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.
Aman Chopra
I have always embraced it, I consider it a gift to be the only one that feels like me or even looks like me. It makes me adaptable and give others the space to explore something out of their own space and it also gives me the opportunity to express to people who might not be like me and challenge myself to navigate and succeed in any realm of the world. Read More>>
Dr. Danielle Cadenhead
Navigating the healthcare field as a Black woman has been nothing short of transformative for me. From starting as a registered nurse, transitioning to a family nurse practitioner, and then earning my doctorate, I faced challenges on every level—professionally, personally, and even emotionally. The healthcare field, especially at higher academic and clinical levels, is still predominantly white, and I often found myself having to fight for recognition in spaces where I was both the minority in terms of race and age. Read More>>
Kinza Azmat
Let me be real — being the only person who looks like me in the room has been a journey of turning potential obstacles into my biggest strengths. Throughout my career, from engineering to consulting to business acquisition, I learned that competence speaks louder than anything else. I developed this approach of showing up prepared, knowing my stuff inside and out, and letting my work do the talking. At Southwest Airlines, I learned how to lead by example, managing diverse teams and solving complex problems with a mix of technical skill and empathy. Read More>>
Semeyer Sutton
I’ve learned that being unapologetically myself is key. My unique energy and presence command attention, allowing me to own any space I’m in. By being friendly, approachable, and authentic, I’ve found that people are often pleasantly surprised by the value I bring to the table. Embracing my individuality has become my superpower. Read More>>
Assel Omirserik
Navigating my role as the Head of the Filmmaking Department at the Kazakh National University of Arts has been both rewarding and challenging. At 25, I am the youngest person to ever lead the department, managing a team of about 30 instructors, many of whom belong to an older generation. While I have a clear vision for modernizing our filmmaking education, I’ve faced resistance simply because of my age. Read More>>
Bruna Mejias
I believe success is a consequence of dedication and consistency. The way I’ve learned to be efficient is by understanding the needs of, not only the character I’m playing as a part of the work obviously , but also the needs of the people working around and with me, so that I can be of service to them as well and ultimately serve our vision for the project, finding solutions along the way and therefore moving towards the same goals. Read More>>
Lindsey Steffens
It can be a challenging situation when you are the only person in the room who looks like you. In times like that, I remember that I’m in the room for a reason and it emboldens me to be more creative, strategic, and brazen in my ideas. Me being in the room is already a subversive act– why not continue that trend by presenting creative, but data driven ideas that others may be afraid to discuss. If I’m in the room, I need to use every moment I can to add value and make my voice heard. Read More>>
Sura Siu
Honestly, I don’t see being the only person in the room who looks like me as a disadvantage. If anything, I’ve learned to harness it as my superpower. It’s not a weakness—it’s an opportunity. Being in that position allows me to stand out, bring a fresh perspective, and show up authentically as myself. Read More>>
Odasha Dennis
When I first started my hairstyling career, I found myself being the only one in the room who looked like me more times than I can count. At first, it was intimidating. I felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged, and honestly, it could feel isolating. But over time, I started to see that being the “only one” in the room wasn’t just a challenge—it was also an opportunity. It gave me the chance to stand out in a way that was uniquely mine, and I want to share what I’ve learned from those moments. Read More>>
Marcus Davila
As a Mexican American in the Film Industry our Ethic group is underrepresented in the United Staes and has made my journey inspiring to others who are Latino like me. I don’t have any Filmmakers in my family, I don’t know any personally, but still chose to learn the craft and begin my career by putting forth the best films I can. Being the only Latino in the room has never dissuaded me from pursuing my goals. Read More>>
April Soto
It is often true that I am the only one in the room that looks like me. This was true in childhood, college, medical school and in the workplace. Growing up in Guatemala as the child of Puerto Rican missionaries gave me a perspective that I carry with me until this day. I have gratitude and a flexible nature that I would not likely have if it weren’t for this experience. Read More>>
Monica Jackson
For me, being a personal trainer who doesn’t fit the mold of what people expect has always made me a “stand out”.
