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.
Dane Fenner
I’ve learned to be effective and successful by speaking up, speaking clearly & not being afraid to share my ideas regardless of who is in the room. I never counted myself out just because I didn’t look like everyone else. The lack of representation gave me the fuel to advance in my career while paving the way for others who look like me. Read more>>
Marissa Pretkus
This was something I had always struggled with: transitioning from employee to owner. Not only are you faced with new responsibilities, but now you also encounter constant judgment. I realized that I was setting a precedent for all other women tackling this industry. Many times, I faced judgment because of my age. Read more>>
Dr. Trish Cotter
I began my career in the chemical industry, initially working in the lab and later as an engineer running a plating line. I was often the only woman in meetings, in the manufacturing area, and at lunch. My upbringing with six brothers (and two sisters) and playing team sports prepared me for that experience. Read more>>
Jaspal Singh
Being the Only One in the Room: My Journey to Success and Effectiveness
This question resonates deeply with me because I’ve faced this challenge countless times, even to this day. When I declared my intention to become my own boss, not only was my knowledge underestimated, but my identity as an individual was also scrutinized and belittled. Read more>>
Ongeleke Turner
I have learned to lean into the power within my presence. What I mean by this is that I have learned to embrace challenges faced with being a trailblazing woman of color. I welcome opportunities for me to show up and stand out in a crowd. Representation matters. Read more>>
Lindsay Cooley
I’d say regardless of the room, we’re all unique in our own ways- our minds our bodies, the way we carry ourselves… we feel different, we look different, we have different ideas and aspirations. That’s what makes us, us & I think it’s awesome! Read more>>
Jordan Bryant
By changing the conversation ground and breaking down those hard questions, we haven’t asked ourselves or not being scared to speak truth in what is wrong in the narrative today! Read more>>
Mohua Maity
In my growing up days, not many girls played chess. But my parents, especially my mom, have been very supportive. She took me for tournaments and never made me feel I was any different in the room but exceptional in the room. That was where I got my confidence and determination to be more effective in what I did. Read more>>
Michael LaBorn
Building a career in the publishing industry can, and usually is, a very lonely experience. Especially for people who are dangerously underrepresented. I have existed in this industry, to some capacity, for my entire adult life and it is only now, in my mid-thirties, that I am finally seeing some semblance of success. Read more>>
Dena Halim
I’ve learned to become effective and successful in all rooms and all environments because no matter where I am or who I am around I always remain myself, It’s something that will always separate me from others but it will always make me remain myself and always be authentic. Read more>>
Marcie Smith
I’ve been the only one in the room that looks like me ever since I can remember, growing up in Northglenn, CO and Tucson, AZ, I was often the only or 1 of 2 black children in classrooms, being “different” became the norm and I learned to quickly normalize that for my inner self, the outside world will loudly let you know that you are different and try to make you feel like you don’t belong, but my family instilled self confidence in me at very early age. Read more>>
Peixin Chen
Building a professional image has been essential in both my working environment and personal relationships for me. There have been several instances where I was the only Chinese designer in a Zoom meeting or conference room with team members and clients. On one occasion, a client assumed I didn’t speak English because I wasn’t presenting. Read more>>
Alexei Khimenko
At every stage of my life, some people doubted me, suggesting my goals wouldn’t be achieved. When I initially failed to gain admission to my chosen school, my parents offered support, asking if I wanted to try again. That day shaped the rest of my life. I chose perseverance. Read more>>
Hassan Raddi
“As a musician and guitarist from a diverse background, I’ve often found myself to be the only one in the room who looks like me. But I’ve learned to turn this perceived obstacle into an opportunity. Read more>>
Matt Roach
I have been a touring musician for over 30 years. I made a decision early on to only perform original songs. When I was starting out no one knew a thing about me. There are still many times, when I perform, where the audience has never heard of me. Read more>>
Maria Medina
Being the only one in the room who looks different has been a journey of learning and adaptation throughout my career. Originally from Colombia, my diverse background has been a tremendous asset as I’ve navigated various environments—from Egypt and Spain to the UK, South Florida, and now Orange County, California. Read more>>
Spencer Davidson
I’ve always known I was different, even from a young age. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, like there’s something unique about my perspective or the way I process the world around me. Growing up, I often found myself feeling alone, even in a crowded room. Read more>>
Erica Manto Paulson
Being the only doula in the room, and often the only one in a labor and delivery room who shares my role and scope of practice, has been both a challenge and a profound opportunity. When I started my work, doulas were often not acknowledged or even wanted by the medical community. Read more>>
Odunayo Alao
Alao Odunayo is the Creative Director at Triple DAA Clothings and Logistics. Triple DAA Clothings Lagos Nigeria is a Fashion brand that caters for Indigenous African inspired Designs for Men, our main focus is to beautify MEN effortlessly and with ease without breaking bank. Read more>>
Garrett Kirk
As you can see, I dont really look like most people, not that I have anything against anyone’s style or anything. I just have my own thing going on. What I can tell you is this, what I do only works if I own it, and owning what I do, came with time. Read more>>
Wendy Welsher
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has often presented unique challenges and opportunities. Over the years, I’ve developed several strategies to ensure that I can be effective and successful in such situations: Read more>>
Alyssa Simpson
I use that as my superpower; I see it as an opportunity to be an example to others of what living with your freak flag flyin’ high can look like!
Authenticity is the highest frequency you can operate at, and when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me, then I feel the true power of being the one who spreads my mission and purpose without comparison. Read more>>
Priscille Lors
That is exactly how you learn to be effective and successful, by being the only one in the room who looks like you! Standing out and being different is something that you should embrace because that is what brings people to you! Read more>>
Mike Campese
Everyone has their own unique individual voice, creative energy that is inside of them, which is very important to tap into to be unique and different. I don’t like to do or try to look like anyone else. I always try to be me and do what is comfortable to what I like. Read more>>
Marcus Wesson
I’m empowered by the proven understanding from the Harvard Business Review that the more diverse a company is, the higher performing it will be. I’ve seen this firsthand. When I built creative departments, I made a concerted effort to ensure the team reflected America’s diversity, especially when we had brand assignments across various audiences. Read more>>
