Being Effective Even When No One Else is Like You

Inevitably you will find yourself in a room where no one else is like you. They might not look like you, speak like you, pray or love like you or think like you. Managing to be effective in all contexts is an essential part of your journey towards reaching your full potential and so we asked some brilliant members of the community to share their stories and advice.

kathryn king

So, am I the only one in the room or the only one that looks like me? Let me be the only one in the room that looks like me because I work with horses daily at The Medicine Horse Preservation at Valhalla Hill Farm. I am a woman with eyes on the front of my head, probably smelling like some meat I’ve eaten. Read more>>

David Chiu

It’s a lot easier now than it used to be. I’m deeply involved in the Jewish community — as a professional, as a volunteer leader, and as a spiritual participant. While it’s still often the case that I’m the only Asian American or even the only Jew of Color in a particular meeting or event, I’m now a community leader in a national organization of Asian Jews, The LUNAR Collective.  Read more>>

Jasmine Boney-Henderson

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me some valuable lessons, especially when it comes to recognition and acknowledgment of my work. It’s like running a race with extra hurdles, where the finish line keeps moving farther away. Read more>>

Linda Winter

At a young age I felt I could do whatever it took to be successful. I have been interested in getting involved in organizations that made a difference. I had quiet confidence as a girl to be a part of groups where I was the only girl or maybe just a handful of girls. I don’t get intimitated easily I just believe in pushing forward to get the job done.  Read more>>

shemecka McNeil

In a realm often dominated by academic prowess and professional expertise, carving out a unique space can seem daunting. As the youngest in rooms filled with esteemed PhDs and MDs, my journey has been one of profound personal and professional evolution. Read more>>

Andre’ Wright

In spaces where I’ve often found myself as the only one who looks like me, I’ve learned that my uniqueness is not a barrier but a bridge. This journey has taught me the power of authenticity, resilience, and vision. Read more>>

Raisa Carmen Andeme Ela

It is imperative to always keep present the reality that we were once helpless newborns, we grew, we are developing into the highest expression of our existence, and we will one day die. Evolving into the greatest vibration of my spirit, soul and body is what motivates me every morning. Read more>>

Alex Temblador

A few years ago, I was invited to be a featured author at a literary fundraiser at a prestigious university. As one of the featured authors, my books were available for purchase and I was expected to mingle with the donors, most of whom were white. Read more>>

Ashley Rigaud

Starting out in the fashion industry, I didn’t see many young women who looked like me especially in South Florida. However I quickly learned that my unique vision was something that wasn’t seen before. My work ethic and ability to create unique projects, allowed me to not only stand out but be successful within my field. Read more>>

Sarah Alida LeClair

Being in female led spaces like the cohort at Moxie Theatre has been an eye opening education into the way that we can speak to each other and for ourselves as women. Very often we spend our time apologizing when we speak, whether that’s something that we explicitly say or whether we spend time framing what we have to say so that it won’t give offense, or so that we can spare someone’s potential feelings, or so we can find the right words to express ourselves so that our ideas will be listened to. Read more>>

Alonzo Herrera

You know, it’s been quite a journey getting to where I am today. Learning to shrug off the opinions of others and truly embrace myself has been a process. I mean, let’s be real, it’s not easy. It took years of building up my confidence before I felt comfortable sharing my music with the world. Read more>>

Kaelyn Pyke

In short I remember that even if I am the only one that looks like me in the room I am not the only one with shared experiences. I think it is really easy to other ourselves and expect people to other you. I try to go through my life with the desire to understand others so that we can better serve our communities. I believe that when I know someone’s story I am better able to understand and respect their perspective.  Read more>>

Alea Lovely

When I was a kid, I grew up in a very diverse school setting where I had a really good friendships and confidence in who I was but that all changed when in middle school I changed schools and I was largely the only black kid in a lot of my social settings. So I got really used to being the only one in the room that look like me and it got to a point where for a long time I disowned my own personal qualities. Read more>>

Alexis Williams

When you’re the only person in the room that looks like you, shine! There’s only one you anyways – now you get to bring all of your strengths and special traits and characteristics and amazing ideas to the conversation, to the room, to the table. You have to understand and know exactly who you are, what you’re here to accomplish and do it with grace and class.  Read more>>

Madi Lindsey

That’s a good question! I have learned on how to be effective/successful from my mom, my step-dad and all of the people I’ve looked up to/supported my whole life. Including some recently as well, some of those people include – Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Mark Ambor, Alisha Marie and so many others. Read more>>

Andrea Fantauzzi

Determination and skill. Being skillful and knowledgeable about what I do, but also willing to ask questions, not being afraid of growth, and being a team player is important. I take my position of leadership seriously, and strive to be what I wanted to see in industry from a young age.  Read more>>

Sonya Keshwani

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has been a journey of embracing both my uniqueness and my shared humanity with others. As the founder of StyleEsteem Wardrobe, I always think back to the young woman who faced breast cancer and hair loss due to chemotherapy at the young age of 29.  Read more>>

Maagic Collins

I find strength and freedom in knowing in this bizarre and oftentimes disturbing world, all you can be is yourself no matter what environment you find yourself in. No matter if it’s a healthy supportive environment to your uniqueness or if it’s toxic and oppressive. All you can do at the end of the day is show up and try to do your best work.  Read more>>

Anagh Banerjee

In the US, being a brown man from India, who is not in the tech industry, can be intimidating. But over a period of time, I have had to practice not only being comfortable in my skin but also flaunting what I bring to the table, as an artist coming from a very rich and unique culture.  Read more>>

Dylan Garcia

Every morning when you wake up, you head to the bathroom and you must look at yourself in the mirror. I’m hoping the reflection you see is someone you’re proud of. I know when I’m giving 110%, I’m proud of the reflection I see in the mirror. But when I’m not giving life my best, I’ll get angry at the reflection and I know I must course correct. I believe that you must have the discipline and grit to pull yourself out of a dark place and when I say “dark place,” I mean not being on track towards my goals. Read more>>

Johnnie Bunting Jr

Looking at the history of my people, I trust and believe that I have been genetically predisposed to being a superior man. This may sound a bit arrogant, but it’s part of my mindset that I am not out of place when I am around a group of people who don’t look like me. I am well versed and well prepared, so when I speak, I exude confidence because I know what I’m talking about. Read more>>