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.
Champian Fulton
As a Mexican-American female Jazz musician who is often the bandleader, I am always the only person in the room like me, but I never think of it that way. Read more >>
Jhaniyah Holland
I could talk about this question all day. I am a board member for an organzation that focuses on mental health and when I first started I was the only black person in the room and that was a problem for me not because of the color of everyone’s skin but becuase Diversity should be included in everything especially when you are doing this type of work. Eveyrone come from different backgrounds and everyone has been exposed to different cultures. How can we say we are here to serve the disinvested community if we havent been exposed to it? Read more >>
Jimmy Peterson
I grew up differently than most people. Life has been a bit challenging and crazy at times. I learned that no matter what happens if you have a goal in my, then you have to do whatever it takes to achieve it. When I turned 18 and started skydiving I knew it was what I wanted to do. That meant moving around the states and working in the industry full time to become an instructor. My family thought it was unrealistic and that I should be in college. Fast forward years later and I was an instructor with thousands of jumps. Read more >>
Issa Israel
My father taught me from a young age that being who we are in America comes with an obligation to out work everyone else in the room. He taught me that excellence for us was non-negotiable because our competence would be the first to get questioned and the last to be accepted. I learned from him that while others may get by with talking the talk, I would have to walk the walk and if I wanted to get anywhere in life I would have to do so until my soles were calloused. In a phrase, I learned that to be “good” I had to be “great.” Read more >>
Lisa Haynes
I enter a lot of spaces, especially in the Austin area where I’m the only one that looks like me. The key is to not let that intimidate you. I’ve lived in multiple states and traveled abroad — so I’m able to navigate in and out of circles very well. Additionally through my education and global travels, I’ve become well-rounded and able to converse on a great deal of topics. I find that when you look like me and you know a little something about every thing — then that automatically makes you the most interesting person in the room. I also have an unstoppable personality and natural aura that surrounds me, that make people gravitate towards me. Read more >>
Darryl Dunn
As I embarked on my woodworking journey, I eagerly sought out fellow artisans who shared my passion. However, I was disheartened to discover a lack of representation for Black woodworkers. In that moment, I realized the importance of becoming a beacon myself. Embracing my role as the sole presence in the room, I turned this perceived disadvantage into a powerful advantage. With unwavering dedication, I strive to shatter stereotypes and promote the accessibility of woodworking for people of color, keeping my eyes wide open to the endless possibilities this craft offers. Read more >>
Walker Noble
As an African-American artist, being the only one in the room can present unique challenges. However, I have learned to be effective and successful by focusing on a few key strategies: Read more >>
Lauryn Mott
I am a black, multicultural hairstylist that works in a predominantly white salon. I’m the only one in the salon right now that looks like me. Growing up, during my high school career I attended three different schools on three different sides of the spectrum. One, a predominantly white private christian school, a predominantly black high school, and the third was a school in the country with a mixture of every race in attendance. I believe that part of my life plays a huge role in what makes it efficient for me to talk to any and everyone. I don’t care about race. Hair is hair and makeup is makeup. Read more >>
La’kai & Tassie Whatley
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT Read more >>
Shante Saulsberry
Self-belief and confidence. It all begins with believing in yourself and your abilities. Embracing your identity, acknowledging your strengths, and developing confidence will empower you to navigate the room with authenticity and grace. Remembering that my unique perspective and experiences bring immense value to the table. Read more >>
Ayé Akoda
There have been countless times when I’ve walked into a room and found myself to be the only one who looks like me. It could be my gender, my race, my age, my nation of origin, or my style that set me apart. Initially, it was daunting. I felt like a fish out of water, struggling to find my place. But over time, I realized that being different is not a disadvantage; it’s a strength. It’s an opportunity to bring a unique perspective to the table, to challenge the status quo, and to drive change. Read more>>
Orlando Corona
I have learned through out my journey, in life and art, that there may be times when it seems like you are the only one, or have no one to relate to. But I realized that sometimes you have to be the one to be the first, to be the representation you need and open doors for people like you. My goal is to make art for everyone to enjoy, but I do it in my own way that represents me and my life. My inspiration often comes from my heritage and my past in Mexico. Read more >>
Ca’Sohn Grant
Being the unique person in the room gives me an edge at the end of the day. Knowing that I am possibly the representation of everyone like me, it adds a fuel to the fire. It makes me feel like I have to work 1000 times harder than everyone around to show that I belong in the spaces I enter into. Read more >>
Christian Mosi
Having confidence and self-awareness has helped me believe in my abilities and value what you bring to the table. Continue to embrace your unique perspective and experiences and use that to highlight your talents. Being the only one in the room may seem like an obstacle, but it truly is an opportunity to shine bright and create a door for others Read more >>
Victor Gonzalez Galeano
I have learned from studying psychology that our mind seeks to explain differences by putting them in categories, “categorical thinking is a phenomenon in social psychology in which you make broad generalizations to better understand the world. While this sort of cognition serves a purpose, it comes with negative side effects, too.” Taking this into consideration, when in a room where I am the only one that looks like me, I elevate my categorical thinking to all of us being humans with different skills, traits, and super-powers. Read more >>
Marcus Gibson
The entertainment industry has an expansive reach that touches many countries, ethnicities and races. This industry has a very diverse field of contributors that are in the spotlight as well as behind the scenes. That being said, it is rare to find people of color in managerial roles, or even executive positions within the industry. Read more >>
