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.
Molly Sue Garbo
This is not easy! Especially because it seems we are prone to try and be anyone but ourselves at times in talented environments. Might be a form of flattery, or lacking the knowledge of just how cool it is to be YOU! But i found a way to lighten the load in situations like that. And here is the secret… I have learned to champion the differences! Thats what makes us beautiful, and purposeful. Read more>>
Tamia Haynes
Know Your Worth: It’s essential to recognize your value and the unique perspective you bring to the table. You are there for a reason, and your presence matters. Believe in your skills, experiences, and the knowledge that you can contribute to the conversation. Read more>>
Ellie Laks
I have been the only one in the room that is like me for my entire life. When i was a very young child, hearing animals, seeing them, understanding what they needed, and wanting to help them was my superpower. I didn’t understand at that time that the people around me didn’t see animals the same way. Read more>>
Shy Palmer
My journey of thriving in rooms where I’m the only person who looks like me is rooted in intelligence, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to equity and inclusion. Through my work with Reclamation FARMacy, I have translated this personal journey into a mission that empowers people of color in agriculture, ensuring that they are not only present but also influential in discussions concerning food systems and land access. Read more>>
David Goolkasian
As a child I thought I was a Martian for a while. I had a dream in which I had antenaes which retracted into my head just before I woke up, So, I just do what I enjoy and never worry what people think. Read more>>
Janet Navarrette
Taylor Swift said it best, “if I was a man, I’d be THE MAN.” Being a short Asian woman has not done me any favors in a male dominant industry. It was when I was clearly working harder than my male counterparts, but completely overlooked for a promotion and asked to “prove myself” that I realized if I were to be effective and successful, I needed to be the one to create a space for people who look like me to be effective and successful. Read more>>
Giovanni Mr Amazing
All I had was my pure desire and determination to be successful in my field of work. Most of what I’ve learned and am learning still, I taught myself. To realize I can accomplish things, based on a natural given talent is motivation to continue to reach for higher. Read more>>
Ian Hunter
When I’m in a room where no body looks like me I remember that the reason is because there is no body like me. What I bring to the table is special and unique. I’ve never stumbled into a room by accident. If im meant to be there it’s because I offer something that others don’t. And I try to never forget that. Read more>>
Antonio De’mon Robinson
Being the only one in the room en route to accomplishing your goals can be difficult. Who doesn’t feel inspired, appreciated, or more self-worth when he or she has a cheering section?Support, in my opinion, is vital to the human psyche. The applauds sound really faint when they are only coming from two hands; your hands. Read more>>
Hein San
I would like to credit the question to not only the looks but also my name “Hein” because my parents didn’t foresee that I would spend all eternity correcting the pronunciation to “Hane”. The word “Hein” means a loud noise, but it usually comes off as a joke when people can’t hear when I try to tell them. Though it is one of the more common names in Myanmar, it is seldom found on the tongues of my small town 4th grade peers when I first arrived to USA. Read more>>
Dana Washington
In my professional career as an engineer, I have usually always been the minority in the room; whether it be by race, by gender or both. This is something that became the norm for me, so I did not look at it as a hurdle to overcome but more-so an opportunity to represent those with my background. I learned to be successful in this environment by firstly being knowledgeable of the tasks and topics at hand, being prepared before every meeting and have the capability and confidence to speak to what I am managing. Read more>>
Maranova
I believe that’s the whole beauty of being unique: theres no one like me ! So of course, I you bring something different to the table that no one else does, eventually people see it and recognize. I am an indie pop singer, but I’ve performed and even attended shows where I’m the only artist there who’s singing. I feel the pressure of that of course, but I also see the benefit. Most people are more likely to remember the “odd one out” if you will. Read more>>
Logan Newman
there has been many times where I was the only one in the room that looked like me. However I use that as fuel to make sure I am being an outstanding representation of all the young black boys and girls that they deserve to be in rooms where conversations are had about the outcome of our futures. It’s imperative that our youth actively advocate for themselves. it’s the self-advocacy and self-agency that creates the leaders of today. “If your are not at the table then you’re on the menu” – African proverb Read more>>
Sarina Martin
In commercial real estate you are not going to find many black women in this field. Its a mans game especially white men. It doesn’t discourage me. Even when I realize they treat me different or not really open to including me in conversations or they look me over cause they think I am not that competent in the field I’m in. Read more>>
Matthew Morris
Growing up in Philadelphia, I spent the first half of my childhood around family and people who looked like me. As I got older, my Mother got a job teaching in a predominantly white school district that was supposedly at a higher level in education and achievement, so naturally, I transferred to her school district. I went from being in a classroom that was made up of 90% black children to being the only black kid in my class of 30. Read more>>
BICHA
I find power in individuality and self-expression; I might be the only Latina woman with red hair and blonde stripes and bleached eyebrows wearing a punk rock outfit at a doctors office or a grocery store. It’s cool. I think it’s powerful. Read more>>
Monique Gruenthal
Overcoming obstacles and boundaries can be a challenging journey, especially when faced with the additional burden of not being liked by others. However, the key to success lies in the unwavering determination to never stop doing what you love to do. It is essential to remember that the opinions of others do not defined your worth or abilities. Read more>>
Jesse Lynn
We are all unique in our own way. I had a very unusual upbringing that helped form my current thought processes and the way I approach a challenge or even how I relate to other people on a daily basis. Even some surface characteristics about me are different than what others may consider the “norm”. Read more>>
