Deborah Brewster
Deborah Brewster is the Founder and Guiding Voice of The Keyy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by diabetes. Inspired by the life and legacy of her daughter, Keyy, Deborah leads the foundation with vision, compassion, and purpose. She oversees organizational strategy, community outreach, and partnerships, ensuring that every initiative reflects dignity, equity, and practical support for those navigating the challenges of diabetes.
With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration and Management from Everest University-Tampa, Deborah combines her academic background with hands-on nonprofit leadership to guide organizational development and program implementation. She emphasizes sustainable leadership, mentoring the board, and creating initiatives that foster safe spaces, emotional support, and community connections. Her work bridges lived experience with professional expertise, providing families with access to resources, educational materials, and practical assistance through initiatives like diabetic support kits.
Deborah’s personal journey fuels her professional mission. After losing her daughter Keyy to complications from Type 1 diabetes, she transformed her grief into action, founding The Keyy Foundation to ensure no family faces the isolation and financial strain that her family experienced. Through collaborations with local nonprofits, healthcare providers, and community partners, she has built a growing network of support, raising awareness and providing tangible resources for families in crisis. Her leadership is defined by empathy, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to honoring Keyy’s legacy through service.
• Everest University-Tampa - BASc
• Dignity Home Health
• Victorious
• United Way
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep personal passion for the foundation and the impact it has on the diabetic community—a cause that became profoundly personal after the loss of my daughter to diabetes. This experience instilled in me a strong sense of purpose, which, combined with my business education, guidance from mentors, and active engagement in community networking, has fueled my drive and early progress.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from two key sources. My pastor provided practical guidance on 501(c)(3) compliance, while a mentor generously walked me through the initial nonprofit formation process. Their support gave me the confidence and knowledge to navigate the complexities of launching and running a nonprofit successfully.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now include limited funding and public recognition as a new nonprofit, personal health-related limits on public speaking, and navigating digital verification and visibility. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to build partnerships with established organizations and leverage third-party platforms to enhance credibility and reach a broader audience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are compassion, honesty, and a commitment to serving others. Central to everything I do is honoring the legacy of my daughter, which inspires and shapes the impact I strive to make every day.
Locations
The Keyy Foundation
Indianapolis, IN 46224