KEVIN Brown Jr never imagined that stepping into an internship would change the way he saw himself. Quiet, reserved, and often described as introverted, the second year University of Technology student found comfort in staying behind the scenes. Quiet by nature, not by circumstance, Brown’s personality often led him to observe more than he spoke. Beneath his calm exterior was a young man with an uncommon vision, one that looks far beyond Jamaica’s celebrated beaches and reggae rhythms to a future where the island is recognised as a hub for innovation, powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

For Brown, technology is a calling and a career choice he cannot pass on. As a student pursuing a degree in AI, he dreams of creating solutions that put Jamaica on the global map for new reasons. “I want people to think of Jamaica not only as the home of music and tourism; but also as a place of innovation,” he said quietly but firmly. “I want us to be seen as leaders in technology, problem-solvers, and creators of solutions that matter.”

His story, however, did not begin with confidence. What he carried from home was something different, a foundation of discipline and resilience. His father balanced the demanding responsibilities of farm work with professional duties, teaching Brown that discipline and consistency outweigh talent alone.

“My father is my biggest motivator,” he explained. “No matter how hard the day was, he never complained. He just kept working, kept providing. That’s the kind of resilience I want to bring into my own life.”

That resilience became the foundation that carried him into Red Stripe’s Brewing Success Internship Programme. The internship promised professional development and technical training; what Brown received went far deeper. From his first day, he was challenged to sharpen his skills and to step outside of the comfort zone that had defined so much of his life.

At Red Stripe, Brown learned to troubleshoot IT issues, disassemble and reassemble computers, and strengthen his coding knowledge. What made the experience transformative, however, was the way each task also built his confidence, sharpened his communication, and pushed him to grow as a leader. “Brewing Success gave me experience,” Brown reflected. “It also gave me the courage to speak up, to share my ideas, to believe that what I bring to the table matters.”

There were moments when he surprised even himself; speaking in meetings, offering solutions, and realising that people were listening. For an intern who once struggled to find his voice, those were defining moments. “That’s when I knew I was changing,” he said with a small smile. “I wasn’t the quiet one anymore. I was someone with something to contribute.”

The programme also gave Brown a clearer vision of the role he wants to play in Jamaica’s future. With artificial intelligence rapidly shaping industries across the globe, he believes Jamaica has the potential to lead through innovation, adding technology and problem-solving to its traditional exports. He imagines a Jamaica where homegrown innovation solves real problems, where young minds are nurtured to create. “It’s about solving everyday problems in healthcare, education, agriculture. It’s about using knowledge to improve lives,” added Brown.

Red Stripe’s investment in the Brewing Success Internship made that vision feel attainable. By pairing technical tasks with mentorship and a culture of excellence, the programme showed Brown that the gap between aspiration and achievement is smaller than it seems. The brewery’s approach to development prepared them for life, embedding lessons of resilience, teamwork, and self-belief.

Brown often thinks about how far he has come since those early days of quiet hesitation. His internship journey is proof that transformation doesn’t happen overnight; through consistent challenges, encouragement, and opportunities. Today, he carries himself differently. The once-silent student is now an emerging innovator, ready to step into rooms with confidence and take on the responsibility of shaping solutions for the future.

When asked what he is most proud of, Brown speaks about finding his voice. “The biggest change is that I can share my ideas without holding back. I can contribute, and I know that what I say has value. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

Kevin Brown’s story is about transformation, showing how an internship can reshape both skills and outlook. It is the story of a young man who walked into Red Stripe, reserved and uncertain, and walked out with the confidence to stand tall as both a student of artificial intelligence and a future leader for Jamaica. His journey reflects the heart of the Brewing Success Internship Programme: equipping young people with the tools to succeed while nurturing the belief that their voices, ideas, and dreams matter.