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.
Ariesela
One thing I have always said to other trans people or women when they ask me for advice on finding success in a corporate world that may not be welcoming to us is that the beauty of looking around the room and seeing no one like you is exactly that: there is no one like you, therefore the value of your specific insight has now doubled and the potentials of what you can achieve are limitless. There is no previous data to compare you too, making you not only an asset to the spaces you occupy but also a trailblazer paving the way for people like you that come after. Read more>>
Talyn Rahman-figueroa
People like me don’t usually go into diplomacy. As a second-generation British Asian, I had dreams of representing my country, but the reality was that the room was often filled with people who were all “male and pale.” When I shifted to entrepreneurship, working directly with diplomats and politicians, I knew I needed a different strategy to break into those elite circles. That’s where the power of my personal brand came in. Instead of focusing on myself, I made it about them—I created messages that resonated with their needs and ambitions. Everyone loves to feel seen and heard, so I gave them the space to talk while I worked behind the scenes to refine their personal brand. Read more>>
Frederick Terry
When you’re the only one in the room who looks like you, it can be both challenging and empowering. My journey as an African American man on a full-ride scholarship for Photography at Lynn University has taught me to push beyond limits and embrace every opportunity. I’m aware that, for many of us, achieving a financially stable life without constant obstacles is not guaranteed. This fuels my drive to be successful, not just for myself, but as a beacon for others like me. Read more>>
Catherine Delcin
Self-introspection and awareness are critical keys to the personal growth needed to become successful in life and for any business endeavor. You cannot be effective at doing anything in life without proper self-governance. That includes understanding your opportunities, limitations, risks, rewards, and benefits. It is important to know and decide for yourself what being the only one in the room means and how to properly navigate that scenario as it manifests in your journey. Before contemplating a successful way of navigating that realm, you must have a good understanding of your capabilities and the value that you bring. Read more>>
Agoraphobic Alien
I learned how to find my own standards of success. I am a black, disabled, neurodivergent trans enby (nonbinary person). I am often, if not always, the only one in the room. When I was younger I was pushed hard and that did not stop even when I broke out into my own path. Read more>>
Ebonee Benson
Representation matters! There have been several moments throughout life where I have been the only one in the room that looks like me. As a young girl it was frustrating. But over time, I learned to walk into every single room as if I belong there. That being the only one means I’m creating space for those who come after me. It’s an honor and a way to break barriers for others who look like me. Read more>>
Kenya T Coviak
I’ve been alone all my life. Even in a crowd of people, I’ve always felt alone. This comes from being raised up in a profound sense of loneliness and exclusionary solitude from my birth family, and being different from my peers. While my foster family is a treasure I will always love, the fact of the matter is the majority of them did not like me. And toward the ends of my childhood, it was very apparent that I was too unlike the rest of that family. This led to me becoming more and more introverted, and developing unusual interests and pursuits of scholarship. Read more>>
Kassidy Jack
Early in my career, I often found myself as the only one in the room. My first job after undergrad was in a newsroom, where, although I worked remotely, I was the only African American woman and the youngest on my team. There were times when I felt unqualified, like I didn’t belong, or that I had somehow just “gotten lucky.” This mindset led me to second-guess myself and try to shrink in order to fit in. Read more>>
Chael
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me the value of resilience and the importance of staying true to my purpose. It’s been an opportunity to lead by example and show that, no matter our background, race or financial limitations. We all have the power to connect on a human level. My focus is to connect and create spaces that uplift and unify a multitude of communities where everyone can see themselves and feel like they belong. Family by Brand. Read more>>
David Lewis
In my past I had a hard time with confidence, confilct, and dealing with hard things.
In my current life position, as a father, business owner, and as a person who goes above and beyond in all he does, the only thing that matters at the end of the day is my skill and if I am good enough. I relate this question to my favorite hobbies, snowboarding and mountain biking. When I am out on my board or bike, no one else matters. Its simply me an my skill. My actions will take me down a path that I have either been down before, or that I am not sure what lies ahead. I have to decide, then stick with my decison to stay on that trail, and make it out in one piece. Read more>>
Mylo Howard
This has been a real life experience for me back in Seattle Summer of 2015-16. Working at Easter Seals Disability Service Camp Stand by Me. Being the only Black male was something I knew would help change my perspective of cultural competence. Some of the other team members were from London, UK, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, Hungary, and Germany. These individuals taught me about classism over racism. Read more>>
Genesis Falls
So as being someone who not only identifies as a woman, but a black woman, I’ve always had to hold my own in rooms where I might’ve been the only one. Honestly, the biggest thing I can say that makes me successful at holding my own is this: create your own table so you don’t have to rely on sitting at someone else’s ! Read more>>
Jaé Joseph
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me to lean into my unique perspective and see it as an advantage. I’ve learned that my background and experiences bring insights others might not consider, and I’ve come to recognize that’s often exactly what’s needed to create meaningful impact. Read more>>
Arica Avery
Success is all about relationships. I’ve learned to build connections and seek out allies who respect my vision. By being authentic and staying true to my purpose, I’ve gained the trust and respect of others in the industry. It’s not always easy being the only one, but it’s made me resilient. I’ve learned to adapt quickly, navigate challenges with confidence, and turn obstacles into opportunities to prove myself. Read more>>
Hanna Jung
Moving to America was definitely a huge transition for me. I barely spoke any English, and I didn’t know anyone here. At first, I was excited about this new journey, but it was also overwhelming. I often felt like I was completely on my own. Over time, though, I began to realize that this experience could actually become a source of strength. Even though my background and experiences might differ, I recognized that my perspective and story have value. The way I create music and perform as a DJ is a direct reflection of my identity, and that’s something essential that I bring to the table. Read more>>
Samuel Jurkovič
I don’t consider my appearance anyone else’s business, and in today’s world, individuality is generally accepted. I often work with artists, directors, and creatives, so I rarely feel ‘alone,’ even if I’m the only one heavily tattooed in the room. My focus is always on delivering quality work, and that’s what I believe ultimately matters. Read more>>
