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.
Dr. Constance Craig-mason, Mrfc®, Nssa®
Walking into rooms where I’m the only young, Black, female Investment Advisor can be both empowering and challenging. Early in my career, I quickly learned that I couldn’t just rely on my credentials or expertise alone. I had to bring my full self to the table, owning my unique perspective and understanding the value it adds. At first, it felt intimidating, but I shifted my mindset from ‘fitting in’ to ‘standing out’ and embraced what made me different as an advantage. Read more>>
Precious Simone
Being the only “one” in the room has been something I’ve had to navigate throughout my entire career. It’s a unique experience that comes with both challenges and opportunities. Read more>>
Andre Luper
Raised by single struggling mother with no father.My down falls have became my success.No father with a desire to be the best father for my kids.Never want them to suffer without me like I did without my father.I have 5 children and I have actually raised them all and have actually won Full Custody of two of them in the court room.Learning to put God first and trust his process for my life.Athlete,Military,Heart,Driven,Self- Motivated,Never Give up,Never Back down,life of struggling with the ambition to be successful with a great desire to work and be my own boss.Heart for people,young,old and homeless.Great desire to save our youth from the streets and help our elderly be able to live a comfortable life.My mission is to add Value to the lives of the people in our community.Faith,Family and Future.My entire life is a testimony and I couldn’t tell it all in this email but I trust God with the desires of my heart.Thank you for listening to my story Read more>>
Tierra Bonds
Growing up in Olympia, Washington I am very used to being the only one in the room that looks like me as the Black population is about 2 percent. I vividly remember being a child and being the only dark-skinned person in most of my classes which created a strong desire to fit in. However, I am deeply thankful for my parents and family who consistently reinforced the message that my Black is beautiful which gave me the confidence to be me, unapologetically. This foundation of self-assurance has been pivotal to my success today, allowing me to leverage my distinct perspective and lived experiences as strengths in both my personal and professional life. I recently heard that our unique lived experiences and differences can only be shared by us, and we can capitalize on our differences to create success because it’s what sets us apart from others in the business world. By bringing our true selves to the table, we offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions that drive success and create value. Being the only one in the room that looks like us means opening doors to new opportunities. Read more>>
Chloe Tang
Growing up, I used to feel such a strong need to blend in to my environment. It was against my nature to bring attention to myself in school and other social settings so I just didn’t say much. From then to now, I’ve learned so much about the dynamics in a room and how to carry myself appropriately depending on the circumstance. The main skill I’ve had to work on is convincing myself that I am just as important as anyone else in the room- no matter their level of wealth, success, knowledge, or experience. I have to portray that confidence, especially when I’m the only one that looks like me. I just remind myself that I’m carrying that much more weight because I’m representing the API community, not just myself as an individual. Advocating for representation is a huge part of why I love being an artist and a small reminder of that is all it takes to motivate myself to be confident. Read more>>
Pisceze
I’ve learned the importance of staying true to myself and trusting my own instincts, rather than constantly seeking advice or validation from others. Over-comparing yourself to others can leave you feeling stuck and disconnected from your true character. Read more>>
Kirsten Ritenbaugh
Growing up, I always knew that I was different from everybody else. I don’t mean this necessarily in a bad way, but the conventional ways of teaching, learning, and even thinking were always a struggle for me. As an artist, I can’t just read the textbook and then relay the information; I’m a visual learner. As the little sister of an incredibly smart sibling, I was always compared to her by the teachers we both had. Read more>>
Dr. Kenneth Nichols
Drawing from my background in sports, a 30-year U.S. Navy career, and a commitment to lifelong learning, being the only one in the room has been a recurring experience that’s profoundly shaped me into a seasoned leader. Each of these arenas has taught me valuable lessons that I carry with me into every situation. Read more>>
Chrisel Martinez
My commitment to authenticity, grounded in faith, has guided me in navigating spaces where I may be one of few. I believe that wherever I am placed, there is purpose—a self-awareness that reminds me my presence, especially in spaces where I might be underrepresented, can open doors and inspire others who follow. Read more>>
Becky Valencia
Breaking into the world of finance at just 18, I hadn’t anticipated the obstacles that would come simply from being myself. As a Latina and the only woman of color in many rooms dominated by white men, I quickly discovered that my journey would be different. I was not prepared to feel unheard, overlooked, or dismissed outright. In this world of numbers and strategies, I found I would first need to fight for the right to even be part of the conversations. For nearly three years, I struggled to even find my voice. In meeting rooms, and classrooms, I often sat silently where my ideas and answers were swallowed by louder voices. Then, one moment changed everything. Read more>>
Raquel Medley
Being the only Black woman in the room has empowered me to embrace my unique beauty and perspective. It’s a powerful reminder that diversity is a strength, not just in representation, but in the richness of experiences we bring. This visibility not only allows me to showcase my authentic self but also creates opportunities for others to learn and grow. I strive to foster a deeper understanding of our differences, sparking meaningful conversations that challenge stereotypes and inspire inclusivity. My presence is a celebration of resilience and an invitation for everyone to appreciate the beauty of diverse narratives. Read more>>
Deborah Alexander
After experience identity crisis,,, I learned to accept me for who I am..
