Chapter 2025

This year, there’s been a lot of talk about Project 2025. But this post— It’s about my 2025— the next chapter of my life, more specifically, my 30th.

I like to think of myself as the queen of manifestation, having brought several dreams to life. For example, I’ve scaled and sold a seven-figure, VC-backed startup, and—more thrillingly—I met Beyoncé this year. (Yes, THE Beyoncé. And yes, I’ll find every excuse to mention it because, honestly, I’m still processing. 🤯).

Call it the law of attraction, divine alignment, or the universe at work—who really knows for sure? What I do know is this: you can’t receive what you don’t define.

So, here we are, on this frigid December day in NYC, 2024, defining my Chapter 2025. If the conservative right-wing can draft a 920-page manifesto to restructure the entire federal government, then surely I can publicly declare what I want for my life in 2025, and maybe you will too.

The Magic of Two-Words

Before diving into my 2025 vision, let me share a ritual that’s shaped my journey so far. I've developed a yearly tradition of setting two words as my guiding intention. This practice has been central to my personal growth, helping me ruthlessly prioritize and evolve into the person I aspire to be. Here's a glimpse into my past intentions:

1. 2024 - Healthy & Focus

2. 2023 - Audacious & Homecoming

3. 2022 - Clarity & Confidence

4. 2021 - Better Habits

Each year has somehow managed to outshine the last— a testament to the transformative power of intention-setting.

Typically, I wait until January to define my two words, but this feels different. 2025 isn’t just any year—it’s a milestone. I’m starting a new chapter in my career, on a new coast, and stepping into my 30s. More than that, I'm intentionally setting the tone for the person I’ll be in the next decade.

As I reflect on the year ahead, I can feel it—something has changed within me.

The Shift Within: Wickedly Empowered

Unlike the fresh-eyed new grad I was a decade ago, I now possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. I've accomplished things I once only dreamed of.  I know things now. I’ve done things now. While there's still an infinite amount for me to learn and achieve, I'm no longer a blank slate. This realization brings both boundless potential and a whole lot of confidence, but it also demands a radical shift in mindset.

Looking back, I’d argue my twenties were fueled by naiveté and optimism. Now, I'm armed with confidence, experience, and a rock-solid foundation. (Shoutout to my coach, Lisa, for helping me realize this). Instead of approaching 2025 with caution, I feel emboldened. Empowered. One might even say Wickedly so. 🧹

So, what does Chapter 2025 look like? If you’ve been following along, you might have already picked up on the clues.

The answer: Wicked and Unlimited. 🧙🏾‍♀️

Yes, I saw Wicked twice already, and while it started as a playful nod, Virginia Woolf’s 1928 words come to mind:

So, What do I Mean by Wicked ?

For me, it’s not just a playful reference; it’s about tapping into the powers I’ve cultivated over the years to challenge systems, build the future, and ensure that people like me are represented in it.

From a young age, I've been driven by a passion for balancing inequities and disrupting the status quo. This passion led me to pursue a career in tech over a decade ago when I saw a documentary about how few people like me were shaping the industry of the future. I was mesmerized by how code touched everything around me, and at that moment, I knew I had to try it.

I’ve told this origin story countless times. But recently, as I’ve reflected on it, I realized something striking: history is repeating itself—this time with AI.

Throughout my career, I've dedicated myself to computer science, software engineering, product development, helping others break into tech, and building and scaling a tech startup.

Looking ahead to the next decade, I’m challenging myself to think bigger, reach further, and scale beyond edtech. I’m determined to be at the vanguard of AI innovation, leveraging my skills and experience to drive business and shape the future.

This year brought challenges I never anticipated. I began 2024 fully expecting to co-found another company, but the universe had other plans. And yet, despite being nothing like I envisioned, this year far exceeded my hopes for personal growth. It was a powerful reminder that while you can’t always predict how your journey will unfold, setting clear intentions and defining our goals can set the wheels of change in motion, propelling us towards the outcomes we desire.

As I step into 2025, I invite you to reflect on the powers you've cultivated—the unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that have shaped you. What audacious dreams will guide you through the coming year? Your Chapter 2025 is yours to write, and you hold the pen. 🖋️ Here’s mine:

Erika Alexandra’s Chapter 2025: A Year of Wicked Abundance

• A year of writing

• A year of being unapologetically me

• A year of endless learning

• A year of building the future

• A year of joy

• A year of intuition and innovation

• A year of laughter

• A year of new connections

• A year of confidence

• A year of growth