I’m a curvy girl who loves to train, but it wasn’t always easy stepping into this space. For a long time, I struggled with feeling like I didn’t belong. I questioned myself because I didn’t look like the ‘standard’ fit trainer. But over time, I’ve done the work—deep, personal work—to find my place in the world, regardless of the room I stand in. Read More>>
Teddi Krochman
Of all the “isms” in our world “ ageism” is one of the most universally accepted. We think nothing of disregarding “old” people as being less attractive, less vital, lacking updated skills, unwilling to change, out-of-touch, etc. so when I walk into a fashion event with my grey hair filled with 20 and 30 year olds I hold my head up, wear something figure fitting, which may not be considered “ age appropriate”, flash a big smile and walk in like I own the room. Read More>>
Sibin Babu
Being the only one in the room—whether in my professional field, martial arts, or spiritual circles—has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned that success in such situations comes down to self-confidence, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. Read More>>
Brianna Thompson
I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had and for the opportunity to do the work I do now. Despite that, it can be intimidating to be the age I am, sitting in rooms with people who are often a decade older and who look different from me. When I first started sharing physical spaces with other successful people, it was easy to doubt myself and wonder whether I was being taken seriously. Read More>>
O Zhang
During my four years of study in London (2000–2004), I was the only Chinese student in my two art schools. Most of my peers were British or European. At first, the experience was isolating—no one spoke my language or fully understood me. But after a few months, I stopped trying to fit in. Only then did I truly find my path. Read More>>
Thalia Vivens
When it comes to being the outlier in the room in terms of representation, perspective is such a critical factor in how you take up space. Truly, this can be for better or worse, and I will admit that I have been in both perspectives. Initially, I saw my differences as an indicator that dance is not for me. Growing up in a strict ballet environment showed me that there are countless factors at play. This was an art form for elites. Read More>>
Meg Stafford
It is a delicate balance between seeing oneself as part of the crowd, and seeing oneself as unique. I grew up with several of my mother’s friends’ kids, who happened to be boys. I was the younger of two sisters, so there were not boys in my immediate family, but because I spent so much time with these “brothers,” I was very comfortable with them. We played sports, we played board games, spent time with animals, all things I still enjoy. Read More>>
Lou Simón
As a female director, I am often the only woman, or one of a few, on set. Most of my crews tend to be predominantly male. That not only means that I have to work with them, but I actually have to be their boss. On a couple of occasions, to be honest, it has been quite hard, especially when I was still gaining experience. I have gotten a lot of pushback from some crew members, who didn’t respect me. In another situation, you might have a chance to win people over by showing that you are capable to do your job. Read More>>
Jessica Gallegos
Being the only one in the room has been both a challenge and an opportunity that has shaped my journey. As a Hispanic woman living in St. Louis Misosuri, I’ve learned that my uniqueness is my strength. I don’t just bring my voice to the table—I bring the voices of my culture, my community, and the many others who have felt underrepresented. That sense of purpose fuels me. Read More>>
Ricardo Nelson
Being the only one in the room often felt like walking a tightrope. On one side, I dealt with imposter syndrome—constantly questioning if I truly belonged or if I was just a token, filling some diversity quota. I felt the need to over-deliver, work twice as hard, and stay quiet when I should have spoken up, all while battling this nagging doubt that I wasn’t enough. Read More>>
Kate Beever
I chose to become a drummer during an era when there were not many female instrumentalists gigging. Almost every band I was in from junior high school through adulthood has been made up of male musicians. Read More>>
Renay Bossy
hello gorgeous I’m RENAY
but everyone calls me by my nickname bossy ….
I think this question is brilliant..
And extremely relevant considering the time frame that we are in 2025 here we go.
