Even as there is a growing recognition for the need for representation, there are still many cases where folks will find themselves as the only person in a room representing their particular demographic – and often there is pressure to perform in such contexts to prove competence not just for yourself but for everyone who is like you. The burden and the stress of being the “representer” is real, and so we wanted to create a space where folks can discuss who they go about ensuring they are effective and successful even in contexts where no one else on the team or in the room is like them.
Bucky Yaqub
As a queer Pakistani that had no connections or money, “making it” or being “successful” within the creative industry was always going to be difficult. I learned to however use my unique point of view to my advantage. Growing up in Surrey, no one inspired me like I inspired myself, whether it was through my bold fashion choices or my outspoken personality. Read more>>
Dr. Van Bailey
I have learned to leverage my power in those spaces. Even though, I may be the only person who may look like myself or have one aspect of identity that is most salient in that space, I still try to find points of connection to people. Read more>>
Lowray
The producer community is only 2% female, so I’m very used to being the only woman in these kinds of circles. I’ve learned that the best thing I can do in these situations is to continuously be a team player and let my craft do the talking. I’ve grown to be confident in my skillset and I know that any room I’m in is one that I’m supposed to be in. Read more>>
Candice Colbert
For much of my career, I worked in computer animation and video games. I currently work in new media including work in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. These tech heavy fields have historically been dominated by the fellas, and I found I was often the only or one of the few women computer artists in the studios where I worked. Read more>>
Liv Moore
There is a unique sense of overwhelming freedom that comes with being a pioneer in the world of wedding ceremonialists in the United States as a pagan wedding officiant. The push back from the greater majority of people has had it’s moments, to be sure, leaving me feeling as downtrodden and misunderstood… and in some cases, as unsafe, as the people for whom I do this very thing. Read more>>
Meera Agarwalla
Being the only one in the room can often feel isolating and unnerving. It can cause fear and anxiety. I felt this way for a long time too. But over time, I realized that when you embrace your own experience and authenticity, you speak from a platform of confidence and empowerment. Being different, whether it’s in looks or in diversity in thought is a superpower. Read more>>
Dr Denocka Wardrick
When you think of a scientist normally the thoughts that come to mind is a white lab coat a pocket protector maybe somebody wearing glasses however that was never the case with me I was always more likely to be in a NY fitted cap, sweatpants and timberland boots for the most part. Read more>>
Kayla Taitt
Being “the only one in the room” is a common phenomenon as a young black woman in the U.S., especially within the niches of this industry that I find myself drawn to. It can feel intimidating at times, but I have actually developed a new relationship with it. Read more>>
Dr. K.C. Fox
Navigating being the only one in the room as a double minority can be challenging. 1. Building a strong support network internally and externally 2. Mastering focusing on my unique strengths 3. I embraced my individuality and used it as a source of strength. Read more>>
Rise Powell
As the only one in the room who looks like me, I’ve come to understand that being an outlier is not a hindrance but a canvas for resilience and success. Let me take you on a journey through the maze of my experiences, where being the sole representative has become a testament to the power of authenticity and determination. Read more>>
Chamcee Blackwell
Navigating spaces where you’re the only one who looks like you can present unique challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your resilience and leadership. As a successful 29-year-old Black man, here are some insights on how I’ve learned to be effective in such situations: Read more>>
Stephanie Green
In the scenario of being the only one in the room who looks like me, I have cultivated effectiveness and success by embracing my uniqueness. Building connections with others based on mutual understanding and respect has also been crucial in fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Additionally, maintaining a confident and open-minded approach allows me to navigate challenges and showcase the strengths that come with my individuality. Read more>>
Barbara Exposito-Fernandez
As I grew in Corporate America, especially in the lateral years of my Corporate America tenure, I was typically one of a handful of women in the room. As a woman, especially in Corporate America, we have been trained that we have to be in our masculine energy. That we have to push really hard in order to have a seat at a table and you have to fight to have your voice heard. Read more>>
Kathy Lofton
Over the course of both my collegiate and job careers, I found myself being the only African American– and sometimes the only female– in the room on many occasions. I took a couple of undergraduate college classes where I was the only Black. Success there was simply sticking it out and not giving in to instances of racism or condescening treatment. This was received from fellow students and even professors. Read more>>
Hannan Hussain
As a first-generation college student, an international student, and often the youngest founder at entrepreneurship events, I’ve consistently been the outlier. My journey is marked by a series of firsts: from being the first in my circle to study in the U.S. to becoming the first CEO in my family. Read more>>
