What do you do when no one else in the company or the meeting looks like you? We asked entrepreneurs and creatives from across industries and geographies to share their experiences and advice.
ZADA
I spent most of my adolescence in Whistler, and I loved growing up there, but there were a few moments where I didn’t always feel represented in my experience. Nowadays, my hometown is even more diverse, which makes me really happy – and, of course, it helps that Whistler is an inclusive resort. When I think back to when I started developing as an artist, I struggled a bit with who my audience was. I wanted to talk about what it meant to be black and celebrate my heritage, but I also didn’t want to disregard the culture and audience I’d grown up around. Once I recognized that only I could make the space where I could flourish, I started noticing that more and more people felt the same. I’m still building my community to this day, but it’s with curiosity and openness. Read more>>
Alessia Hoppe
That is a great question. Recently, this was something I had to overcome when expanding my hair salon into Aesthetic services. Although you would think aesthetics would be an industry filled with women, as far as the business side of Aesthetics it’s actually very rare to see a women at the top. Women are usually the ones providing the services not owning the business. When stepping into this new field and attending my first event it was very clear men dominated the industry. As someone who was trying to open up an Aesthetic Spa, this was challenging and intimidating. The best advice I would give to stick out in rooms like this, is confidence. F*ke it if you have to. I was so intimidated and scared but no one would ever know. Keeping your head up and make sure people know you deserve a spot there. Read more>>
Carasai Ihentuge
Being genuine has helped me stand out. As a graduate of John Carroll University & a small business owner here in Cleveland OH, there are not many in the room that look like me so my genuine personality has helped me navigate some unusual conversations. I have also ensured that I am bringing something meaningful to the table before speaking. Read more>>
Yinka Freeman
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has been a powerful journey of empowerment, as I’ve embraced my uniqueness and turned it into my greatest strength.
When I step into those rooms, I radiate the unapologetic confidence that comes from knowing my worth. I’ve learned to channel my energy into being a trailblazer, setting the tone for inclusivity and innovation. Instead of letting differences intimidate me, I’ve harnessed them to spark conversations and create connections that leave a lasting impact. Read more>>
Shantae’ Elliott-Lucas
I often find myself in places/settings where I am the only one who looks like me. From the tattoos, locs and gauged ears, to my height or mixed race, and even down to my obsession for making Vans (the shoes) fit for any occasion…I don’t think I’ve come across a twin in any setting. You can probably imagine how much anxiety that can cause, especially in a day and time where we all seek to connect with those around us in some way. While some of us may rely on our physical appearance to make initial connections with others, that can be a challenge when you’re the only one who “looks like you” in the room. Read more>>
Jenny Araiza
Believing in myself and my abilities, remembering that I am unique and that everyone has a story. Being open about my challenges and where I come from without fear of being judged and pushing forward no matter how many setbacks I face and reminding myself that it will work out, if not today, tomorrow and that I can reach my goals as long as I am consistent, determined and patient. Read more>>
Matt Stephenson
Having a general curiosity about others, along with decentering myself have been key. I embrace and appreciate differences in others and see it as a way to learn. I LOVE learning about other cultures and people. To this end, I usually listen and observe first to gain context and understand how best I can contribute what may be missing from the conversation. So If I’m the “only one in the room” that looks like me, I recognize that I too have a unique perspective that is not only additive but essential to the larger group. Read more>>
Sakina Ibrahim
I’ve often found myself as the only African American woman and millennial in the room, I’ve been in white institutions since high school. Navigating these spaces comes with cultural and emotional hurdles that can make one feel isolated. However, even with these challenges, I’ve discovered the undeniable significance of my voice, perspective, and experiences. Read more>>
Devin Maxwell
Being confident in who I am and what I’ve accomplished and learned, is the key navigating in that uncomfortable space.
My college coaches used to tell me “Get comfortable, being uncomfortable in order to overcome all obstacles.” Read more>>
Edgar Evans Jr.
Becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable has been the key. Playing golf growing up I was usually one of the only if not the only African American’s out there. Over time I realized that no one was better than me and that I belonged. That has served me well in the golf industry as an adult where I now show-run a golf television show and have a golf shoe company. Read more>>
Cris Blak
I think the first step is realizing that just because you’re the only one in the room doesn’t mean you’re the least worthy in the room. In fact, it means the opposite. It means you have more value, it means your voice and perspective has more power because guess what? Nobody in that room has seen the world through the eyes you own, no one else in the room knows the culture, experiences, and viewpoints that live in your soul. That’s a big deal. Sure, it may often feel like your voice is undervalued and that you’re not looked at on the same level but that’s when it becomes up to you to turn that table and show that not only are you supposed to be there, but show that the more like you that are in that room, the stronger that room will be. You know? I tend to be successful and effective in those spaces by learning to own who I am fully and unapologetically. At the end of the day, people are gonna look at you funny and judge you anyway. So why not walk into the room with all your spirit showing? It’s better than putting on a mask and having to pretend to be comfortable with it. Read more>>
Courtney Smith
Growing up I was painfully shy and had a hard time initiating friendships. All of my closest friends growing up were made because they spoke to me and found me intriguing enough to want to continue talking to me. I attribute these friendships being born because of my personal style and creativity. Over the years I learned that these were attributes about myself that made me stand out and show up differently than my peers. While I was shy, I was never afraid to try something new when it came to my clothing. I loved experimenting and standing out because I lacked the know how in the verbal sense. Read more>>
Candace Williams
Being a minority in any room can present unique challenges, but it doesn’t have to hinder your effectiveness or success. I have been in this situation most of my career. Few of the things that I practiced were. Embrace my identity as a minority and recognize the value I can bring being the minority. Acknowledging that my diverse perspective can contribute to innovative solutions and foster inclusivity. Educating myself. I learned about the experiences and contributions of other minorities who have achieved success. Lead with confidence and assertiveness. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Speak up, share your ideas, and contribute to discussions. Confidence and assertiveness can help you gain recognition and influence in the room. Find common ground. Look for shared interests or common goals with others in the room. Building connections based on commonalities. Read more>>
Raul Fernando Rodriguez
Ethics are key in life. This keeps you true to yourself. I try not to lie to myself. I always try to fulfill my own promises. When you do this on a regular basis, doing things for others becomes secondary and doing it for yourself becomes primary. Read more>>
Lauren Osborne
Sometimes being the only one in the room that looks like you will make you feel like you need to suppress the exact qualities that make you unique. Staying true to yourself will make people respect you. It allows for potential opportunities to build meaningful relationships, both professional and personal. It is a chance to educate others and possibly be a representative for a larger group. Read more>>
Keshawn Hughes
In my life’s bold journey, I’ve been the only one like me in rooms a thousand times over. Each time, I meet myself at the crossroads of imposter and victor. My first memories of this began when I moved from southern California to Germany at the tender age of four. On numerous occasions, I was openly stared at for looking different. Not knowing how to respond, I’d ask my mother what to do, and she’d tell me, “Stare right back!” Read more>>
Donecia Wilson
I have learned to affirm myself in my role in whatever room that I may enter. I have reassured myself that I have earned a space in that room just as others have. I try not to allow my external circumstances to deter me from my goal. It can be difficult to make an impact in certain spaces because the standards haven’t been challenged as much as they should. However, I know that my work and my brand is just as important as those is my counterparts from a different cultural or racial background. Read more>>
Cherokee Johnson
I prove myself with my skills. Sometimes clients will come in and see my tattoos or my blue hair and I wonder if they question my professionalism or skills, but as soon as they lay in my bed and I start to go over their skin, I can feel that ease set in. I know that I am good at what I do and what I look like had no bearing on that! Read more>>
Sasha Del Valle
I learned how to turn being the only person that looks like me in the room into power. If you have the skill, talent and drive to win you can accomplish anything no matter how you look. Read more>>
Erica Yern
My original career in television put me in an industry that was primarily white and male. As a young Asian American woman, I got a lot of pats on the head, “kiddos” and co-workers mistaking me for the only other Asian female on the staff. In order to counteract that, I had to speak louder, more often and work harder. I asked for opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to me. I started as an associate producer, but I really wanted to move up to be a writer/producer/video editor. I shadowed as many producers as I could, asked to utilize free editing bays to practice, honed my skills and made sure to contribute to group brainstorming sessions. So when my department was short a producer one night, I jumped at the chance to step in, which led to me becoming the only Asian American writer/producer in the department. Read more>>
Rebecca Janzen
I work at a university, part of a larger system of higher education. While overall, universities teach more women than men (the statistics only reflect the gender binary, not the lived reality of students), the majority of people who work in universities are women and the majority of people at higher levels of administration remain men. At my institution, and at many others, these people are also overwhelmingly white. I entered administration in the 2021-2022 academic year as a Director of Graduate Studies and I was regularly in rooms of other white folks, who were primarily men. I prepared for this reality while at the same time refused to cater to it. So too did following up on everything in writing. Read more>>
Megan Ruffing
In situations where I find myself as the only person who ‘looks like me’ in a room, I’ve learned to approach it with a perspective that empowers me. I genuinely believe that God puts me in this ‘room’ for a reason. It might be a chance for me to share my story, offer a different perspective, or simply be a source of encouragement and kindness to someone who might need it. He might also be placing me in that room to teach me something, challenge me, have me meet someone to inspire myself. My agriculture roots play a role too; they’ve shown me how shared passions can bridge gaps between diverse backgrounds. Read more>>
Brandon Green
Ivy Welburn Jazmin Erving
We accept the role of being the unicorns of our industry. As black women miners, we have become accustomed to the record stopping as we pull up a chair at the owner’s table. It is what we do from that point that will change the world of mining into one of inclusion and diversity. Read more>>
Kay Soul
I remember when I did my first solo show, it was a valentine’s weekend show and the small venue was filled. One of the critiques that I received from a mentor at the time was that I was singing as if I wasn’t sure if the audience would like me and was seeking approval. I studied that performance and began to understand what was being said. I realized that I had to get to the point where I trusted my skill set and had unshakable belief in what I brought to the table. I have learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me is actually a super power. No one can do me as well as I can. You have to trust in your abilities. Work ethic is key because the harder you work at perfecting your craft, that also builds confidence. Now when I have shows part of my excitement is because I know I’m prepared and I know I’m bringing a treat for the audience. I know that whoever is meant to receive my message will receive it with an open heart. I don’t concern myself with anything else. Read more>>
