2025 wasn’t just a good year for me.

It was life-changing.

It was a shift,a true paradigm shift, in how I see myself, my work, and what’s possible. Some moments felt surreal. Others felt grounding. All of them carried the same through-line: growth through transformation.

Entering Tech, and Being Seen

One of the most meaningful experiences of the year was being featured by AWS Educate. They documented and shared my journey into tech across their platforms, YouTube, LinkedIn, and social channels, alongside others navigating similar paths. It wasn’t just visibility; it was validation. A reminder that stories like mine belong in tech.

From Internship to Full-Time

Another defining milestone was joining Global Digital Needs Agency (g/d/n/a). What began as an internship turned into a full-time role, something I’m deeply proud of. I’ve now been with the company for a year, and the experience has reshaped how I think about business, technology, and collaboration.

I’ve explored roles as a business catalyst and community liaison, while steadily leaning into more technical and programming-oriented work. One of my favorite parts is listening in on calls with engineers, hearing what they’re building for clients across the world. The curiosity, the problem-solving, the global perspective, it’s inspiring. The team has been incredibly supportive, and that environment has made all the difference.

Finding My Voice, The PowerShift Podcast

In 2025, I launched the PowerShift Podcast. I’ve released several episodes, some experimenting with conversations involving AI, others laying the groundwork for more solo reflections. This podcast is a space to explore perspective shifts, resilience, and growth. I’m excited to continue evolving it and to join other podcasts to share ideas and experiences.

AWS re:Invent, Being Present in the Energy

Traveling to Las Vegas for AWS re Invent was another highlight. One of the largest tech conferences in the world, and I went with no expectations. My goal was simple: be present.

That presence paid off. I absorbed the keynotes, the conversations, and the excitement of builders from all over the globe. I met people from different companies, cultures, and backgrounds, all unified by curiosity and innovation. Sometimes learning doesn’t come from doing, it comes from being in the room.

Using My Voice, Washington, D.C. & FAMM

Another powerful moment in 2025 was traveling to Washington, D.C. for Lobby Day with FAMM. I had the honor of serving as a speaker, representing underserved communities and people who too often don’t have a voice.

Meeting with congressmen, senators, and their staff, I wasn’t just sharing my story, I was showing what change looks like. I spoke about rehabilitation, opportunity, and second chances. I emphasized that there are many more people like me, many more “Brian Rowes” who deserve access to the same pathways forward. That experience reminded me that progress also happens face-to-face, in conversations that humanize policy.

A Goal Set, A Goal Achieved

I also set a clear personal goal for 2025: earn my AWS Cloud Practitioner certification. I followed through and became an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.

This wasn’t just about passing an exam. It was about discipline, consistency, and validating the knowledge I’ve been building through real-world exposure. Becoming certified with Amazon Web Services marked another step forward and laid a strong foundation for what’s next.

Life Beyond Tech, Marriage & Community

2025 was also deeply personal. I married my beautiful wife, Kimberly Rowe, and that alone reshaped my sense of purpose and grounding.

At the same time, I continued serving as a community leader with the AWS User Group Charleston. Each month, we bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and students to talk AWS products, app building, and, most importantly, the perseverance and resilience required to build anything meaningful. Trial. Error. Adjustment. Growth. Community makes that process richer.

Looking Ahead

2025 was pivotal. It expanded my vision, strengthened my confidence, and deepened my appreciation for community, learning, and patience.

I’m stepping into 2026 with clarity, gratitude, and momentum.

This wasn’t just a good year.

It was a foundation.

And I’m only getting started. ~ Brian