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.
Ana Gia
As a female producer working primarily in the hip-hop world, I’ve often found myself as the only woman in the room. From the start of my career, most of my collaborators have been men, and many studio sessions placed me in that position. Read More>>
Ericka Johnson
For most of my journey, I have been ‘the only one in the room who looks like me whether I was the youngest one, the only person of color, or simply the only woman, which happens more often than not in my field. I have learned to embrace being the only one. A Black woman. Young. Bold. Unapologetically authentic. Read More>>
Stephanie Hardy
I have learned to be successful as the only Black woman in a room by using it as motivation to deliver. You have to use your differences as your superpower. When it comes to your identity, you may have a different viewpoint than the next person. Use that as an asset. Read More>>
Gray Anderson
I learned early on in life what it meant to be the only one. Read More>>
Tameka Foster
I remember that I am not the only one in the room, those who have paved the way, my ancestors, who could only dream to have the opportunities that I have – well, they are with me. Read More>>
Sheba Simpson-Amsterdam
Being the only one in the room has taught me to turn what could feel isolating into a source of strength, clarity, and purpose. I’ve learned to be effective and successful by grounding myself in three commitments: 1. Owning my identity as an asset, not a barrier. Read More>>
Ben Kaplan
It’s mostly about building your confidence, knowing that you feel whole with your decision, and trusting the path you chose. I think this is how many people’s journeys start when they are pursuing a dream that is outside the normal spectrum of what people define as a ‘real job’. Read More>>
Kinjal Patel
Being different in a room started early for me! Growing up in Connecticut, I was one of two non white children in my grade at parochial school. To add drama, I was also the lone vegetarian. At least we all had the same plaid skirted and oxford button down look. Thank goodness for that. Ha. Read More>>
Anna Sofia Ibarra
I recently found out that I am the only Mexican immigrant who owns a yoga studio in New York City. How have I learned to succeed in the wellness industry as a minority? Through two key focuses: creativity and accessibility. Read More>>
Thai ‘THE THAIGA’ Edwards
Being the only one in the room never intimidated me. It sharpened me. I grew up understanding early on that life wouldn’t always hand me a crowd that looked like me, thought like me, or understood the world the way I did. Chicago taught me resilience, the entertainment industry refined it, and experience turned it into a skill I carry with me everywhere. Read More>>
Hansheng Lee
Growing up Taiwanese American, I got used to being the only one in the room who looked like me long before I ever stepped into professional spaces. At first, I saw it as something I had to compensate for~ speak more softly, work twice as hard, take up less space so I wouldn’t draw the wrong kind of attention. Read More>>
