Being Effective Even When No One Else is Like You

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.

Amber Dorsey

Whether it’s being the only woman or the only Black person in a space, one thing I have learned is to show up as your true self and never shy away from speaking up. You would be surprised how far that gets you while also it’s necessary to establish yourself in certain situations so you aren’t overlooked or taken advantage of.  Read more>>

Jana Bunge

I love this question! We are all created with unique features, attributes, and giftings. God’s design is painted on each of us, and when we embrace who we are and our individuality, then we’ll become the best version of ourselves. Read more>>

Ana Viana

I can say that my photography business is my biggest professional success! I moved to Boston in 2013 and started my business from scratch with no network or roots here. Everything I have learnt on the way has been through trial and error. I have been and still wearing so many hats.  Read more>>

Tolani Eweje

Before I was a full time creative entrepreneur, I worked as a petroleum engineer for almost 9 years. During this time, I was usually always the only young black female in the room. It would have been easy to dwell on how others might see me, but instead, I chose to focus on my work quality and let that demonstrate my capabilities. Read more>> 

Autumn Yarbrough

Navigating spaces where I am the only African American female has provided me with a profound opportunity to champion diversity and drive meaningful change. My approach focuses on demonstrating the value of varied perspectives and the importance of inclusivity.  Read more>>

Kelly Nunn

In my life, I’ve often found myself in situations where I’m the only one in the room who looks like me, and it’s been a journey of resilience and self-discovery. Despite being counted out and not on anyone’s radar numerous times, I’ve learned to thrive in such environments by focusing on my strengths and unique perspectives. Read more>>

Cinque Singleton

Standing alone in a room full of faces different from yours can be an isolating experience. It can make you wonder if your voice will be heard, if your ideas will resonate. But trust me, being the only one who looks like you doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it can be your secret weapon. Read more>>

Brieana Ofosu

Sometimes, you just have to be okay checking off the “Other” box. There are thousands of ways we’re reminded of the boxes we’re supposed to be in from day to day. Male or female. Children or no children. Married or single. These characteristics become part of our pitch, our business, and sometimes our character altogether. Read more>>

Tracy Green

I love being the only one in the room that looks like me! Because it means I am special, I love being different! I love being confident I know who I am, and it exudes all over me! I know if one door closes, oh well, your loss another one will open. I’ve had to have that mind set to succeed in life and to get where I am today!  Read more>>

LENCIA MARSHALL

I use it as a challenge. I am challenging myself to be the best in the room. Most times, people that look like me are underestimated and ignored in rooms where we are few. I make it to where I can’t be ignored and I wow people with my wisdom and knowledge. Read more>>

Mason Williams

The feeling and reality of being the “outsider” in a room of “insiders” has been a persistent fact my entire career. My ability to navigate these situations over the years has evolved and morphed as I matured and aged. Very early in my youth the notion of “being extraordinary to be considered ordinary” was instilled in me by my family, specifically my maternal grandfather who grew up in segregated Georgia and eventually earned a Phd in child psychology in 1969. Read more>>

Lakeshia Pearsall

As a black woman in a profession that often lands me in a room with no similar faces, I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness as a strength rather than a hindrance. I maintain my composure by staying true to my values and beliefs, and by embracing my passion, creativity, and emotional intelligence. I’ve honed my skills in graphic design and branding, knowing that excellence speaks louder than any biases.  Read more>>

Kimberly Prince Scott

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I have always been one of the few females in the room. On top of that, being the only black woman has been a constant aspect of my life. However, I am an alliance builder, and with preparation, I have successfully navigated this terrain. Read more>>

Louise Cutler

I chose to embrace my uniqueness and use it as an asset. I have learned over the years to be confident in who I am and to share my passion for creativity and artistic innovation. I seek out those who wish to change the narrative. I speak up, network proactively, pursue continuous learning, and lead by example. I never let being the only one in the room who looks like me change my purpose or mission. Read more>>

Diane Darling

I’ll start by saying that it doesn’t happen as often as it used to, but there are still times when I walk into a room and I’m the only woman there. It’s always interesting to see the dynamics at play, like when men pretend they’re playing golf or talk about golf in a way that feels like a club I’m not part of. It makes me chuckle because you’d never see women doing that at a networking event. Read more>>

Zana Harris

Growing up in a diverse neighborhood but attending a predominantly white school as an African American, I often grappled with feelings of not fitting in. However, as I matured, I learned the importance of embracing my true self and forging my own identity, especially in unfamiliar environments.  Read more>>