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.
Kamaya Tarpley
I have to muster all the confidence and self-belief I have in those moments. I am often times the only Black Lesbian Horror/Dark Fantasy Writer around so I’m used to holding up my head high. I know I stand out but I try to use that to my benefit and show my customers or peers “Yes, I’m different but let me show you why different can be incredible!” In those times, I offer a fresh perspective, one that hopefully sparks excitement. If it doesn’t intrigue you, that is fine but there is always hope with the next person. Read more>>
Sandi Griffin
Being the only person in the room who looks different from others can present unique challenges, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be effective or successful. In fact, embracing your uniqueness can become an asset. I was the only female coach and athlete in a male dominated space – the gym. Read more>>
Yvette Solis
I have used my unique looks to my advantage. I work in a global firm that 90% of the population looks nothing like me. so when I go out and about in the office or I go to client locations, I make sure to accentuate my natural looks because what it helps me do is stand out from the crowd. I wear my beautiful curly hair with pride. I know that my complexion is going to make me stand out. Read more>>
L’erin Gaines
I’ve learned to be effective and successful through understanding that there is purpose behind being the only one in the room that looks like me. Most of my life I’ve been spiritually driven in the opposite direction of what everyone else was doing. Something in me has always been uncomfortable enough to strive for change towards my personal goals in life. Read more>>
Caleen Caseryn
When I was pregnant, many mothers told me that my body will never be the same after pregnancy and that a postpartum body will not be as beautiful, it will always have a mum pouch and flabby belly. I pondered to myself if it was true, as I still could see there were many amazing and beautiful mothers. So I set myself a challenge, to get fit again after pregnancy. Upon giving birth, as a breastfeeding mother, I found it impossible to go out for fitness classes as my son was breastfeeding every two hours. Read more>>
Marlys Woods
Trying to understand how I fit in was a struggle I experienced throughout childhood. As a kid in a bi-racial and bi-religious home, I seemed to fit into every category and none at the same time.
Diversity from a perspective of race and ethnicity was never an issue in my home, but my parents did divorce over their religious differences. I started to feel like differences were dangerous – if you didn’t fit in, you could get abandoned. This belief was reinforced as I watched both of my parents try to find someone who would be a more ideal match. Read more>>
Nadia Wilson
Being the only one in the room as a Black young woman in public relations, I have learned to be effective and successful by embracing my uniqueness, building a strong professional network, cultivating self-confidence, educating others, seeking allies and sponsors, pursuing continuous learning and growth, and maintaining resilience. Read more>>
Sean Starr
This is a really interesting question. I have said for years that there isn’t really a way to easily describe what I do. I am mostly known as a visual artist, but that’s a really large umbrella I work under because in addition to original paintings I provide gold leafing services to other artists, I create verre eglomise gilded glass pieces, paint lettering and pinstriping on classic cars and work as a sign painter on some projects. In addition to all of that I record music under the name Blue Throat and have recently entered the word of film production. Read more>>
Mannushkah Remy
Being the only person in the room; You have to have the confidence that you are just as important as anyone else in the room. Allowing your self to be seen and to be acknowledge within the conversations that surround you. Knowing that you have the ability to control a conversation with your knowledge, delivery, and character, in the room, and stand firm in knowing that you bring value and importance. Read more>>
Katashia Partee Kendrick
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has presented a unique set of challenges throughout my journey. However, I have learned to harness and turn those experiences into strengths. By embracing my individuality and leveraging my diverse perspective, I have been able to thrive in such environments. Read more>>
Jennystax
I take a lot of pride in being myself. It’s what makes me authentic. We all have different paths and purposes in life. In the process I’ve learned to love mine and grow through the trials and tribulations that come with it. My story keeps me going and the progression over time, nothing happens overnight. Read more>>
Ray
This is a very good question. I have been the only one that looks like me in the room on many occasions. Some of the occasions have been elementary school, high school, and college. I will not lie, it can be pretty intimidating at first. You do not know how you will be received, you do not know how people are going to treat you, and your confidence level will be very low. Read more>>
Destiny Bradd
I have always been the younger one of the groups I have been in, especially in the entrepreneurship field. Sometimes it is a bit intimidating and of course the insecurities can creep in. However, I have adopted a mindset of learning from everyone I am around other than comparing myself to them. Sometimes, it can even be realizing they are not as “perfect” as it seems from a distance and realizing we are all human and unique in our own way. Read more>>
Robert Rivers III
Being the only one that looks like me has never been an issue because I have Godgiven ability and have a purpose. As I continue in my career I understand that representation is huge so that others have the motivation to do the same thing. Read more>>
Michelle (Mickey) Chapple
Over the years I’ve gotten used to standing out not only in my appearance, but also in my opinions and this is something I’ve just learned to embrace. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable has led me toward my most authentic life and as long as I’m living my truth, I feel successful. Life isn’t about being validated by others because we grant ourselves permission to take up space, be seen, heard, and to create freely. Read more>>
Agelvys Fernandez Rangel
Excellent question and the only way for you to get ahead and above all focus on your fears is trusting first in GOD and then in yourself and from there comes the overcoming and above all to remove that fear from the I can not and we have always been able the important thing is to take that first LEAP Read more>>
Ashle Renee
For me, it’s owning who I am and understanding that there’s only one me. We start trying to be like other people when we’re not confident in who we are and what we bring to the table. I put real effort into owning who I am… likes, dislikes, and quirks lol. Read more>>
Meera Ramanathan
I realize that being the only one in the room that looks like me, I can inspire and pave the way for a hundred more to represent, and motivate that will give hope to a thousand more. Exploring my path, discovering what is meaningful, and finding what I can do to open the way for other people that look like me is an exciting mission. Read more>>
Katherine Thompson
As a society, we have come a long way with mental health advocacy as it pertains to overall wellbeing. Even so, there are many misconceptions which has continued mental health stigma.
I am a Colombian- American, native Spanish speaking, Licensed Professional Counselor (dually licensed in Texas and in Georgia.) The nuances in the mouthful of the intersectionality I just described not only are multifaceted but are only a few of the social identities that have given me different lived experiences. Read more>>
Rose Gold
It wasn’t always easy until I became comfortable with myself. With each sunrise we get stronger so I learned to accept myself more and more each day. I am a strong believer that to gain control you have to loose control. Once I gained my control back I applied it to every aspect of my life. Rather is performing at my shows or being at home taken care of my cubs, I always bring my best foot forward and tune out any other energy that is not matching the positivity i’m giving out. Read more>>
Faibein Davis
I always was taught to be you and your authentic self. It’s only one of you every body else it taken. Knowledge of self is the key to winning at life. Read more>>
MODA
So being affective and successful in a room where you’re the only one of one for me, I have learned that as an African-American gay male in society there are things that hinder you to be successful. When I think of success myself, I think long-term and the obstacles that I have to overcome to obtain that success, the benefactors that help me of saying that success which are staying focus, staying true to self and never take no for an answer pushing forward can always help you see your end goal or that light at the tunnel as people like to say, Read more>>
