Breaking Barriers: Succeeding Even When Representation is Lacking

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.

Kenny Salvini

By embracing it. Rolling into a room in a wheelchair operated by head controls automatically buys me an audience. The simple fact that I’ve made it two full decades since the 2004 snow skiing accident that left me paralyzed from the neck down despite a laundry list of struggles and setbacks makes me a subject matter expert with a unique perspective. And since I had no frame of reference for life with a disability prior to my injury, I see it as a tremendous opportunity to give people a window into a world they may have never been exposed to either. Read more>>

Arsimmer Mccoy

When I find myself in a room where I am the only one, I make sure that room does not look like that again, and if I cannot change it, I will never enter it again. You do yourself a disservice by shaving your insides into pegged holes you don’t fit. Read more>>

Susan Budge

Early on, I learned that you only get one chance to make a first impression. Due to that reality, I have tried to look my best in most situations. Coming of age in the seventies-eighties, as a woman in Texas influenced my choices of hairstyle and makeup. People can not help judging one another by the way one looks. I guess the trick is figuring out what judgement you want your appearance to evoke. As I entered the art market, it surprised me when a patron in a gallery exclaimed “but you don’t look like an artist!” Up until that point, I had not thought about what an artist is expected to look like. I laughed and he bought my work. Read more>>

Temitope Ogunseitan

Embracing my unique perspective, I have learned to embrace my uniqueness as a strength rather than a limitation, my background and experiences inform my artistic vision, allowing me to offer a perspective that may nor be commonly represented in the mainstream fashion industry. I’ve also come to understand that my voice matters and my contributions can enrich discussion and inspire others. Read more>>

Destiny Finn

You need to force yourself to be you. It’s easy to want to form to the masses, because to be authentic, to create from your raw vulnerability, to create something worth pursuing it’s gonna take guts. When you take up the courage to carve your own path out of the blood, sweat and tears of your own soul and you listen to your gut to create the things you long to create and you do it to the best of your ability for the Glory of the Divine, whom you are made in his image, then you are successful. Read more>>

Seline Solberg

My mother has always been an incredible example of resilience. After my father passed away, she raised four children on her own, never once complaining about having too much on her plate. She taught me so much about staying strong in the face of challenges, finding solutions rather than focusing on obstacles, and pushing forward with grace no matter what life throws at you. Her example has been a constant reminder that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships but doing so with a positive outlook and unwavering determination. Read more>>

Suton Mccraney

Being the only one in the room is a reality I have lived with my entire life. I was born and raised in Utah, and I always stuck out like a sore thumb. My race, and background just didn’t fit in the valley of those beautiful snow-capped mountains. It was normal to me to be the “only one” in the room. From my circle of friends to the classroom, I drew attention because I was seen as different. My my father used to tell me I lived a double life: and it was true. I learned how to move in and out of a “white world” at an early age. I knew what and how to do certain things based on the world I was in at the moment. Read more>>

Qeona Pirtle

Being effective and successful when you’re the only one in the room who looks like you comes down to perspective, mindset, and pushing beyond your comfort zone. It starts with having faith in yourself and your abilities, no matter the circumstances. Visualization is key—seeing where you want to be and believing it’s possible. From there, hard work, dedication, and consistency become non-negotiable. It’s important never to let anyone put a limit on your dreams, and to understand that your uniqueness is a strength, not a barrier. Read more>>

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-young

Through the years, I’ve learned to take a posture of collaboration over competition. I can always learn from others and listening to their stories. I work to get to know others, their strengths, and think of ways that we can strengthen each other through collaboration. Read more>>

Luis Rosa

As a Latino financial planner, it is not uncommon for me to be the only one in the room that looks like me. Currently only 3.2% of Certified Financial Planners(tm) out of over $100,000 identify as Hispanic or Latino. I’ve learned to be effective and successful by finding things I have in common with my fellow advisors first. For example, we’re in the same line of work and likely share the same struggles of entrepreneurship. Sharing that with others makes them feel comfortable to share, and creates a connection. Once that is established then I can share my unique perspective, and therefore me being the only in the room that looks like me becomes a strength, not a weakness. Read more>>

Dr. Tina J Ramsay

As the founder of CTR Homeschooling, I’ve often found myself as the only one in the room who looks like me. This experience has taught me several valuable lessons that contribute to my effectiveness and success: 1. Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Being different can be a powerful asset. I’ve learned to view my unique background and experiences as strengths that provide insights others may not have. This perspective allows me to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decision-making processes. Read more>>

Kelsey Chieko Babb

Being a person of multiracial origins, my otherness has been highlighted my entire life. Since I was a small child, this question has always found me, “What are you?” It was very provocative and bewildering back then! The constant messaging was that somehow I don’t belong in xyz. It was wild to navigate so early on, and I’ve learned to be less reactive to this level of inquiry coming from total strangers. Read more>>

Kayla Dame

I taught and learn the discipline of both self-confidence and self-esteem. I had to learn and believe in myself that I belonged in the room. Throughout my adolescent years, I attended the METCO program (The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc.) for a greater educational opportunity in a suburban environment. While attending my school, I was one of the few who looked like me. And I wanted to change that, I wanted to be the face that future students wanted to be inspired by and take advantage of the opportunities. Read more>>

Deity Mone’k

Many times I have been the only young black woman in the room, though to some that can be intimidating I’m completely at ease with that, I feel like that gives me opportunities to highlight the difference while showcasing how alike we all are. No matter what room I’m in I am always authentically myself and what usually happens is people appreciate my unique style and fly personality so everyone gravitates towards me. I never allow who’s in a room to derail me from my plan, I am a Deity and I can walk into any room and mix and mingle, while bringing out the best in my peers. Read more>>

