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.
Kelsey Myers
This is an incredibly important question! Growing up, I remember being told “if you are the smartest one in the room, go find a different room”. Meaning, there is always something to learn, always something that someone can teach you. If you keep your mind open, be humble, and have a willingness to be taught, you will be successful, no matter the outcome. I thrive on being surrounded by others and hearing their stories, motivators, and what they have learned along the way. So being the only one in the room that looks like me isn’t scary, but being the only one in the room – that would scare me. Read more>>
Rebecca Marciano
I am proud to be a woman in a heavily male-dominated industry. Although it took a while for me to be taken seriously, I’ve learned to leverage my unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences as a woman. I come from the fashion world and that experience has contributed valuable insights and innovation that no other door company offers. I design the doors with each client and reference the design process I used when designing clothes. The way I look at it, doors are the first thing you see when you look at a house; it can completely change the look of an exterior. A door is a physical barrier that allows you to enter into someone’s most sacred space. That’s what I wanted to be a part of. Read more>>
Christiano Green
This one spoke to me on a deep level. I have walked into so many rooms where I have been the only gay person, or the only queer person and I would stick out for that. I used to think sticking out was a bad thing because I felt like the path I was walking was harder and that I was constantly being judged for these things instead of on merit. I’ve dealt with a lot of discrimination in my past and I believe it can either make you or break you. I had to do a lot of work on myself to be able to see myself as who I am instead of through others eyes. Read more>>
Vanity Jenkins
Being the only one in the room that looks like me is less of a demonstration of my personal success, and more to do with the anti-Blackness that’s upheld in so many spaces. Research has shown that Black women have better job outcomes when we work on teams with more Black colleagues. So being the only one in the room is not only an isolating experience, it’s one that sets Black women up for failure. Read more>>
Farah Allen
As someone who has often been the only one in the room who looks like me, I’ve learned that being effective starts with owning who I am and understanding the value I bring. It can be intimidating at first, but over time I realized that my unique perspective is my strength, not a limitation. I focus on building confidence through preparation, staying grounded in my expertise, and ensuring that my voice is heard, even in challenging environments. Read more>>
Ronnie Quest
The key to being effective when you’re the only person in the room that looks like you is knowing yourself and where you’re coming from. As a black man in America, whether consciously or not, almost every other group feels like they have leg up on me in someway. That’s why it’s important to know myself. It doesn’t matter what people think if I know. People can assume my background – but I know where I’m coming from. People can assume I lack qualifications – but I know my qualifications. People can assume they’re smarter than me – but I know that I’m just as competitive, if not more competitive, than anyone else in the room. Imposter syndrome can only exist if I myself am unsure of the fact that I deserve to be there. Read more>>
Sandra Hall
Being a women in a basically white guys world of finance has changed over the years. When I first became a financial advisor (30 years ago) I had to laugh at the sexist jokes to be “one of the guys”. I had to dress a a little nicer so as not to be confused with the admin. And I often had to respond to “who do you work for?” Read more>>
Denise Robinson
As a Black woman and nurse practitioner running a successful med spa, I’ve faced the challenge of often being the only one in the room who looks like me. Here’s how I learned to navigate and thrive in those situations:
Embracing My Unique Perspective
I realized early on that my background gives me a distinctive viewpoint. I use my experiences to inform my practice, emphasizing the importance of cultural competency in patient care. This has allowed me to connect with clients on a deeper level, building trust and loyalty. Read more>>
Akosua Ajabu
There have been many times in my life when I have been the only one in the room that looks like me. For some, they feel uncomfortable. For others, they feel insecure or self-conscious. I consider being the only person in the room that looks like me to be a huge gift and opportunity to learn and educate. I believe that you have to adopt the mindset that you belong here, on the planet, in any room. I believe that if this is an area that makes you feel uncomfortable then, it is a time to reflect on why you feel that way, explore it and gain growth from the experience. Read more>>
Kendale King
Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me to be genuine and fully aware of the circumstances of my situation. I’ve learned to focus on performing at my highest ability, ensuring that my work speaks for itself. At the same time, I strive to be considerate of everyone else in the room, listening, and valuing their perspectives as much as possible. Read more>>
Summer
I believe we all possess unique traits that enhance our success individually. If everyone in a room was the same, there would never be any space for innovation or growth. Embracing your uniqueness is what allows you to stand out and succeed. By confidently owning who I am, I offer a fresh perspective for others and I’ve found that the differences I bring to the table make me not just successful, but also effective in leading and creating meaningful impact. Read more>>
Tonya Mollineau