Shaghayegh Cyrous
Navigating the role of being the sole Iranian in many workplace settings presents a unique set of challenges, along with its own advantages and disadvantages. The intriguing aspect lies in my ability to introduce a fresh perspective to the space, fostering the exchange of ideas. Read more>>
Marcus Belgrove
As a Black American, I am often the only person of color in various situations. But rather than being discouraged, I find empowerment in challenging outdated narratives on race, classism, and social stigmas.Every experience is an opportunity to learn from others and contribute our best. Communication is key, and I am committed to effective communication, both personally and professionally, to make a meaningful impact on people and communities, regardless of race or social status. Read more>>
Shaylan Miller
OllieAnne Co started in June 2020 in the height of the pandemic as a creative escape from my day job in banking. As I set out on this journey, I told myself if this ever stops being enjoyable and begins to feel like a burden, I need to step back and re-analyze. Read more>>
Dina Kleiman
I love this question! I have fluorescent yellow hair, so I am always the only one in the room who looks like me. To answer your question, how others perceive my appearance is really none of my business. Other people’s opinions do not affect my capacity to get things done or succeed in my chosen field. Read more>>
Ayah Adventurer
As a minority, you have to be aware that you belong anywhere in the world you want to be, even if some may try to make you feel otherwise. When you have that understanding, you know the only thing you really need to do is be yourself. I am confident in my abilities and know that the perspective I bring to any situation is valuable. Read more>>
Ama Appiah
I was blessed to be the daughter of a mother who was fearless in the face of racial and gender discrimination. I am also the daughter of an immigrant father who faced racial discrimination in various forms. These two people always told me that I was the most intelligent, brilliant and creative person on the planet. Read more>>
Taylor Borton
That’s exactly it, be you. Artists are full of similarities in the music business. We’re creative, driven, expressive, competitive at times. You have to take all of that and find a way to stand out, to be unique. Once you feel a little uncomfortable, to me that’s a good sign you’re breaking out and being different. I believe being different leads you to success. Read more>>
Krystina Bailey Brawer
Being the only one in the room that looks like me, I have learned to be effective/successful because I don’t allow that to limit me. In certain rooms, I am aware that I am the only African American female in that space but my race or sex has nothing to do with why I’m in that room. If I ever do get intimidated, I remind myself that I am in that room for the same reason everyone else is in that room and then I proceed with my mission. Read more>>
Jennifer McPherson
I remember time in my academic and professional career when being the only Black person in the room made me uncomfortable and exacerbated my feelings of imposter syndrome. It was something that I dealt with for years in classrooms, trainings, meetings, almost anywhere that I went pertaining to the mental health field. Read more>>
Grace Tong
As a dancer, the audition room has always been a particularly challenging landscape for me. For those who have never attended a dance audition or even sports tryout, I might describe it as the ultimate group interview during which you are judged by your physical abilities and “look”. Read more>>
Alan Goodman
My parents goal was to raise children who were educated and confident with a heart for service. They raised my siblings and I with a focus on education, social justice and cultural awareness. They fought to get us enrolled in the best schools in Pennsylvania and provided opportunities for our personal growth through church and other clubs and activities. Read more>>
Pixie Mag
I’ve always looked at being the only one in the room that looks like me as like a super power. My style is authentic & I look at it as a distinct selling point. I’ve always been a pariah, growing up maybe not in the most positive light but as I eventually grew into myself I learned it pays off to have a uniqueness to whatever you present to consumers and audiences. If I’m doing something different, it’s all eyes on me. Read more>>
Tiphany Kane
There are many ways that I am the only one in the room that looks like me. I am a woman in tech, specifically immersive audio, who is building a Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio mixing studio. There are not many women in the audio industry. Only 5% of the audio sector is female-identifying Audio Engineers/Producers. My dream is to work with other women in audio to mentor and train young women in immersive audio careers. Read more>>
Michelle Lytle
I’m a married gay woman, and my highest education is high school so I have some experience being “the only one in the room”. I completed a semester of college before deciding I was better off starting my business and getting to work, so I started my photography business in 2004. Read more>>
Lynn Mulhern
Knowing who you are and what abilities you have enable you to do what you need even if you are different from everybody else. The more often you make good decisions the more confident you become in making difficult ones. Sharing responsibility helps create success. In the rescue world, it takes a village to get things done. Trusting in colleagues has been key to allowing me to be successful in a world where most people don’t understand what companion animal Rescue is all about. Read more>>
