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.
Alea Jackson
From my experience being the only one in a room who looks like me has bought fresh perspective and diversity of thought, which has lead to more effective and successful outcomes in the professional leadership capacity in I’ve served in both county government and the private sector. I learned to embrace my unique qualities which in turn contributes to a richer and more well-rounded work community. Read more>>
Renay and Sade Moore
Coming from very humble beginnings, and a small town moving to a big city you encounter a lot more diversity than what you may be use to so yes you will find yourself being the only one in the room at times. I usually take this opportunity to be the best version of myself , and let my light shine, be my presence matter. -Renay Read more>>
Brianna Chinkhwangwa
I’ve learned to be effective by remaining true to myself. As the first black female sports reporter for The Ohio State University, I recognized that my approach to asking questions was unique. I encountered looks that seemed prejudiced or judgmental, but my passion for this role and my love for embracing new challenges fueled me. Read more>>
Tuanni Price
First and foremost I’d like to say that bragging about being the only one in the room is so 1990’s. When I first started in the wine industry I would go to events and I would often times be the only one in the room. At first I would feel uncomfortable, especially when other attendees treated me like I worked at the venue. Read more>>
ANA LUISA CORREA GARZA
Very often I find myself in the complex dilemma between raising my voice to defend my opinion and being humble enough to accept that I still have things to learn. During the process of finding a middle point I have fallen into the error of doubting myself. As a woman I´m proud of being the head vet of an equine breeding program, but that won´t change the fact that somedays I feel questioned about my work. Sometimes it seems I need double or triple the effort to prove that I´m capable and I deserve the job. Read more>>
Carlton Dossou
I learned by going through the culture shock that was college. College was the first time I found myself the only one. I found myself looking at everyone else and feeling inferior. I looked at my peers and immediately compared myself to them. I wasn’t driving the newest BMW or Tesla, but instead taking the Metro to campus. I didn’t go to private school or have tutors. Read more>>
Taylor Liddell
Over the course of my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to have people pour into me and guide me with sound advice. Two pieces of advice that have stuck with me throughout my professional career or when I find myself in the challenging spaces are: “It’s not what people call you, it’s what you answer to.” and “You decide what people will focus on.” Read more>>
THE BLACK BON JOVI
First and foremost, I turnup any room that I walk in!!! It’s not just my appearance; it’s my swag, music, energy and style. Embracing my uniqueness is my secret weapon. When I perform, I bridge gaps and connect with people on a whole different level. My music breaks down barriers, showing that our differences are what makes us shine. When the spotlight is on, I let my music speak for itself. Read more>>
Natasha Swanson
Growing up I knew I wanted to be a photographer but in high school I decided that I wanted to connect both my love for sports and photography together. Once I started getting into the industry I quickly learned that being a women working in sports was not very common so usually at sporting events I was usually the only women there. I would have to work even harder to just been seen with my work but I never let being the only women stop me. Read more>>
Latoya Vickers
In my professional life I was most times the only one in the room that looked like me. However, the Corporate world was not my introduction to this phenomenon. Growing up I was usually the only black girl in the group (4-H, cheer squad, etc). Read more>>
Onteaya Tate
I Believe Representation is Key first and foremost! I promised myself to always show up my most authentic self! I try to step into every room like I have the right to be there and having a daily self-care routine helps me do that; Read more>>
Caprice Monique
One of my favorite things in this life is our ability to literally be whoever we want to be. It sounds cliche but I have built my life around this fact. I have sat with people who made assumptions about who I am, where I am from, and what my origin story probably is based on the way I presented that version of myself. Read more>>
Shannon Jordan
Navigating spaces where you are the only one who looks like you can present unique challenges but it also offers opportunities for growth and influence. As a black American male psychotherapist, you are in a rare percentile, making your presence even more significant. Being a “unicorn” in the field is a privilege that allows me to make a substantial impact. Read more>>
Desmond Jones
I’ve learned to be successful even when I’m the only one in the room by learning and developing skills that not everyone has. I’ve also learned to constantly work on myself and try to get 1% better each day. Doing those things while also just being authentically myself has always outweighed me being the only one in the room. At the end of the day people just want good work from a person they can trust. Read more>>
Val Kleinhans
There aren’t a lot of women who look like me. Society sort of frowns on pale dark-haired women. If they’re not frowning on it, they certainly label them a “goth” without knowing whether they’re part of that culture. It seems like tan tanned blondes are what’s encouraged. When I’m speaking with a crowd that I’m not part of, I’ve learned I can be successful when I simply share my story in an authentic way. All of us can relate to the human experience. The right ears find you. Read more>>
Chelsea Adinuba
All my life, I have always been the youngest in the room. When you’re the youngest in the room, many will try to bring you down or make you feel less than, but you do not have to allow that to happen. This can cause insecurity to spring up, and a being to not be aware of the value that God Almighty has deposited inside of them. Read more>>
Terah Lynn
I think the best way to be successful is to be yourself, to lean into who God made you to be with the gifts and talents He gave you. Making the decision to be your authentic self is difficult in a world that pushes certain norms and agendas. Working in construction and manufacturing for so many years, I’ve often been the only woman on a job site or in a meeting so I have had to learn that shrinking or trying to “fit in” only makes things more complicated. It’s easier to be yourself than it is to pretend to be someone else. Read more>>
Jay Anwar
I came to the US when I was only 9 years old. We ended up settling in a small town in Texas called Beaumont. Nothing ever came easy for me or my family. My father had no degrees or discernable skills to find a high paying job so he became a gas station clerk and my mother was a homemaker who did not speak any English. Read more>>
CJ Rothwell-Thoompson
work the room and make the room work for me. I pray before entering unknown rooms and ask God to send his angels in before me and give me the words to make an impact in the room. I walk in with my head held high because I know I am bringing a seat to the table. Read more>>
Joe Mikoli
When finding yourself as the only one in the room who looks like you, it’s essential to cultivate a mindset of confidence and self-belief. Embrace your uniqueness and recognize the value you bring to the situation. By believing in your abilities and focusing on your strengths, you can project a positive image that resonates with others. Read more>>
Tamesha Calhoun
In my previous career, I was often the only one in the room that looked like me in color and as a woman. I had to quickly learn how to communicate and navigate through situations as a “man” would. Often times, women of color aren’t taken serious in their skills, especially in corporate America. Read more>>
Malaiye
Whenever I found myself in a room where I was the only woman, the only one of my race, or the only one with my mindset, I realized my biggest tool was me. I’ve been on both sides of the coin. One side, where I’m intentionally misunderstood, isolated, where I allow an experiencing to be draining. Another side, where I utilize the fact that my perception and experience is different, creating the possibility of bringing something new to the table by presenting the room with different truths. Read more>>
Brandi Baldwin
As a millennial entrepreneur and woman of color, I’ve had many instances when I’ve been the “only” one in the room that looks like me. In my case, I always used that as leverage to stand out. I’ve always seen those situations as opportunities for the spotlight to be on me. I ask myself, how can I use this as an opportunity to pursue my mission and meet people who I wouldn’t ordinarily meet? Read more>>
Anais Wittrock-Roske
You cannot be, what you cannot see. Read more>>
Sally Hassan
For as long as I can remember I have been the only one in the room that looks like me. I didn’t notice it for a long time, and I went about my life being me, but when I reflect back I notice that I was met with a lot of resistance or unnecessary questions throughout my life that others around me did not have to deal with. Read more>>