Repeatedly being the only one in the room whether it’s because I’m Black, I’m a woman, or I’m a mother – I’ve always felt like an “other.” There have been moments when I’ve felt invisible or like an outsider, struggling to be seen and heard in spaces not built for me. But I’ve come to realize that those feelings of being overlooked and undervalued have become the fuel that drives me forward. Read more>>
Riley Schmelzer
Interesting question. I think I speak for many people when I say that i have always felt different from others. It is more often then not that I feel out of place and even lonely to a certain extent when I am in a room with other people. There is a lot to get into when it comes to the discussion of why. This is something I accept and am ok with, but no matter what I have always done what I wanted to do and have been who I am in these situations, and most of the time that is what gets me to the places I need and want to be. In allowing your unconditional self to come through, you may be shunned or seen as odd and out of place, but you will naturally be guided towards what you need in order to find your success. Read more>>
Sade Beaulieu
Any room I walk in, I show up with my confidence and expertise unfiltered and unbothered only walking in my truth. Whether I am the only one in the room that looks like me its through my faith in God that I am effective and successful. My drive, focus, my honed skills, and my authenticity is revealed through my work and is why I can be the only one in the room that looks like me. Read more>>
Jalin Harrington
I think it helps when you’re sure of yourself. If it wasn’t for the support of my “village”, it would be hard to reassure myself that I’m on the right path and doing what is both best for me and my future. In that, I’ve found a sense of purpose, which no one can throw me off of or away from. I know that my goals, when achieved, aren’t celebrated by me alone. Keeping all that in mind, I’m never thrown off of my focus. Read more>>
Moses Lopez
My parents always taught me to be myself and not be afraid to use my voice. At times it was difficult as being different or choosing to be a leader and not a follower can be lonely. It requires sacrifice, resilience and the ability to make your own path. It also means doing what has not been done before or to take things that already exist and make them better. Both my parents came to this country for better opportunities and had to pave their own path that took blood, sweat and tears. The outcome is that both my sister and I are college educated and are on our way to paving our own paths. You have to believe in yourself and in something bigger than you which in my case is God. He continues to guide and lead me. Read more>>
Lawyer Bae
I remind myself that I worked hard to get to the position I am in and that I deserve to be in this space. I show up as my authentic self and I don’t let stereotypes put fear into how I show up. Read more>>
Dr. Jazlynn Paige
Being the only is a conversation that I have had continuously throughout my career; from college to graduate school until even now. Being the only black woman in many spaces I have learned that it takes a balance of confidence and setting boundaries. I quickly learned that my ability to embrace my identity is tied to feeling confident about who I am and what I contribute to the world. I have become proficient in not minimizing myself because understanding that my experience is actually valuable, has not only increased my confidence but my self-awareness too. The other skill that I have developed throughout this journey is setting boundaries. Read more>>
Bruja Thevillain
Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me resilience. I’ve had to navigate spaces where I’m both seen and unseen—seen for the stereotypes people place on me and unseen for the brilliance I bring. In a world filled with misogyny and racist stereotypes, I’ve had to be better than the limitations people try to impose on me. I’ve had to be sharper, more skilled, and more disciplined to overcome both the blatant and subtle obstacles. It’s not just about succeeding for myself—my success shatters those expectations and shows others what’s possible. I don’t wait for permission. Read more>>
Andrew Winston
Growing up in Utah has been amazing in so many ways. My parents moved here in 1992 I was 2 years old in a predominantly white state. I got use to being the only african american in rooms. From classrooms to extra curricular activities. I was taught at a young age that it was ok to stand out and be different. I have taken that apporach while leading my company for the past 3 years. I walk into networking events being the only one that looks like me not intimidated by it, but embracing it. Read more>>
Coy Quakenbush
In every artistic endeavor, the journey of self-discovery and confidence-building often intertwines with challenges unique to those who are the only one in the room. When I found myself in settings where my identity as an artist with Native ancestry stood out prominently, I embraced the opportunity to showcase not only my artwork but also my resilience and determination. Read more>>
Shadae Stoner
You know, being the only one in the room who looks like you can be challenging, but I’ve found that it also creates an opportunity to stand out and make an impression. At first, it can feel intimidating, but over time, I’ve learned to turn that feeling into motivation. I remind myself that I bring something unique to the table—my perspective, my experience, and my skills. Read more>>
Alyssa Joy Bautista
I often say that my career seems to hit all the marks of a “triple threat” as a woman in the automotive industry, working for a German company, being on an engineering team. As a Filipino American woman designing the future of cars, I’ve often been the “only one in the room” who looks like me. It can be isolating at times. I’ve sought out mentors to help me navigate the very real challenges of an environment like mine. I wanted to meet more leaders who looked like me, ones I could emulate. But in this space, those role models have been few and far between. Read more>>
Maddy Tarantelli
