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.
Samar Chen
Being the only one in the room can be tough, but it’s also been a huge opportunity for growth. I’ve learned to really own my unique perspective—believing that diversity brings fresh ideas and innovation. Like when I was the only Asian woman in the Disney layout department, I found that my cultural insights added something new and exciting to our projects. Read more>>
Zuri Gonzalez-huston
Four-year-old me was enjoying an afternoon playing arcade games at my favorite place, Chucky Cheese when I was met with “Yuck you’re brown”. “I’m not yuck!” I thought. That blonde haired, blue-eyed boy didn’t realize there is beauty in all shades, not just his. Growing up in a suburban neighborhood in Missouri, there were often times when I was the only person that looked like me in a classroom, or at my workplace. My escape place was having friendships in the city metro area where my parents placed me and my siblings in church where I had friends who looked like me. It was only a short period of time where I had these experiences so I learned how to navigate being in both areas. Read more>>
Cecilia Fabian
Being the only one who looked like me in the room taught me to be tough, resilient, and positive. I realized that to succeed, I needed to show strength, to keep my brand and my voice strong and clear. Staying positive, even in spaces where others don’t look like me or share my experiences, is a survival strategy. Its’s about staying afloat and remaining true to myself while embracing my unique perspective. This has allowed me to create and promote something truly original in a world that often fails to recognized the full spectrum of voices. Read more>>
Faith Lewis
First, you have to accept that you’re the only one. The only Black person, the only Black Woman, and the only Black Queer Woman. You have to accept your identities first. We cannot count on institutions and social dynamics that feed on domination to accept us. That access has only be gained through the sacrifices and efforts of those who have come before us, or stood beside us in oppression and decided “No Longer.” Diversity is natural. Flowers, trees, bees, and rivers, all exist differently and look differently, yet they all have a place in the circle of Life. You are inherently a reflection of this belonging. Dandelions still grow in the cracks of the concrete. They’re said to be a weed, so they’re picked, pulled apart, and murdered with pesticide. But dandelions are a medicine for the heart, and yellow is the color of joy. Be a dandelion, have heart. Read more>>
Oni Blackstock
Being the only person in the room who looks like me can often be challenging, but I have found that remembering my roots, my ancestors on whose shoulders I stand, holds significant power. I strive to bring my whole self into every situation, perspective, and lived experience to the proverbial “table.” Striving for authenticity enables me to articulate the needs of the communities I represent. It fosters more profound connections with others, even those who may not share my background or lived experience. Read more>>
Dorian A. Nicholson
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me the importance of standing out and staying true to my values. I’ve always prioritized being a man of my word, and I take pride in following through on my goals and plans. While the journey may sometimes take longer than expected, I remain committed and focused. This resilience has not only helped me navigate challenges but has also allowed me to create meaningful connections and inspire others. Embracing my unique perspective has made me more effective and successful, and I strive to pave the way for others to do the same. Read more>>
Kayla Payne
I believe it’s good to stand out and be true to you and how you want to look/express yourself however that may look to you. There’s power in who you are as an individual and so I’ve never really desired to blend in I was just being me. Growing up when things I wore were different or a little “weird” my mom always reassured me that it was good to stick to me and not let others make me feel otherwise so I think that helped to have someone I looked up to not let me waver from myself and so I carry that with me to this day. Read more>>
Dr. Franceska Jones
In the realm of sports philanthropy and consulting, I often find myself as one of the only Black women in spaces historically dominated by others. This reality has sharpened my approach, becoming a unique strength that allows me to offer fresh perspectives in sports philanthropy and consulting. Read more>>
Ken Forbes Aka Artboy
Life is about curveballs and adaptation. America is a business more than it is a country, and that business often profits through systems of racial disparity.
Long before I was an artist, I worked in finance as a broker and then as a financial advisor. I had worked in that time for two different firms, and was the only person of color in either. As an advisor, I was in wealth management and often taking meetings with high net individuals like managing directors, presidents, vice presidents, partners of firms etc… Most of these appointments were made on the phone and these potential clients were happy and excited to be meeting with “Ken Forbes from Long Island from xyz Firm.” Read more>>
James Mcleod
Having a visual difference, I experience being the “only one in the room” that looks like me on a daily basis. It is an unchangeable part of my life, and I had to make a choice to either accept it or live in fear and self-pity. As I grew up, I began to develop an inner strength and a confidence that allowed me to become more and more comfortable being “different.” And now, I have reached a point in my life where I LOVE being “the only one in the room.” People notice me, and I try to turn every stare, every curious look, into a positive interaction. I have been given the opportunity to connect with so many people in a positive way because of my visual difference. I not only get to educate others about Vitiligo, but I get to share my positive uplifting spirit with them. Read more>>
Jessica Young
Kindness. There have been many times over the course of my life when I have been the only one in the room that is “different”. I have found that many find my energy of putting, or perhaps it’s the look on my face, or the way I am dressed. People always seem to be surprised when I offer a smile, and kind words. I can feel their energy shift immediately! Read more>>
Danicqua Starr
From a very young age ; my unique style was an artistic expression that represented ; who I am. . I pride myself on my uniqueness , never desiring to be nor look like anyone other than myself . (being the main character in my story so to speak.)