I set the vibe to the environment. Read more>>
Lisamarie Sanchez
I was the only one in the room that looked like me when I started college, and someone pointed out I was the only girl majoring in chemistry as a freshman. I loved the subject and thought the biggest challenge would be choosing between biochemistry and chemistry, not competing against a room full of guys. Read more>>
Talia Abbe
This is the most challenging part for me. Learning to be effective and successful while often being the only one in the room can feel extremely isolating and lonely. Acknowledging this feeling is crucial, especially when pursuing your dreams. I believe the first step toward success is recognizing these emotions. Read more>>
Jaynelle Veloso
Growing up, I didn’t see anyone in the media or anyone successful who looked like me. I developed this complex and genuinely believed that someone like me didn’t have a shot at success— so what’s the point in even trying? I still think there’s a lot of professional milestones I need to reach, but overcoming this insecurity helped me build the confidence to say to myself: “I’m good at what I do. If they don’t like me, then that’s their loss”. Read more>>
Brittani Mack
Understanding that there is an intersectionality with all of us and that we have more in common than we have differences, we have different lived experiences that often times can be the very thing that keeps us together. I take my time to learn people and find things that I can speak on based on my own lived experiences Read more>>
Team Aquarius
I’m fortunate to have my work bestie, Mary, by my side. Together, we form a dynamic duo in any space we enter, bringing our unique perspectives and energies to the table. This partnership not only amplifies our voices but also creates a supportive environment where we can thrive, even when we might stand out. Read more>>
Anna Macan
Being a Filipina-American guitarist, I’ve often found myself in rooms where I’m either the only girl or only person of color or both. When I was a kid, I definitely felt self-conscious about it and felt like I had to prove myself all the time. Read more>>
Frank Song Jr.
I have often felt like a person who is both betwixt and between most American spaces. I am on a journey to connect with the core of who I am and what I truly believe in. Read more>>
Alexia Seba-robles
My origin story begins with being “the only one in the room”. Like many scientists, I, too, wanted to be a scientist since I was a little girl. However, even from that early age, I could tell that there were limitations to my interest. My family didn’t have the resources to support me in the sciences outside of school, and my school was preoccupied with just keeping my peers from dropping out and turning to drugs or violence. So when I finally entered college as a physics major, I recognized my deficit right away. Read more>>
Mekaylah Gilbert
Starting my company at 19 often makes me the youngest person in many rooms, and while this could easily be intimidating, I refuse to let it hold me back. I choose to see it as an incredible opportunity for growth rather than a disadvantage. Viewing things through a “glass half full” perspective, I focus on learning from those who have come before me and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. I allow my voice to be heard as well as my viewpoints and perspectives to be seen. I’m also confident that God placed me in these spaces for a purpose, and I trust in my abilities and what I bring to the table. This confidence quickly dispels any fear or intimidation and allows me to fully embrace each opportunity. Read more>>
Kyal Legend
I’ve come to realize that being different, both in appearance and spirit, is something worth embracing and celebrating. I try to own my quirks, flaws and unique qualities because they make me who I am – one of a kind. When you understand that no one else is you, and that’s your superpower, it becomes a source of strength. At this point in my career, I’m used to being the only person in the room who looks like me. Growing up studying at the National Ballet Of Canada and competing in dance, I was often the only girl of mixed ethnicity with a single mother pursuing her dreams. No one looked like me or shared the same struggles I faced as a woman of colour in the arts. Later, as an actress, I was frequently submitted for roles originally written for a Caucasian girl because my agent saw my talent and believed in what I could bring to the role. Casting directors would see me because I was different, unique, and brought something fresh to the script that no one else did. They began to enjoy my performances for exactly what made me stand out. Read more>>
Chen Zhao
Before college, the word “movie” didn’t even exist in my vocabulary. All my relatives and friends had traditional professions: doctors, lawyers, and bank employees. My friends were all very “Chinese-style” kids: studying computer science, finance, and marketing. So when I decided to major in film studies in college, no one understood what I was doing; everyone thought I was crazy. Read more>>
Maxie Contreras
I have learned to be effective and efficient in any room I walk into. Looking different is something I’ve been accustomed to as a child. I’ve always stood out and have been the black sheep in every area of my life; family, school, work, etc. It’s something I’ve learned to take pride in confidently because I know what I’m capable of and I know my strong assessts. Therefore, when I walk in a room and realize I am 1 of 1 I am eager to show ALL I can do! Read more>>
Isaiah Jean-paul
No matter what setting I end up being in I’m always the youngest in the room, but I feel like that’s what makes me.. me.