Jazlyne Sabree
Being a black woman navigating the art world has put me in many situations where I was the only one in the room who looks like me. I can remember the first time being while studying abroad in Italy. It was an incredible culture shock but I think that experience taught me how to be comfortable with who I am and in my own skin. Read more>>
Gregory Blair
When I was very young, I had no idea I was going to be the only one in the room in a few years. So, I just banged my quirky drum happily and thought nothing of it. As I got older, I realized I was clearly the odd one out: short, thin, underweight, not very attractive, not very athletic; in short, I was none of the things that people generally on the surface admire about a young man. Read more>>
Nekeria Hutchings
I’ve learned that fitting in or being popular, was not going to help me to reach certain aspects of my life. It has taken me years to fully see my potential in who I am as a person. My audacity has made room for me, I’m the first published author, motivational speaker, and business owner of my family. Read more>>
keyring
I think strangely, it can be helpful to look for what makes you similar to other people in the room when you are the only person like you, as a trans person, I take time to yes survey and at times understand that I’m in a room with only cis people. But at the end of the day we’re all connected by things other than what makes me different too. Read more>>
Christa Ellis
As an individual who is often the only one in the room that looks like me, I have learned to embrace my uniqueness and use it as a tool for success. Instead of feeling intimidated or overlooked, I have made it a point to stand out and make my voice heard. I have found that being confident in who I am and what I bring to the table is crucial. Read more>>
Bree Bellamy
So for me in this basketball skills training industry I’m typically the only female trainer on the room and I think I’m going to have success with it because I don’t mind . In fact, I embrace it . Being the only female in the room is a bonus . It means that somebody respected you enough to say , “hey! we want her”. Read more>>
Aamina Masood
I know how important it is to be seen as a Muslim doing things that people do not associate Muslims to be doing such as being a chef. Even now, when I meet my fellow hospitality peers, I am usually the only hijab wearing Muslim chef. Sometimes, I am the only woman. I find this in my technical field of cybersecurity and growing up doing STEM. Read more>>
ANarris Monger
I love this question. I love this question because it has been something I have encountered for as long as I can remember. I remember when I was in middle school, my name was called on the intercom. I remember them pulling me out of my regular class to put me in an honor class. Read more>>
Dr. Jennifer Bryant
I lean into knowing when I am invited into a room, it is because I add value and knowledge through influence and impact. Read more>>
Janell Beacham
Understanding who you are has a lot to do with the power you hold when being the only one in the room that looks like you. When you know that your calling will not look like the person next to you calling, then you walk in rooms with confidence knowing no one can take away what you have achieved, learned, experienced, or where you are going next. Read more>>
Vick M.
I have learned that before I can ever expect anyone else to believe in me, I have to believe in me. I can’t sell anything, to anyone, if I won’t buy it myself. Also, you have to have a little bit of arrogance about yourself. You have to know that you deserve to be in this room and if you just do your thing, run your race, everything else is background. Read more>>
Portia Mazone
Being the only African American in the room, layered with being the only female in the room, can present challenges, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and success. Being a Black woman in the entertainment and legal fields, I have had to learn how to cultivate my own safe spaces in a predominantly white-male ecosystem. I had to be confident in my skills and what I brought to the table and found that self-assuredness made others around me more comfortable with my presence. Read more>>
Kechelle Williams
By me having a food truck, I have been at events where I was the only one that looked like me. I learned to be successful at these events because of effective communication prior to ever meeting in person. Whether the communication is verbal or written and as long as I am able to speak their food language for the event, we are all one. Read more>>
Laura Walton
I like to talk about death. Professionally, this is a big part of the work I do, but personally, I am also intrigued by and interested in the topic. And I know that’s rare- most people avoid the topic of death at all costs. Read more>>
Ovell Barbee
I remain true to the core of the essence of the person I am. I do not seek validation from others and recognize the importance of advocating on behalf of those who look like me as their voices are not typically heard in leadership forums. Read more>>
William LaVant
I really like this specific question, and believe it or not many can’t answer it because the majority is focused on trying to fit in & blend in. Nothing is wrong with wanting to be “accepted”,, but don’t lose who you are as an individual. I’m used to “being the only one in the room” because i was the only one in the womb, born and raised an only child you learn independence quick. Read more>>
Isha Hutchinson
Navigating spaces where you’re the only one who looks like you can be both challenging and empowering. Here’s how I’ve learned to be effective and successful in such situations: Read more>>
Sunny Stroeer
Starting an expedition company and directing mountaineering expeditions as a young woman can feel pretty isolating at times. Most mountaineering guides are men, and the vast majority of expedition company founders and owners are men. The stark gender gap invites scrutiny and criticism from third parties, as well as imposter syndrome from within. Read more>>
Eripitan Osagie-Sule, MBA
I was blessed to move up in my career rather quickly, but that did not come without challenges. Whether I looked far too young or like I didn’t belong, I had to learn how to be successful in professional environments. Although, at times, I may be the only one who looks like me, I have embraced the isolation through self-confidence, building relationships, and staying true to myself. Read more>>
Kate Horowitz
Transparency and authenticity are key. When I speak up as a disabled person and ask for accommodations or call out inaccessibility, I’m advocating for myself and people like me, but I’m also intentionally modeling humanity and courage. I’ve heard from peers and loved ones that my honesty and willingness to rock the boat have empowered them to speak up for their own needs. Knowing this motivates me to keep being brave. Read more>>