Being a Ethiopian woman commercially known as African American or black in t
he US and in the beauty industry. Read More>>
Crystal D Woods
I have learned that being the only one in the room is not a disadvantage—it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to challenge norms, introduce fresh perspectives, and pave the way for those who will follow. That realization did not come overnight. I remember walking into a corporate leadership conference early in my career and feeling an instant wave of discomfort. Read More>>
Marie Milord
I learned first and foremost to embrace my uniqueness and the fact that I look nothing like the folks in the room. My background and upbringing were very different from those I was challenged with managing. However, that difference allowed me to be effective and successful because I was able to build off of it and take advantage of it. My insights were different because I had nothing sugar-coated for me in life. I was real, raw, and authentic. Read More>>
Ms.sauce Plates
Black girl magic is universal, this is the ability to code switch, adjust, adapt, shine and remain authentic. In any room I enter, I make it a point to be a solid soul. I add flowers to my crown to match my brand logo. My logo is an ombre of colors, which represents the garden I constantly grow from. I always have one person with me who has showered me with unwavering support by my side (making us the TWO standouts in the room). Read More>>
Rodnesha Ross
Being the only one in the room who looks like me is something I’ve experienced countless times throughout my journey. As a single mom, I’ve always had to be resilient—not just for myself, but for my children. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from fitting in; it comes from standing firm in your purpose and embracing the unique perspective you bring to the table. Read More>>
Christopher Cayari
Throughout my life, I was always a little different from my peers. I was one of only a handful of kids in a predominantly White school who had browner skin than everyone else. I realized I was queer in high school in the late 90s, and I came out to people in my school band weeks before Ellen DeGeneres came out on her sitcom. In 2012, I had arguments with my dissertation advisor about using they/them/their as singular pronouns instead of “he or she,” which was so common in most academic writing. Read More>>
Madelyn Dover
This is an interesting question. I think it’s important to understand WHY you are the only one in the room that looks or acts like you. Sometimes it’s as simple as being told “we like your look.” Other times it is much deeper. How do you carry yourself? Are you professional but friendly in these settings? Do you have a “ready for anything” attitude? Can you show patience and understanding for any changes or random happenings that may occur? These are all things that can help you stand out. Read More>>
Valerie Barney
There’s so much room for individuality in the world. While there will always be people who may not like me or my designs—or even notice them—there will always be others who admire me for simply being myself. For me, being effective and successful comes down to staying confident in my own skin and tapping into who I was created to be. Blending in with the crowd isn’t effective, it’s the leader who stands out! I’ve learned that embracing discomfort is where growth and power truly lie. Read More>>
Deja Monet
I’ve learned to be effective/successful in a room where no one looked like me because I’ve always knew I can make a difference no matter what. I knew I had what it takes to be great and do great things. My work ethic will always stand out. Read More>>
Theresa Feeman
Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me the power of standing out and turning what might feel like a challenge into an advantage. As a Black female entrepreneur, I bring a unique perspective and voice to the table—one that can spark fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. Read More>>
Dr. Jana Haywood
Having grown up in St. Louis, MO it would be expected that being a black woman and being the only one in the room would be an early life lived experience. That was not true for me having been raised in north city and north county in the 80’s/90’s. My home life was definitely a cultural black experience. We worshipped at a predominantly black church and my family unit lacked racial diversity. Read More>>
Teri Starr
Whenever I go anywhere I’m usually an “outcast”. If you know me personally you would know that I will dress up even if I’m just going grocery shopping. I express myself through the way I dress and people stare at me everywhere I go. Honestly on the inside I am so shy but you would never know because I carry myself with a lot of confidence and I don’t let the stares run me back in the house. Read More>>
Shaniel Marsh
Being the Only One in the Room: Thriving as a Black Girl in Exclusive Spaces
As a Black girl, being the only one in the room often feels like walking a tightrope between self-assurance and constant self-awareness. It’s a unique position that comes with its challenges but also with great opportunities for growth. Over time, I’ve learned to navigate these spaces by embracing my identity, leveraging my uniqueness, and equipping myself with tools to succeed and thrive. Read More>>
Dáisha Evans
I feel like the best thing I could ever be is myself. Knowing that I possess attributes and talents that set me apart from anyone else, is what keeps me motivated. Of course seeing others that look like me, provides me with inspiration but I definitely don’t mind being the one to hold the torch. Read More>>
Meghan Symonds
Certainly! Here’s the response rewritten in a tone that matches your style:
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Being the only one in the room isn’t always easy, but it’s something I’ve learned to turn into an opportunity. It’s something I’ve grown accustomed young, and unfortunately it still happens to this day. As the owner of the only Black-owned charcuterie business in the region, I’ve learned how to stand out and succeed by staying true to myself and my values: Influence, Quality, and Education. Read More>>