Despite being so much younger than everyone I’m always up to par if not working harder than everyone else in the room and that’s what makes my age so effective, because when people see that kid in the room full of adults working harder than the adults they have to respect it Read more>>
Lai Xu
I can’t say it applies to everyone, and I think it’s actually quite stupid, -It’s about forcing myself to do everything independently,
I think when I was in medical school but full of thoughts of being a musician, I was traveling a relatively specific path at the time, and not being efficient, I tried to find my own way by referring to other people’s successes, but the question is there’s so much information and reference to read, and when we go down the road that other people have gone down and find it efficient, we tend to forget that it can be internalized, forget it’s just a reference.
But is all about to figure out a way to move forward first, and while it may be relatively slow to run upfront, our system is not built on air, and if something goes wrong, we can find a solution from within ourselves without being stuck for a long time. It’s not always appropriate to be 100% in this mode, originality and efficiency need to be balanced, and every once in a while it’s necessary to go and revisit yourself and adjust the ratio. I really wish I could tell my 18 year old self these words because I didn’t figure out for a long time. Read more>>
Tiesha Farmer Grant
The only room I feel intimidated in when I am the only one that looks different is probably the gym. Even that feeling is fleeting. I was reared in a predominantly white, rural area which provided the initial stage of using my differences as leverage for achievement. I was an avid reader. The people I admired most were visible, and assertive. Their differences were the draw, and their innovation came from their identities. I learned very early that my blackness, womanhood, and other forms of intersectionality were hoisters, though they also presented unique challenges. I began by involving myself in spaces where the expected demographic was meant to be the majority. I brought perspectives from my vantage point, challenged the bases of their decision-making, collaborated with others with intention to make impressions, drive meaningful conversations and build influence. By high school, I had acquired both skill and confidence to take on any room no matter the persons there. Throughout college, both graduate school completions, and my field experiences, that self-assurance remained cemented. As I entered my careers in criminal justice, a system where the decision-makers hardly resembled those imposed with the consequences or doing the front-line work, and when I pivoted into mental health, a field heavily saturated with westernized thinking and being I still felt that I belonged in every staffing, courtroom, roundtable, treatment team meeting, service planning consultations etc. That is not to say anxiety and imposter syndrome does not present itself. However, I practice cognitive challenge and frame whenever I feel that my differences were hiding a fraud. I’ve convinced myself that I belong in these spaces because I have achieved as they have achieved, I have value as they have value, I have expertise and perspective that is also significant, and I am no room by accident nor luck. Read more>>
Susan Blackburn
When I started my journey to become a Wedding Photographer, it was mostly a male dominated industry. I honestly did not care or think much about it. I just sought out the best mentors and teachers (all males at the time) and learned from them. I was just driven to do this and I did not waste time thinking about being one of the only women. I only wanted to be a good photographer. Read more>>
Josiah Jackson
I hear this question at some point during 50-60% of my piano tuning appointments. Why? Well, I’m a 20 year old piano tuner and since most people in the industry are at least 60 years old, clients are shocked when they open their front door and let in a “professional” who looks like he’s still in high school. Read more>>
Roleph Dubreus
I’ve learned by simply playing to my strengths and amplifying it while masking my weaknesses. I knew from the beginning of my childhood that I was very good at certain skills. I didn’t feel the need to try to be something I’m not or try to learn things that were conducive to innovating my set strengths. Although it may have been hard to form an identity, nobody could be able to determine my path but myself. Since they’ve never met anyone like me. Read more>>
Ashley Kirchner
I found success by becoming comfortable with discomfort. For much of my life, I struggled with my weight, which made me more resilient and motivated to prove myself through my work ethic rather than my appearance. I wanted to ensure that if I was the only one in the room, people would remember how I made them feel. I live by the belief that while they may not remember what you did, they will always remember how you made them feel. This mindset has driven my successes; it’s never been just about me, but about how I can contribute to the world by bringing comfort, fun and happiness to others. Especially on the mosy important day of their lives. Read more>>
Aughbar
Being the only one in the room who looks like me can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. As a mixed Thai and Cuban American, it’s a chance to embrace a unique perspective that few get to see. I connect with others on a deeper level, letting my vision guide me. There’s something powerful about using my background as a tool to craft stories that resonate, revealing truths that often go unnoticed. Read more>>
R. A.` Meenan
Being a writer is HARD. Anyone who’s ever had to write anything ever can tell you that. But it does get a little easier when you’re in a group that is all working on similar writing. Whether that be a class working on the same composition essay or a group of novel writers working in a similar genre, it’s definitely easier when you don’t feel alone. Read more>>
