-profit organization focused on enhancing the economic vitality of downtown Corning. At the Gaffer District, Kristen wore many hats, from graphic design and marketing to budgeting, finance, and grant writing. “The foundation I built at CCC helped me discover my interests and passions,” she reflects, “allowing me to recognize my strengths and develop the skills I needed to pursue them.” Kristen credits much of her career success to the foundation laid at CCC.

Looking back on her educational path, Kristen has valuable advice for students considering CCC as a starting point for their education. “Take full advantage of the opportunities it offers,” she says. “CCC provides a solid foundation for your academic and professional future, with supportive faculty and a flexible curriculum that allows you to explore different fields.” Whether students plan to transfer to another institution or dive directly into their careers, Kristen believes CCC equips them with the tools to succeed. She emphasizes the close-knit community and beautiful campus, which she describes as an ideal setting for discovering passions and embarking on the right path.

Kristen’s story highlights the power of education, the importance of community, and the opportunities that await those who start their journey at CCC. Her achievements are a testament to the role SUNY Corning Community College plays in shaping both personal and professional success.