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.
Ciera Ellison
I’ve learned to be effective and successful even when I am the only one in the room that looks like me by always remembering my worth. I made it to the room because I deserved to be there, and I worked hard to be there. So I always hold my head high and walk in confidence because God already prepared my seat in that room. Read more>>
Amy Archer
If there’s one thing in life that you have to learn to conquer from a young age it is: BEING OKAY WITH BEING DIFFERENT. So many of our formative years are spent trying to be “normal” or be like everyone else in our class, our team, or group. Read more>>
LaChanda Gatson
I show up as my authentic self no matter who’s in the room. as offten times I find myself in rooms with others who don’t look like me. I am intentional about walking in my truth and moving with integrity. I take the opportunity to read any room I enter, This allows me to assess what is required of me and excuted my goals most effectively. I find it the least effective to minimize myself or shrink to fit into any space. Read more>>
Lynette Haugen
When I established True Blue Maids, I learned to be effective by creating a house cleaning service with a personalized customer experience. Unlike other cleaning companies, we are insured and bonded while still being family-owned and operated. Read more>>
Tennisha Martin
As a Black Engineer and Hacker, I have found myself being the only person in the room who looks like me, whether due to race, gender, or background, but I use those situations both as a challenge and an opportunity. When I got my first job as a security consultant (pentester), it was nine months before I saw another woman consultant and 18 months before I saw another Black woman (I referred her to the position). Read more>>
Brian Steenhoek
Having over 40 years of sales and marketing experience I have learned that helping others to be successful will lead to your own success. Everyone is unique and special. The key to success is to discover their unique fingerprint and help them to apply that skill to help others. You have to differentiate yourself and stand out taking a serving attitude. Read more>>
Amy Marohl
I used to be concerned about what everyone else thought of me and would mold my life accordingly – wear what others did, talk and gossip like others did, be a workaholic and boss of the home above my husband like others did, etc. One day, I became a believer in Jesus and then I was only concerned with what He thought of me, which actually changed me into a better person in all areas. Read more>>
Margulan Zhunisbek
Although I am engaged in filmmaking, I am interested in studying everything in other areas of activity. There are things that I am more passionate about than others, but sometimes I catch myself thinking that in other areas of activity I can find connections with each other. Thus, I draw knowledge from different sources, which, to my surprise, allows me to find non-standard solutions to problems. Read more>>
Nicholas Clark
Being comfortable being the unique person in the room started from a very young age for me. Starting in 2nd grade, I was moved to “Gifted and Talented” class and consistently 1 out of 3 to 4 minority kids. Reflecting back, I was very competitive in academics and strived to make the best grades in the room and while I didn’t realize it at the time, the lesson was “be so good that you can’t be denied”. Read more>>
Dr. Nicole B. Simpson
Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. When I acquired my CFP® designation in a career industry that minorities and women were not well-represented, I had to charter my own course. My objective was two-fold because I had endured serious trauma as a World Trade Center survivor. I was in the securities industry for over a decade before being on the 73rd floor of Tower 2 that fateful day. Read more>>
Elvin Catley
As a Black street and documentary photographer, I offer a distinct perspective through my photography, revealing how I perceive the world around me. My images capture the essence of everyday life, showcasing the beauty, complexity, and diversity of my surroundings. Read more>>
Marianne Garcés Rodríguez
Navigating spaces where diversity is lacking can be tough, especially when you’re the only one who looks like you in the room. As an Afro-Latina woman, I’ve definitely had my share of moments where my background and identity stand out. But you know what? I’ve learned that embracing my uniqueness is key. Read more>>
Yasmine Robles
In my entrepreneurial journey, it took about eight years before I truly felt comfortable being myself in any room. At first, I tried to be a chameleon, blending into different communities. But it was exhausting and didn’t help me connect with people. Finally, I found my tribe, and that’s when everything clicked. Read more>>
Merencia Henson
Throughout my career in mental health and social work in San Diego, I’ve often been the only minority in the room. This unique position has taught me valuable lessons in effectiveness and success. I’ve learned to embrace my unique perspective, advocating for diversity and inclusion to enrich discussions and decision-making. Read more>>
LeiLani Quiray
I see it as an opportunity not only for me but everyone else in the room. I actually had this happen very recently to me. I was the FIRST woman joining an all-male group that was established 23 years ago. That’s 22 years with only men in a business networking group. Crazy right?! I was first invited to the group for a Poker Night and I LOVED it. I also noticed at the beginning of the event that there were very few women there. Read more>>
Monica Flores
My husband and I are both first generation American citizens. My parents are from Nicaragua and Mexico, while his parents are from El Salvador. Being born to immigrants instilled a hardworking mind-set that helped us tremendously in the process of building Phyto’s Vegan Eats, but also with keeping it afloat. Read more>>
Melissa Del Toro Schaffner
Growing up a little Puerto Rican girl in a Jewish neighborhood in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, I didn’t see many other kids who looked like me. However, I didn’t think I looked any different until it was pointed out to me way later in life. Even though I am of Puerto Rican heritage and not Caucasian like most of my classmates, I never felt too different except in what we ate at home. Read more>>
Elise Harris
Title: Thriving as the Only One in the Room: Navigating Success in Diversity In a world where diversity is increasingly celebrated and encouraged, there are still moments when one finds themselves as the sole representative of their race, gender, ethnicity, or background in a professional or social setting. Read more>>
Marchelle Thurman
From elementary school through college, I was often the only one in the room who looked like me. This became my norm, but I didn’t realize how much it affected me until after college. At times, it felt so alienating, and I was always hyper-aware of how others perceived me. I didn’t feel like I could be my full self. Read more>>
Vasu Tolia
Reflecting on my journey as a retired brown immigrant woman physician, who transitioned from academia to artistry, I realize that being effective and successful in spaces where I was often the only one who looked like me has been a multifaceted exploration. Read more>>
Tina June Malek
I used to walk into a room and immediately have this overwhelming feeling that everyone was questioning my competence as a photographer. Whether it be due to my gender, my height, my hair, or my ethnicity… I knew people doubted that I could do my job well. It gave me determination to prove them wrong. Once I felt I had successfully won everyone over, I walked away feeling really good about myself. Read more>>
Joy Autumn
Being a composer and music producer has traditionally been a “boys’ club.” I really hope that with time, this changes, because creativity isn’t defined by gender. I’ve learned a lot about navigating a male-dominated field by watching my mother, who is a scientist. She instilled in me from a young age that I would need to work extra hard. Read more>>
Demetha Sanders
As a black woman executive, I have oftentimes been the only one in the room. It takes confidence and respectful assertiveness to ensure that you are heard but it also requires you to know your craft. Ask questions to clarify and be open to countering points of view. Just remember that you are there for a reason. Your opinion is valuable and people want to hear from you. Own your space! Read more>>
Dr. Elizabeth Gilbert
Learning to be effective and successful, even when you’re the only one in the room who looks like you, requires a deep understanding of your own worth and value, independent of external validation or recognition. It’s about embracing your unique perspective and experiences, and leveraging them as strengths rather than limitations. Read more>>
Jão Fadário
In my professional journey, I’ve often found myself as the only one in the room who looks like me, and I believe this unique perspective has been a strength in my career. I’ve learned to navigate such situations effectively by embracing key strategies. Firstly, confidence and authenticity have been crucial. Read more>>
Bindi Zaveri
When I began my career about 12 years ago, being ‘different’ in a room was extremely daunting. You don’t only look different, but you speak different, and you dress different too. Even though I knew I was skilled and smart , but that did not help a young naive immigrant from India trying to make her space into corporate America. Read more>>
