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.
Jamila Parham-cullers
In the technology industry, it’s unbelievable to be a woman of color in the tech. Statistics actually quantify this experience where 1 in 10 Tech professionals is a minority woman. I realized there was a huge disparity when it came to representation of people of color in the technology industry. I decided to do something about it and shift the narrative of what technology looks like. I’m affectionately known as The Tech Unicorn which is a term of endearment and the name of my business. A public servant, tech ecosystem builder, and champion for diversity and inclusion. I advocate on behalf of under-represented and under-valued communities to address the lack of diversity in STEM. Read more>>
April Hicks
It actually just comes down to being yourself. No matter where I am or who’s in the room I believe I bring something special and unique into the atmosphere when I walk in any door. It’s not arrogance but confidence in me knowing that God made me the way I should be and provides ways for me. I’m his creation, talented, strong, beautiful and driven. I learned to be effective and successful by trusting God and knowing I can do all things through christ that strengthens me, that scripture has helped me to shine as myself and just be me. Read more>>
Taunya Gren
Film maker, news director, computer game artist, I’ve worked the bulk of my life in male-dominated industries. Being a blonde-busty woman in those environments has certainly lead to a large helping of sexism in my work places. Talked over, men taking credit for my ideas, even being told “boys will be boys” when assaulted by a co-worker. As a producer and director I’ve had certain men get very upset when I did my job as a professional and not as an apologist catering to them. I’ve been called a brass balled bitch more times than I can count. Read more>>
Novi Leon
As a Black woman in corporate leadership and now as an entrepreneur, I’ve often been the only one in the room who looks like me. Early on, this made me feel like an outsider, especially since I’m naturally introspective and reserved in large groups. But I realized that success wasn’t just about achieving results—it was also about being heard. Read more>>
Dwayne Adams
Navigating spaces where I’m often the only one who looks like me has been a recurring theme throughout my life, both personally and professionally. As a Sacramento photographer specializing in maternity and newborn photography, I’ve had to carve my path by turning what could be seen as obstacles into powerful opportunities. Read more>>
Marissa Hitt
Each one of us is “the only one in the room” because everyone is unique. We each have our own skills and experiences, & we all have a purpose. Every journey is unique. I began an art business & showed my work in galleries at the age of 5. Fast forward several years later, I started a new art business, Melane & Co. In many rooms, I am the youngest. Being the youngest in the room is a great conversation starter, but so is being the oldest in the room, or anywhere in between. I always want to meet new people, learn about their endeavors, and spread joy as an artist & entrepreneur. Read more>>
Jeannie Hua
I’ve never had the luxury of letting racism and misogyny hold me back. After my family immigrated from Taiwan to Cincinnati, Ohio, we were unprepared for the racism that greeted us in the 1970’s. I was told to go to the back of the line so White people would be served first. (After waiting in line already. Yes, I’ve been asked that.) There wasn’t a day that went by when I wasn’t called a chink, gook, slant eyed. I was called ugly on a daily basis. A good day was to only hear a racial epithet once. Read more>>
Carmen Spotts
As a holistic realtor and health mentor, I’ve often found myself as the only person in the room with my specific background and approach. While this can feel challenging, I’ve learned to view it as one of my greatest strengths. My unique perspective allows me to bring something entirely different to the table—an understanding of how deeply interconnected our environment is with our physical, mental, and emotional health. Read more>>
Ashlyn Conway
It took me longer to realize that being the one that stands out is a gift from the universe. Uniqueness is something that is hard to come by especially in the times we are currently living in. Putting my utmost confidence, energy, and intentions into anything I do has yet to do me wrong in these circumstances as well as throughout life in general. I find I have the most successful outcomes when putting all the background noise to rest and locking in on my genuine intentions. Read more>>
Quinci Hickman-nash
Being the only one in the room is not foreign to me. Growing up in a small, predominantly white town, I was typically always the only one. I was the only black cheerleader, the only black student in the class sometimes, the only black friend. I don’t limit myself to who I can be based off of being the only one. My personality, generosity, sense of humor, work ethic, bright smile, empathetic attributes, and authenticity always stands out. I try to always show up and make a great first impression and put action behind it and it always brings me success. Read more>>
Meagan Kenney Hedger
Being a Midwife in a community with no other Midwife who looks like me has been challenging in the way that it’s almost feels like isolation which I have quickly learned may not be a bad thing. When I started out as a Doula, it was the same way. Those who didn’t look like me wanted to keep me hidden, therefore out of the path of success. I say all of the time that those who recognized my potential in this work quickly realized how successful I could become and attempted to box me in, in hopes that my light couldn’t shine. Everyone loved me when it was on their terms. Read more>>
Sharon Ehrlich
To answer this question, I have to provide some context. I identify as Afro-Latina and was raised in public housing in the Bronx, New York, by working-class parents. I was the first in my family to pursue higher education and a corporate career. When I started my career, I experienced being the only person in the room with my identity. Initially, it was intimidating. I assumed that my colleagues and peers were more educated than me, more intelligent than me, and more sophisticated than me. I did what many people in a similar position do. Read more>>
Clara Woods
Hi, I’m Clara, and I’m a stroke survivor. I have some physical challenges, and I can’t speak, write, or read even if I understand Portuguese, Italian, and English.
