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.

Chantrel Reynolds

I’ve often found myself as the only person of color in the room, particularly in the country music space. At first, it was intimidating, and I wrestled with feeling out of place. But over time, I learned to turn that isolation into an opportunity to amplify not just my voice but the voices of others who aren’t represented. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to stand firm in my authenticity. I realized that my perspective—rooted in my lived experiences as a Black woman from the South—is valuable and necessary in reshaping the narratives within country music. I started by embracing the discomfort, using it as fuel to be deliberate and thoughtful about how I contribute. When you’re the only one in the room, your voice carries weight, and I’ve learned to speak up for what I believe in, even when it feels risky. Read more>>

Brianna A Sexton

I wish I could say it was written in the stars being born as an Aquarius. I think a lot of how I learned to be effective being the only one who looks like me in a room was from feeling that way growing up. Feeling different, or like the black sheep, at first was a narrative that gifted me persistence, new languages for communication and an ability to find similarities where it sometimes felt none existed. After being in enough rooms, (and years of coaching and therapy) I started to see it as a gift in and of itself. “No one looks like me…that means I get to open doors” “No one looks like me which means I get to stand out”. Whether as a ballroom dancer, a technical writing major in my university, the oldest or youngest in a room, I realized that my effectiveness came from having unique stories and perspectives to lean into. Read more>>

Jessica Lynne Witty

If I am the only one in the room that looks like me, I have at least done one thing right: you want to be the only one in the room that looks like you! If you look like everyone else in the room, there is a good chance you are not being yourself. Learning to fully embrace who you are, all the aspects that make you uniquely YOU is a lifelong journey.

Standing out by being yourself is, in my opinion, the only way to truly be successful.

But there is another way I experience being “the only one who looks like me”. At times, especially as a country music singer and songwriter, it can feel like you’re the only woman around. Women in the industry receive much harsher criticism than the men, and along with that a lot less airplay. Less than 12% of country music mainstream is sung by women, and half of those are in collaboration with male artists. Most people don’t know how much the odds are still against women in music, and particularly in the male-dominated country music world. Read more>>

Mars Bravo

I love this question! Being the only one in the room who looks like me is an incredibly powerful position, it makes it easier to stand out. My success stems from recognizing my value as a whole person. I embrace my unique combination of skills, expertise, and experiences and use them to inspire others to feel safe and confident in being their authentic selves.
I stay effective by focusing on my strengths and reminding myself to enjoy the journey. Read more>>

Mel M Rubin

It starts and ends with 1 thing – looking directly in the mirror and being completely honest with what I see, from an objective standpoint, with the full intention of getting better and having a great time whilst I’m at it.

Objectivity is the key. Not getting caught up in emotions, judgments, or comparisons. Now that’s not to say ignore/bypass the emotions, judgements, or comparisons that are coming up, it’s important that they are recognised and alchemised/transmuted accordingly… yet swimming in them doesn’t support effective forward movement. Read more>>

Aniekanabasi Asanga

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has been both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s taught me the power of authenticity and the importance of being unapologetically myself. When you’re different, you often bring a fresh perspective—a way of seeing things others might not have considered. I’ve learned to lean into that and use it to my advantage.

At the same time, I’ve had to develop a thick skin and a strong sense of self. Early on, I realized that I wasn’t just representing myself, but also paving the way for others who might follow. That sense of responsibility has driven me to be deliberate about how I show up, communicate, and build relationships. Read more>>

Rosy Sunshine Galvan

Everyone has wisdom, divine light, and purpose to share. If we’re in a room, it’s because we’re meant to be there. In my social work and public health career, I’ve experienced being the only person of color in the room (or one of a few). Unfortunately, nonprofits and public health institutions aren’t as diverse as they should be, given the populations they serve. What has helped me take up space is remembering that so many people in my community are counting on me to speak up, challenge inequities, and not take my moment in that seat for granted. It’s our responsibility to share our thoughts, ideas, and reservations that only the sum of our unique experiences allows us to see and reflect. Remembering this gives me the courage to speak up, even when I’m scared or my voice shakes. Be ok with saying things in “first draft.” Your ideas don’t have to be perfect, polished, or sanitized. Believe in your voice and know that you are here for a reason. Read more>>

Glenda Galvan-garcia

Looking back, it seems I have been the “only one in the room” my entire life. Growing up Latine in a primarily Caucasian neighborhood and raised by a single mom (rare in the 1970’s), our family always stood out. From an early age, I adapted and leaned into this space and got comfortable being uncomfortable. That attitude was something I applied as I’ve moved through my career where I have often been working in kitchens as a chef with mostly male counterparts. Being the only woman in the room wasn’t something I cherished; I wish there were more women, and I have always tried to encourage more equity. So, being the only one who looks like me wasn’t just about my ethnicity but also my gender. Read more>>

