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.

Waya Boy

Thriving in Unfamiliar Environments
As a creative and entrepreneur, I’ve often found myself in rooms where I’m the only one who looks like me. While it can be challenging, I’ve learned to leverage my uniqueness to my advantage. Here are a few strategies that have helped me succeed: Read More>>

Ashley Johnson

I’ve learned to own my voice, allow my work to speak louder than any doubt I may have about being in a room. I stay rooted in my purpose, and always carry myself in a way that will make people want to work with me. Being the only one just means I get to pave the way for someone else that looks like me. Read More>>

Nico Soto

For me I’ve come to understand that regardless of how you look, it always comes down to how well you understand yourself. Just as much as I know my strengths, I also know my weaknesses therefore I strive to always sharpen my weaknesses. At that point I’m entirely comfortable with understanding where and when I could or should apply myself and when I should simply stay quiet. Besides, some of the most beautiful people have the ugliest souls. Find out who you are, embrace it with confidence, and it’ll radiate throughout the room and to everyone in it. Read More>>

Nicole Collins

Being the only one in the room that does not look like me is not an uncommon instance. I think being a Latina and being confident and comfortable with myself and knowing how hard I’ve worked to get where I am helps with a sense of belonging. It’s also a perfect way to show colleagues how determined Mexican American entrepreneurs are. Read More>>

Mildred Mariel Pérez

I think that happened to me when I came to Texas to pursue my master’s degree in jazz studies at the University of North Texas. I mention this experience because it’s relatively recent. I believe I had a strong sense of purpose from the start, and I focused on that. At the time, I wasn’t thinking too much about the external — about how others saw me. I was very clear about why I was there, and my way of protecting myself from what people might think or say about me — as a woman, as someone from another country, and as someone playing an instrument traditionally played by men (although that’s thankfully changing) — was to guard my energy and stay focused on my goal: to learn. Read More>>

Garnett Strother

Personally I believe effectiveness stems from one’s ability to remaining open to discovering diverse paths that lead to your desired outcome.

I’m usually the only person in the room that looks like me so I’ve gotten used to sticking out. It can be bothersome at times when we forget how much our energy contributes to our psycho social ecosystem. Sometimes, being singled out is a super power. It’s an opportunity to show people that you can be free just being who you are. Read More>>

Andrea Chaves

There have been countless moments in my life—whether as a woman, a Latina in tech spaces, or as the founder of a nonprofit—where I’ve looked around the room and quietly wondered, Do I belong here? That feeling doesn’t disappear just because you achieve more. Sometimes it even gets louder. But instead of letting it shrink me, I’ve used it as fuel to build something different. Read More>>

Deepa Patke

I like to identify as being unique because I have built my business primarily as a wholesale and ecommerce business. You see, as an independent entrepreneur, it can feel a bit isolating, never really being able to connect with my customers face to face. It almost feels like being on an island unto myself at times, in an industrial complex, away from the retail environment, thinking, planning, executing and managing. Read More>>

Vanessa Ruiz

I lead with intention in everything I do, and that shows not just in my presence when I walk into a room, but in the energy I carry with me. Confidence can sometimes be misunderstood or even trigger discomfort in others, especially when you’re the only one who looks like you—but I’ve learned to immediately soften that space with warmth, genuine conversation, and connection. Read More>>

Talifa Isgandar

Being the only one in the room used to feel intimidating – but over time, I’ve learned to see it as a strength, not a setback. When no one else looks like you, you become very aware of how you show up. I’ve learned to trust my voice, to prepare twice as hard, and to speak with intention. Read More>>

Santedubois

There’s only a few Mexican/Latino DJs I can think of off the top of my head in dance music (EDM): me, the homie Rommii, Deorro, Gordo/Carnage, Dabow, and Boombox Cartel. Standing in these rooms at clubs, festivals, networking events etc. especially from an artist/DJ/performer standpoint- I feel like 99% of the time I’m the only Latino in the room. Read More>>

Chino Erokwu Powell

Over the years, I have learned that being the only one in the room makes me not only the exception but exceptional. If the room is full of people other than people like me, then the decision makers (or whoever/whatever led us to this moment) have decided that I am worthy to participate despite my differences. My talent and ability is shining far beyond not being the stereotypical person for the role. I learned to embrace this as the super power that it is. Read More>>

Tianyi Zhang

Honestly, everyone faces this kind of challenge at some point. When I was a teenager, I was the only student in my class learning art. Teachers and classmates often judged me, assuming that kids who study art are somehow rebellious or not serious about their future. Later, when I studied abroad, I was labeled because of my skin color, accent, and lifestyle. Read More>>

Brittney Carr

I believe who I am today was shaped by countless experiences that taught me I’m everything I want to be—and then some. Let’s face it, life can throw curveballs, but I’ve learned to navigate it by reminding myself, *loud and clear*, that I am worthy and deserving of whatever God has in store for me. We all need to internalize that—deep down, we have to know we are “all that!” Read More>>

Omar Johnson

This is such an interesting question, yet it hits so close to home.

We will have to start with the origin story. I was born in Toronto, ON. I didn’t move down to the states, Orlando, FL to be exact, until 5 years old. However, my time in Toronto was pretty jam packed, mainly because I started kindergarten right before the age of 3. Read More>>