I always felt I was the only one in the room who looked like me. Sometimes it is hard and I fell sad, but mostly I learned that I’m unique and I have a value. Creating art helps me to connect with the world in my way and understand that everyone is unique and it is ok to be different. Read more>>
Niy R
I’ve gained knowledge by being who I really am. I think that if you are the most unique person in the room, you can use it to your advantage by embracing your uniqueness and not feeling like you have to fit into a mold. I do occasionally feel a little uncomfortable, but that just indicates that you’re growing and attempting something different. Read more>>
Landon Stark
Being the only magician in a room has its benefits however standing out and gaining clients is where all the hard work comes into play. Even being the only person in your field, you always have rivalry. We are constantly competing against daily distractions, cellphones and media. I set myself apart from the competition by offering a unique brand. Stark Magic has often been imitated but never reproduced. I make sure my clients know this is a one-of-a-kind experience and that they are in good hands. The key is to under promise and over deliver. Read more>>
Fabrice Felix
I’m a person who always enjoyed taking pride in my work. With that comes the understanding that not everyone will have the same vision as me in completing the task, so once I’m locked in on something, that’s all I’m worried about. Sometimes I might just be impatient, which leads me to work alone. Being in rooms where nobody else looks like me isn’t unfamiliar territory to me. I was one of a few African American students in both high school and college, and one of the few “younger guys” in most companies I’ve worked for. Read more>>
Xintian Tina Wang
Being the only one in the room—especially as a Chinese journalist in the U.S., and often the only woman of color in the newsroom or boardroom—has become an all too familiar experience. While it can be intimidating, I’ve come to see my unique perspective as my strength. My dual identity and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices have become central to my work. Read more>>
Aren Ulmer
At Courtex Performance, I work as a mental performance coach, helping athletes, business professionals, and entertainers tap into their full potential by taking ownership of their mental game. What excites me most about this work is seeing people transform as they build confidence, focus, and resilience. It’s about more than just improving performance; it’s about holistic development—helping clients achieve success in every aspect of their lives. Read more>>
Anfernee Parker
Acceptance is the first step when you find yourself in a room full of people who don’t look like you. First, accept who you are and how you may think differently from the other people around you. Knowing yourself and being comfortable with your uniqueness will help when you have disagreements or need to work together to solve a problem. Next, accept that the other people in the room will have different views and may unknowingly exclude you from some things. Read more>>
Cory Fisk
As a woman in construction, no matter what position I held, I was often the only woman in a room full of men. For most women, this might bring in an energy of intimidation that weakens their ability to focus on other equally important challenges when working in a male-majority industry. Fortunately, being raised by a 6’3″, 250 lbs. construction operator with a powerful presence was a card I could have in my back pocket. Read more>>
Crystal Crawford
I’ve definitely found myself in situations where I’m the only person who looks like me, and it can be challenging. But over time, I’ve learned to embrace that about myself and truly focus on my purpose there. In the past I felt like this always worked against me and I realized it’s the inherit trauma that most Black entrepreneurs and professionals face, but once I changed my mind set to realizing this is something that who I am is what makes me unique, I embraced that and use it to my advantage. Read more>>
Dania Denise
For better or for worse, my dad taught me to “see in color” from elementary school age. Growing up, he would tell me that before anyone heard me speak, saw my talents, or knew of my intellect, they would see my “paint job” (his candid reference to skin color). Being born in the ’40s, he sat front row and center to the Civil Rights Movement and had his fair share of encounters with being the only person in the room so every lecture he gave me, each lesson he taught me, it stayed with me my entire life. Read more>>
Omega Smalls
Contrary to the “status quo”, being the only one in the room who looks or thinks like you can be a tremendous advantage. Being black, but also being as intricate as a thinker that I am has taught me to embrace my uniqueness as a strength in predicaments that may lack diversity in conscious thinking, and opportunity for those who may not come from the same culture as another person. To add, education and developing my tangible skillsets have been a key factor in leveraging my visibility and credibility. Knowledge is power. Read more>>
Logan Morgan
The number 1 thing you have to hold onto is your authenticity. We has humans have all been designed and developed in our own individual ways, it’s what makes us who we are, you have to cherish that and therefore you will lead yourself through the path that is really meant for YOU. Number 2 would be keeping your network solid, most of the time your biggest support system won’t always be in the exact room you may be in! Read more>>
Trapkingkai
it’s essential to stay confident in your unique skills and perspectives. Focus on your own growth instead of comparing yourself to others. Listen more and observe before speaking, as this helps you make well-informed contributions and decisions.
It’s also important to embrace and showcase your individuality, letting your distinct strengths shine. By maintaining confidence and being true to yourself, you can make a significant impact, regardless of any differences. Read more>>