Shaunice Maddox
Being authentic has its pros and cons. I stand by it. Skills, intelligence, knowledge, personality, consistency, equals effective success—even when it’s just you. There’s a big possibility you may not be the first pic, but keep going you will eventually be picked. Apply pressure, not too much, just enough to represent your brand. Be professional. Always. ”Slap a hoe if you have to” (jokingly) not literal, but with your demeanor—your ability to not be told to do wrong. Read more >>
Justin Hughes
99% of the time i am literally the only one in the room while working. I operate as a one man band out of my two car garage in south Austin, Texas. Staying motivated isn’t always the easiest, especially when things don’t go as smooth as i’d like them to. Wrong parts showing up, aftermarket parts not quite exactly working as described, and overall length/ fitment issues are all common situations that i run into. I’ve found a lot of these situations kill my motivation but have taught me to better manage my time and be prepared for these type of hiccups. Read more >>
Kayla Strait
I’ve learned that having confidence in yourself and knowing your worth play a huge part in the way you stand out. I walk into every room with my head held high. I would say most, if not all, of my opportunities have come from being confident and putting myself out there. Wherever I’m at, I will always show my true self. Never compare yourself to others! As a model, every chance I don’t take is an opportunity missed. Even if I am told no, I use it as motivation to do and be better. Giving up is never an option. Read more >>
Cathleen Laporte
I have allowed my intellect, creativeness and competence speak for themselves when I have been the only one in the room who looks like me. I make sure that my voice is heard because there was once a time, my voice would not have been allowed nor welcomed. Read more >>
Judith Eloy
I have learned to be effective and successful while being the only one who looks like me in the room by: Having a positive attitude: Knowing that whatever goal or purpose of being in the room will all come together because I belong there. Knowing that no matter the situation, if I had a optimistic attitude, everything would be fine. I’ve been in situations where the next person may have felt like I didn’t belong there for whatever reason but my expertise, talent and or skillset is what got me there along with God’s will. Read more >>
Lucinda Luvaas
You’re effective when you learn who you are and accept who you are. Staying true to yourself and following your own path. There are so many edicts about how we should be and how we should live our lives, but there is only one way for you to live your life fully and that’s to embrace your own aspirations and efforts. There is only one of you in the room, so go for it! Read more >>
Dominique Landry
I know that my superpower is my authenticity. I am confident to show up as my full self in any space. I’m not afraid to be different. Though ‘m not afraid to fail, I also am well prepared and an expert in my field. Read more >>
Veronica Morales
I have always been a rebel at heart. The beaten path is great and it has its advantages, but there is no growth or innovation on that route. My source for expansion stems from an ardent question that has always accompanied me, “how can I be of use in this world while honoring myself?”. Expansion fuels my effectiveness and success in order to provide an alternative way to understand oneself and heal holistically. I feel deeply in my soul my calling is to be a way-shower and a way-maker. My aspiration is to show others the way by living in my truth, authentically through and through. Read more >>
Ran Li
As an Asian, particularly a Chinese individual from Mainland China, I often find myself being the sole representative of my background in various settings, such as a classroom at USC or within a writer’s room as a screenwriter. Throughout these experiences, I have gained some experiences that can benefit minorities in any given environment. Here are a few lessons I have learned: Read more >>
Shelda Morineau
When I find myself in a situation where I am the only one in the room that looks like me, I focus on being confident and assertive. I make sure to speak up and share my ideas, even if they may be different from what others are thinking. I also make a conscious effort to listen actively and engage with others in a respectful and open-minded manner. It can be challenging at times, but I have learned that being true to myself and my beliefs is the key to being effective and successful, regardless of the circumstances. Read more >>
Nina Naval
As an ambulatory wheelchair user a non-American citizen, I encounter this problem a lot. It can be a lot of pressure to be the only person there and to have to navigate the waters between standing up for yourself and not putting people off with your outspokenness. A lot of the time, there’s an additional expectation for you to be the one to compromise, to move, to educate the people who don’t know any better. The best thing I’ve done though, I think, is put it aside. Read more >>
Kayla Glaze
As someone who is multi-faceted when it comes to writing and creating music, a goal of mine was to become a 100 percenter: someone who is not only an artist, singer, or songwriter, but is also a producer and mixing engineer. I wanted to work hard to become that person because I wanted to be able to walk into a room and get the job done without having to rely on anyone else in order to do it. Being a 100 percenter puts you in a great position in the music industry because you are not only able to have full control over the creative process, but you also have the ability to do quick turnarounds because you flexibility to be able to work on and send projects in a timely manner. Read more >>
Diamone Ricketts
With my disability of my traumatic brain injury, I’ve went through bumps . I was isolated,left out, emotionally bullied, used for money as far as help,not many friends and segregation. Most people don’t want to understand my disability but ever since the accident happened due to another driver. I’ve been through a lot while trying to develop into a normal person. I used those moments when I was in trauma to make my tears stronger. I literally did bold crazy moves with every talent I had. Sending my book to the NAACP . everything creative to make money. Read more >>
Diana Bribiesca
I have learned to be successful in the wedding planning industry in several ways. There are not a lot of Latina wedding planners so I am definitely one of the very few. I have learned success in several ways. My parents first of all, taught me great work ethic, punctuality and following through on one’s word. While I put myself through college for my Bachelors degree as well as my Professional Certificate in Event Planing through San Diego State, I took the courses seriously. Read more >>
