Reclaiming the “Witch” Narrative—With a Personal Twist

Did you know that as a kid, I was nicknamed “witch”? 😅 Not because I was casting spells or brewing potions, but because of… a chicken gizzard. Yes, you read that right.

In my community, chicken gizzards were traditionally reserved for men. One day, someone accused me of eating it (I didn’t, by the way!), and before I knew it, the name “witch” stuck. It followed me for years. Thankfully, I found it more ridiculous than hurtful, but looking back, I can’t help but think about how easily narratives can take hold—and how they’re often shaped by gender and cultural norms.

The funny thing is, that nickname didn’t change how I saw myself. But it did make me realize how often powerful women—or women perceived as breaking societal rules—are labeled as “witches.” Historically, witches were vilified for knowledge, independence, or simply refusing to conform. Meanwhile, wizards (usually men) were celebrated for their wisdom and power.

Fast forward to today, and I see echoes of this in my work in cross-cultural awareness and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). How often do we see women and other marginalized groups dismissed or demonized for qualities celebrated in others? How often do cultural narratives shape how we view leadership, power, and even fairness?

The truth is, labels like “witch” or “wizard” carry more than just historical baggage—they reflect deep-seated biases. But we have the power to rewrite those narratives.

For me, that means embracing my own “witchy” energy (because hey, who doesn’t love a little magic?) while helping others break free from outdated labels. Whether through storytelling, cultural understanding, or challenging workplace biases, we can create spaces where everyone’s power is recognized and valued.

✨ So, here’s to all the “witches” out there—the rule-breakers, the visionaries, the ones who dare to be different. Let’s reclaim the word and the narrative. After all, a chicken gizzard might’ve started it for me, but rewriting the story? That’s where the real magic happens.

#DiversityEquityInclusion #CulturalAwareness #ReclaimingPower #Storytelling #Leadership #BreakingBias #RewriteTheNarrative