Brittney Marie Darling

From a young age, I recognized that I stood apart from many of my peers, not only in appearance but also in my mindset, creativity, and self-assurance. Embracing authenticity and viewing my differences as strengths has been a core principle I’ve consistently pursued. Life has taught me the importance of being my own advocate, and as a result, I approach every situation with confidence, always striving to contribute my unique qualities and perspectives with full commitment. I always say there’s a reason I’m in these rooms, so have a good time and give them Brittney Marie Darling! Read more>>

Tosi Ufodike

Having a strong sense of self-worth independent of external validation is crucial. When you’re the only person who looks like you in a room, it’s vital to maintain confidence in your abilities, experiences, and unique perspective. Remind yourself that you earned your place there. Being Nigerian American, I don’t have an inferiority complex. I know I am smart, hardworking and educated. While representation matters greatly, supportive relationships can transcend demographics. Look for people who value your contributions and can advocate for you. Your strongest allies and champions may come from diverse backgrounds different from your own – embrace these meaningful connections. Your distinct qualities can become powerful assets. I’ve experienced this firsthand – my name, Tosi Ufodike, stands out and leaves a lasting impression. Read more>>

Arica Quinn

Being the only one in the room is something I’ve come to embrace as an opportunity rather than a challenge. When you’re the only one who looks like you—whether it’s due to race, size, gender, or any other factor—it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong. But I’ve learned that standing out is a gift. It allows me to bring a unique perspective, one that people may not have considered but can benefit from greatly.

I’ve learned to be effective in these situations by knowing my worth and staying unapologetically authentic. Confidence is key—I show up as myself, not trying to shrink or fit into someone else’s mold. I’ve also leaned heavily on preparation and excellence. When I step into a room, I make sure my knowledge, skills, and work ethic speak louder than any doubts someone might have about me. Read more>>

Fynn Jane Coleman

I have learned to be effective and successful as the only person in the room who looks like me by embracing my authenticity, developing emotional intelligence, overpreparing, and building strategic relationships.

Here are some steps I’ve developed over the years:

1. Leaning Into Authenticity
I understand the power of standing out by staying true to myself. I use my unique perspective to bring fresh ideas to the table, which often resonate with others in unexpected ways. For example, in my real estate business, I have connected with diverse clients who feel seen and understood because i leverage my experiences to create trust and rapport. Read more>>

Roxy Lu

Navigating my path as a Chinese international student in the United States has been a journey defined by self-discovery, courage, and resilience. I came to the U.S. as a biology major, unsure of my career path and struggling with a sense of uncertainty about my future. As a first-year student, I found myself questioning if this was truly the life I wanted to lead, especially when I am the only one in the room who is asian yet not native speaker. My family business—SUMU Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has been in the veterinary pharmaceutical industry for 20 years. My father has made significant contributions to the field, earning recognition, patents, and media coverage. Because of his achievements and lifelong passion for the industry, he has always hoped that I would take over his company and carry on his legacy. It was a challenging period, filled with doubts about where I belonged and what my purpose was. Read more>>

Enna Gupta

“Growing up, I learned early on the importance of being resilient and adaptable. Losing my father at a young age and watching my mother battle cancer taught me how to navigate difficult situations with strength and determination. As the eldest sibling, I took on a lot of responsibility, not just for myself, but for my younger brothers as well. This experience shaped my ability to lead, persevere, and find solutions even when the odds seem stacked against me. Read more>>

A. Marie Dingwall

I am comfortable in my own skin and in my own voice. That’s so important because it allows me to be anywhere and take up space in any room. I am not unsure of myself, and I won’t allow anyone else to be unsure of me either. Read more>>

Jasmine Gerald

As a Black woman, I have often found myself in rooms where no one looked like me. These experiences, while challenging, have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and connection. In navigating male-dominated industries, I have learned the importance of finding my voice and standing firmly in it. Confidence and assertiveness are not just tools—they are necessities. I’ve discovered that by speaking with clarity and purpose, I can command respect and ensure my contributions are valued. Read more>>

Kelly Mateo

As a woman of African American descent, I grew up in a Polish neighborhood & went to a Polish catholic school; so I learned pretty early how to adapt to being “the only one”. I learned over the years that in order to be successful in situations like that, you must let your deeds speak for themselves. Often times people just see the physical appearance of a person and automatically assume that the person may not be as smart, or intelligent or hardworking as some of their counterparts. I had a situation at a pharmacy I worked at for many many years. Now I am a nationally certified pharmacy technician, always have been, meaning I could work at any pharmacy in the country & just show my paperwork. Having that certification has always been a badge of honor for me. A customer comes into the store, older Jewish woman & speaks with my boss. (The pharmacy I worked in at that time was the largest independent in Richmond, Va & was known for their high-quality service, Kosher market, gift shop, etc while still maintaining that old school druggist feel, soda fountain and all).  Read more>>

Fé María Vásquez

The first thing that I have learned in order to be effective and successful is to be humble. Being the only one on the film set that looks and sounds like me has been humbling and empowering at the same time.