Joyfiana Venessa Suryakusuma

Being the only one in the room who looks different can be both a challenge and an incredible opportunity. I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness as a source of strength rather than a limitation. When I first moved to America and found myself as the only Indonesian in my class, it was daunting. I felt the weight of being different, but over time, I realized that this difference offered me a distinct perspective that my peers didn’t have. Read more>>

Tomoka Takahashi

As a person and as an artist, there were many times where I was the only person in the room who was Asian. I have learned to not get silenced, to advocate as much as I can for people who look like me and to step out of my comfort zone, because it’ll be worth it in the long run. I often as a child used to ask the question of, why can’t I play that role? Why can’t I tell my story? And I’m sure that there are children, a young generation out there who have or had the same question. Read more>>

Dr. Iyuanna Pease

I am frequently the only Black woman in the room, and over time, I’ve learned to navigate that experience with confidence and authenticity. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve embraced is that people will form opinions of me regardless, so I might as well show up as my true self. I’ve also come to understand that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s okay. Read more>>

Aaron Moss

To navigate this unfamiliar terrain, I focused on three key strategies: 1. Building Relationships
I made it a priority to connect with my team and colleagues. I learned that relationships were foundational in this industry. I organized team-building events, encouraging open dialogue where everyone felt valued. I also reached out to other hotel managers and industry leaders, seeking mentorship and advice. By cultivating these relationships, I found allies who supported my initiatives and amplified my voice in meetings. Read more>>

Aristotle Jones

Great question. Everyday when I show up to my day job as a Creative Director I’m the only one the office who doesn’t work with a African American coworker. I’d like to say my story is unique in West Virginia, but I know better because I’ve been in this situation at more than one place of employment. The population of West Virginia is roughly 97% White, and I belong to the mighty 3% who face the challenge of fully representing themselves while staying mindful of how their presence simultaneously represents their whole race. Read more>>

Ashleigh Jordan

Being the only person in the room who looks like me has become the norm. I attended a predominantly white high school in California’s central valley. Being a student of color coming from the Bay Area and entering classrooms full of people that didn’t look or sound like me was very challenging, but that was only the beginning. As a teenager I had yet to find my voice so I let others speak during classroom discussions. That was until it came to certain history lessons or communication debates where I was forced to speak up and inform others about real experiences as a black woman, not just the experiences they read out of a textbook. Read more>>

Alicia Shevetone

This is a deeply personal issue; however, my success thus far stems from the assumption of a level playing field that no matter who’s in the room, we’re all fundamentally the same. Why divide a room based on perceived differences? Read more>>

Mankisha Pike

I have always felt like the only one in the room regardless of where I was and who I was around. I’ve always been “different” to say the least and I had to understand that at a very young age. It took me a long time to accept the fact that I am different because I really wanted the approval of family and the space to build strong friendships with people. I have always a person of respect, dignity, integrity, honesty, and loyalty. I also started my business up with the idea of being able to gain customers’ trust because I am this way. I know that this is in fact what differentiates me from many but it’s not easy because even though the truth tells, lies sell. Read more>>

Myrdith Leon-mccormack

I had to tell myself that this isn’t about just me, it isn’t about my vanity or need for attention. But It is an incredible opportunity to be able to dispel myths about the negative perception of Black & Brown people. I feel honored that I can lead the way with my publication that highlights the beauty and contributions of Black and Brown people in the wedding, lifestyle, and travel spaces.
Our work shines a light on diverse stories and perspectives that often go underrepresented in the industry. Our dedication to showcasing these voices and narratives is truly inspiring and undoubtedly making a significant impact in the wedding and event space. We’re not just creating a pretty and superficial magazine; we’re building a platform for inclusivity and representation. Read more>>

Tyana Velazquez-Smith

Being the only one in the room has been an experience that has shaped me from an early age. Growing up as one of the only Black girls in an entire school district, I was constantly reminded of my “difference” in ways that were both overt and subtle. The defining moment for me came when a teacher, with well-meaning ignorance, told me she couldn’t teach me because she had never had a Black student before. That statement wasn’t just about race—it communicated to me that I was somehow beyond her scope of understanding or ability, as though my very existence required a different kind of education that she felt unprepared for. Read more>>

Ariel Sol

My mom’s family is Filipino and my dad’s is Jewish: I grew up in a multiracial, interfaith household. A common experience shared by people with mixed heritage is confusion as to where one “belongs” and the related struggle of self-identifying. While I definitely did (and do) experience these challenges, I credit my parents for consistently telling me that I belong to ALL my identities: there are no halves. On either side of my family, I sometimes still felt like the “only one in the room.” At the same time, these were people I felt very comfortable with. Read more>>

Sharon Robustelli

Throughout my career in public relations, I have often been the only person that looks like me in the room. It still happens today, and it surprises me just a little bit every time because I know so many accomplished and worthy Black women in my field. What I’ve learned is to fully embrace the fact that I have earned the right to be where I am – whether it’s a boardroom or a lunch table – and if I was not meant to be there; I wouldn’t be. Also, I keep top-of-mind the understanding that I bring knowledge, expertise, as well as learned and lived experience to every situation. It’s a gift, kind of like a superpower. My ability to see a situation from multiple perspectives at once gives me an edge when it comes to strategic thinking and creativity. All of this helps me build campaigns for my clients that land with their target audiences in meaningful and authentic ways. Read more>>

Pamala Brooks

This topic is a sore one for me, simply because I have been in this situation more times than I would have liked throughout my career. I naturally carry myself with the utmost poise and class, which has often surprised those who do not “look like me.” I have encountered professionals (who do not look like me) in my field who have felt the need to speak to me using ebonics, or some other such slang that they ignorantly equated to “black dialogue.” This was insulting, considering that I was one of the most qualified and educated individuals in the room.  Read more>>