The perspectives of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to MG+M’s core strengths, according to partner Kenneth Costa, a member of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. “People from different walks of life provide different sets of eyes on different problems. That is generally something that the legal profession lacks, but which MG+M understands and actively tries to cultivate.”
Ken grew up in a working-class, blue-collar family descended from immigrant Portuguese grandparents. Having attained success from humble roots, Ken understands the importance of recognizing and elevating the hard work, intellect and character of an individual regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or class. “There is a difference between sympathy and empathy,” he says. “Anyone can give you sympathy. Empathy means understanding and appreciating where people come from and the struggles they have to overcome to get where they are — people who weren’t born with everything handed to them.”
Outside his work with MG+M, Ken strives to give back to the community through his service on the board of directors of Amos House, a nonprofit social services agency that provides hospitality and related services to people who are homeless or living in poverty in Rhode Island.