Being a professional in the film industry is challenging, being a professional woman in the industry doubly so, and breaking into the film industry in a foreign country adds to the challenges even more.

Keeping myself grounded, humble and bringing a positive attitude towards any experience (that includes yet is not limited to racism, sexism, bullying, discrimination, as well as, recognition, inclusion, respect and admiration) helped me to grow thick skin, sharpen my communication skills, maintain a laser focus on the project, and to learn about being socially and emotionally smart without sacrificing my values and principles. Read more>>

Natalie Conde

I quickly learned that I was in the wrong rooms.

It can be very difficult when you’re the only one in the room with a vision. Most will be indifferent, others will bring you down, few will support you. People will only think ideas are feasible if it is within their perception of what they think is possible for themselves. Unfortunately, the vast majority don’t think very highly of themselves.

If you find that is the case it’s time to find new rooms.

I have learned that you have to be stubbornly head strong, never lose sight of your vision, and know in your heart that the things that make you different from the rest are the very same things that will lead you to your purpose. Read more>>

Kinshasha (shai) Hawkins

Being the only one in the room can feel isolating, even intimidating. For me, it became an opportunity to grow, and it all started around age 27 with a mentor who saw my potential before I fully saw it in myself.

For years, I worked a “job”—something that paid the bills but didn’t necessarily inspire me or align with my long-term goals. That all changed when I began my career. A career is about building something meaningful, contributing to your growth and purpose, and aligning with who you want to become. My career began as a medical assistant for a spine surgeon, and soon after, I was promoted to a supervisory role. It was a defining moment, but also a challenging one. Overnight, I became the boss of people who had been my peers. I knew the job, but I hadn’t yet developed the leadership skills to guide a team effectively. My tact was unrefined, and my words sometimes landed harder than intended. It became clear that I needed help transitioning from managing tasks to leading people. Read more>>

Kaya Phillips

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me to embrace resilience, authenticity, and purpose. I am Black, a woman, and Deaf, I embody three minority identities that often place me in rooms where I am the only representative of my communities. This is especially true in a field like audiology where diversity whether race or disability is scarce.

Early on, this reality felt intimidating, isolating and overwhelming but I’ve come to see it as a powerful opportunity to create change. I hold my head high in every space I enter, knowing my presence is a statement of representation and possibility. For example, I recently attended a graduate school tour and realized I was the only Black and Deaf individual in the room. Instead of feeling out of place, I reflected on how much it would have meant for me as a little girl to see someone like me pursuing this path.  Read more>>

Isabelle Winardi

Navigating the Los Angeles photography scene as a solo Asian female can sometimes be daunting. When out with my fiancé, I haven’t run into any sticky situations, and when on photo walks with others, the group as a whole benefits from safety in numbers. During my time alone, however, I sometimes find that I stick out like a sore thumb.

A lot of my work captures the famous (and not-so-famous) parts of the city that make LA, LA. Naturally, that involves a lot of walking, a lot of public transportation, and a lot of interactions with the residents who call this place home. At best, people hurl racial epithets and I sometimes get mistaken for a tourist even though I’ve lived here for nearly a decade; at worst, I have run ins with unsavory folks who make me feel thankful for always having my pepper spray on hand. Read more>>

Ralph Exilus

It Often can be difficult being the minority in any room, but I honestly feel like that’s a blessing in disguise. Most people may see it as a disadvantage but knowing I’m the only person like me gives me a creative edge and a point of view that the other may not have. Taking my experiences, traditions and story can breathe new life into anything I’m doing which makes me an asset to whatever I’m doing. Read more>>

Shaina Renee

When I find myself as the only one in the room who looks like me, I remind myself that my presence is intentional and purposeful. I focus on the value I bring to the table and let that guide my confidence. To remain effective and successful, I commit to being prepared, staying open to learning from others, and embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth. It’s also important for me to build a strong support network outside of those spaces, which keeps me grounded and reminds me that I’m not alone in my journey. My goal is always to use my voice, break barriers, and inspire others to do the same. Read more>>

Myeka Johnson

At this point in my career, I have been the “only one” in the room several times. To be honest, I don’t care. I never go into a room with the thought of who is going to be there. I know I have to accomplish something and that is my purpose in that specific room. As a CEO, you are alone on your path because it’s your business – your ideas. Being the “only one” is who u are once you become the leader. Read more>>