My name is Africa Allah. As a Black woman, I've had to navigate how my name—and my Blackness—are perceived in the professional world. A client once told me my name could be 'intimidating,' and my initial reaction was that it said more about them than me. But as I've matured, I've started to wonder: Has my name, a declaration of my heritage, been a hindrance to my career growth? This isn't just about a name; it's about the biases we face every day. It's about questioning whether we have to shrink ourselves to fit into spaces that weren't built for us. I'm reclaiming my narrative. My name is Africa Allah, and it's a source of strength, not a barrier. It's a testament to who I am and where I come from, and that is powerful. Have you ever felt like you had to downplay a part of yourself to succeed professionally? Subscribe to my vibe! AfricaAllah.com