I need to start by saying that, as a white person, I navigate the world with a kind of privilege and ease folks of color are not afforded. As a gender non-conforming human, I present myself differently from the typical “feminine” shell women are expected to put on. Even as I navigate my own understanding/misunderstanding of gender, my feelings of misfitting in groups, clothes, behaviors, roles, etc. has been a constant since I was a child. Read more>>
Mitwuana Bruce
Being the only one in the room that looks like me, I’ve learned that I’m literally the ONLY ONE in the room that’s ME! Meaning, not only am I the only one in the room that looks like me, but I’m the only one in the room that can be me! There’s valuable treasure in knowing that when you’re in a room full of people, you’re the only one that can show up fully by bringing your personal uniqueness, skillset, wisdom, intelligence, and creativity to the table. This has stabilized my mindset in being so confident in the fact that there is no competition where there is no comparison. Read more>>
Lorenzo Wong
When you’re the only one in the room who looks or thinks like you, it can feel overwhelming at times. But I’ve come to view it as an incredible opportunity to make an impact. One of the defining moments for me was when I spoke as a panelist at the Women’s Wear Daily Beauty CEO Summit 2024 in Key Biscayne, Florida. I had the chance to speak alongside the CEO of Bubble Skincare and fellow brand ambassadors, discussing the topic of ‘Inside the Mind of Gen Z’ and exploring consumerism in the modern beauty landscape. Here I was, a younger voice in a room filled with seasoned beauty executives, and I realized quickly that what made me different—my perspective, my approach, my background—was actually my greatest asset. Read more>>
Courtney Faith
As a plus-sized woman, I’ve often found myself in rooms where I’m the only one who looks like me, whether in fashion, content creation, or even social situations. It can be daunting, especially when society tends to present one standard of beauty but I’ve learned that it’s not about comparing myself to others, it’s always me versus me. Being different is what sets me apart, it’s my little superpower. Read more>>
Greg Cally
Being a Director/Producer in the entertainment industry, working on mainstream television networks projects I’ve often felt disregarded based on my race. It’s been a really tough road to navigate as I often feel like I have to prove myself to my white counterparts and really show that I belong. Fortunately for me, I’ve been able to network well and really let my work ethic and ideas shine through. I can’t take full credit for everything however as for example I’ve had a situation where my mentor, the late Michael K. Read more>>
Rachael Wade
My relationship with God has always been the anchoring force that has brought me into rooms and kept me steady when I walk through doors. Being “the only” mixed-race Black and Asian woman has never been easy, but I know what I bring to the table, and I know I’m beloved by God. Showing up as myself, allowing my gifts to shine, encouraging others to shine, and working collaboratively make work fun and often deliver results. Read more>>
Lala Luzious
Growing up, I realized early on that I was often the only one “like me” in the room. As a Black, queer, plus-size person, I constantly stood out. My family was the only Black family in our neighborhood, and I was usually the biggest or tallest kid in every grade. Even though it took time for me to understand what it meant to be queer, I always had a more feminine, eccentric personality compared to my peers. To this day, I often find myself as the only person in the room who looks or identifies like I do. Read more>>
Julian Ho
As a person of mixed ancestry, I learned to adapt to others early on. I grew up in the fairly homonegous town of Santa Clarita. I didn’t know anyone who had a Chinese and White background. I didn’t have any mentors at that age to help me understand that side of myself. When it came to identity, I was on my own. Read more>>
Priyal Dalvi
Navigating spaces where I’m often the only one who looks like me has been a significant part of my journey as an Indian woman in the design field in the US. With five years of design experience in India, including running my own interior design startup, I came to the U.S. to complete my degree in Interior Design and explore new opportunities. I learnt that my unique perspective was a powerful asset. Read more>>
Flor Bromley
As an immigrant in the United States, entering the world of music has meant navigating spaces where I am often the only one who looks like me. However, I’ve learned to see this not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to bring something fresh and unique to the table. My Latin-American roots, bilingualism, and cultural rhythms are central to my identity and the music I create. Being the only one in the room has pushed me to stay true to my voice. I use my immigrant experience not just to inspire my work but to teach children through music that within diversity lies empathy. I believe music is a powerful tool to show kids that, despite our differences, we are all connected. By celebrating our unique cultures, we foster understanding, compassion, and a sense of unity. Read more>>
Gherald Alaman
Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Dreams: From a young age, faced with bullying and limited resources, I learned the invaluable lessons of self-belief and perseverance. These experiences shaped my character and fueled my determination to succeed. Despite lacking formal training, I developed a natural talent for sports and pursued my passion with unwavering dedication. By taking on additional responsibilities like a paper route, I demonstrated a strong work ethic and resourcefulness, ultimately achieving my goal of owning athletic equipment. Read more>>
Crystal Jones
That’s a powerful question. Being the only person of color in all of my professional spaces has certainly presented me with some very unique experiences. However, I’ve learned to navigate these environments effectively by: Read more>>
