Women’s History Month Focus – Lahla-Hadiya Castro

The Lyfe Magazine is celebrating Women’s History Month in a very special way this year. Each Wednesday of this month we will feature one of our female Board of Directors. Each of these women is making history now that will be recognized for years to come.

We believe you will not only enjoy reading their stories but be inspired as well.

This week, let us introduce you to Lahla-Hadiya Castro.

I had the pleasure of meeting the Castro family in 2016 and have been amazed with their kindness, talent and love for the Lord. Lahla and I co-wrote the songs for the movie version of my book Standing Firm (One Family’s Fight Against Domestic Violence). Recently appoint to the Board of Directors, Lahla has proven to be a valuable asset already.

Lahla is an internationally recognized Neo-Soul/R&B recording artist. She was born to Rev. Carl C. Craighead, Sr. & Leuvenia Hines Craighead.

A native Washingtonian, she experienced some family hardships such as being homeless during her early childhood. However, this didn’t stop her from being an honor student, graduating with two honor diplomas from Parkdale Senior High School.

Lahla’s father was a private contractor by profession and a pastor by spiritual calling. Her mother taught in schools for over 35 years and is a professional singer and a missionary evangelist. Her parent’s teachings led to Lahla setting goals very early in life.

Lahla started singing when she was just four years old. She began her professional singing career at the end of high school, along with modeling and fashion design. She performed at the Howard Theater, Bohemian Caverns, Carter Baren Amphitheatre, Twinz Jazz, Carnegie Hall and Apollo. She also performed with a local police department’s ‘Side-by-Side’ band.

One of the most impressive things about Lahla is how well versed she is in many areas. She competed in the Miss America Pageant during her 2^nd year of college while pursuing her college degree in education at the University of Maryland, College Park. After which she became a police officer with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. As a police officer she professionally trained in Taekwondo, close-quarter combat and active shooter. She is also rifle and motorcycle trained. Lahla expanded her police career by joining the department’s Focus Mission Unit, where she was a part of the Narcotics and Prostitution Unit.

Currently, Lahla is a licensed Life, Health, Home and Auto insurance agent; a contract and grant writer; and the Chief Financial Officer for a non-profit organization in Washington, DC. As if that were not enough, Lahla is also the owner and Co-CEO of J-Lah Productions, LLC where she partners with her husband, famed bassist Johnnie Castro. She specializes in artist management/development, vocal coaching and vocal arrangement.

What I enjoy most about Lahla is her transparency in relation to her walk with Christ. She is a “Child of God and attributes her prosperity and success with being a committed tither. She acknowledges God as the Center of her life.

Lahla is a wife and mother of six children ranging in ages 2 to 17 years old. Each of her school-aged children are honor students, and she coached two of her children towards stardom. One of her children has been to Hollywood as a sought-after actress/singer and the other who has appeared in several talent showcases.

During this pandemic season Lahla has not only remained relevant with her own music career as an artist, businesswoman, Internet TV show host and business owner but, she also homeschools her children; one of whom is Autistic.

Lahla continues to uplift and encourage all those she meets. Her favorite scripture: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) keeps her going in her life’s journey.

Be sure to check out Lahla-Hadiya’s music on all streaming platforms.