I always perform on my own stage even to this day; I live in my own world doing the things that make me happy. My peace and happiness has always been my main focus even as a child.
My early childhood years living with my mother in the Aspen Street projects was traumatizing, depressive often a constant emotional roller coaster never knowing what to expect. My mother was a drug dealer whom had no time for me but would leave “shoe box money” for me to pay for what I wanted. Read more>>
C-y Chia
The fine dining industry is notoriously cutthroat and vastly made up of able-bodied, cisgender white men, and navigating it as a visible minority caused additional, specifically targeted hostility. Marginalization in this industry doesn’t end with coworkers, making the everyday environment difficult to focus or peacefully evolve in. It extends to employers and management, who can delegate or withhold and make career-affecting decisions. It affects how you interact with customers, who may presume that you can’t possibly be the one in charge. It weighs on other peers’ opinion of you, of your worth and capabilities. It changes how some press and media outlets perceive you -or don’t. Read more>>
Carter Fox
Playing to empty rooms as a musician has been one of the most humbling and formative experiences of my career. Early on, when I’d be on stage with only a handful of people in the audience, I realized that success isn’t just about the size of the crowd. It’s about how you show up, how you connect with your music, and how you deliver, regardless of who’s watching. I learned to find joy in the process, to play with the same energy and passion whether I was performing for ten people or a thousand. Those moments taught me resilience, the ability to adapt, and the importance of always giving my best, no matter what the circumstances look like. Read more>>
Matthew Stockard
I think that comes to knowing your worth. Not being intimidated by anyone no matter the amount os status , race, or money they have. I believe in that it will only be a matter of time before they know my name and will be walking up to greet me and introduce themselves. Read more>>
Jasmine Brandon
I have learned over my years that regardless of what people may look like everyone has something that they can bring to the table. I know that I can learn from anyone , young, old, successful or not. I’ve always worked well in groups as a kid. I believe that working in customer service as a young adult shaped my overall judgement on working with people instead of alone. Read more>>
Monique Ray
There’s a unique strength in being the only one in the room who looks like you. As a Black woman navigating spaces where I didn’t see myself reflected, I quickly realized that the only way to thrive was to focus on who I truly am, not on how others perceived me. My mission in life is clear: to bring unconditional love into the world, to transmute negativity, and to serve as a guide for awareness and awakening. That purpose became my compass, reminding me to stay grounded and committed to what I’ve been created to do. Read more>>
Greg Anderson Elysée
When I’m the only one of the room, I’d say my measure of success falls into if the project is complete and if I am satisfied and happy with it. I’m not someone who hates my work or puts myself and work down. But if I get to that point of generally enjoying both the process and the finished product, I would say I am successful. A follow up measure of success would be if readers are satisfied and enjoyed it. Read more>>
Victoria Cumberbatch
Although, I’ve always been someone that didn’t mind whether I was the only one in the room that looked like me or not [growing up biracial supported me with this], I did find over time that the difference between belonging and acceptance are what really matter. I ended up in a great conversation with a good friend, KJW, and she brought this idea to my attention and I’ve never looked back. Read more>>
Bri Ali
Being an NFL photographer has a lot pf perks, but one thing that is not talked about is the lack of diversity in the field. The first game I shot was against the Dallas Cowboys. Leading up to the day I was so focused on my performance that it completely distracted me from the harsh reality of the industry. My first encounter in our workroom was one of my least favorites so far this season. I actively caught two photographers talking about me behind my back. I had never met them a day in my life. Read more>>
Etsperal
Being the only one in the room with my background has been a valuable experience. My journey through years of classical music training and performances has shown me that standing out can be an incredible asset. Each space I’ve entered has broadened my perspective, encouraging me to blend classical techniques with modern media, creating music that feels timeless and transcendent. Read more>>
Deszara’ Armani
We live in a world of uncertainties, some things are within our control, some things are not. For me, I’ve always looked at the world with optimism; I knew from a young age I was different. I was a spiritualist, I dressed different, I spoke different and my interests were different. By the age of 10 I knew how to run a business and communicate amongst adults. I was kind of the “smarty pants”. I would actually get in trouble for being a know it all. It actually led me into becoming self-doubtful and insecure with myself growing up. Read more>>
Zuri Cong
When I first started dancing, I faced a lot of challenges when it came to relating to my peers. I was on a dance team for 3 years with majority white girls and it was hard for my teammates to be understanding to the typical black girl problems. I couldn’t always wear the same exact hairstyles without my thick 4c hair coming out wild. I also was naturally a lot bigger in muscle mass at the time so a lot of people would just comment on it. I’ve definitely had a couple of people make a skin joke or two. People would make it a point to call out everything different about me. Read more>>
Dakota Meeks
While I am a woman in a male-dominated industry, I haven’t perceived this challenge as the “typical” male-versus-female-dynamic. The intimidation factor has come in establishing myself as a self-taught artisan among teams of master craftsmen that have years of training and experience. Read more>>
Xiqian Chen
As a first-generation immigrant artist, I’ve had the privilege of working at two of the largest mainstream theater organizations: Broadway’s Roundabout Theatre Company and The Bushnell Performing Arts Center. In an industry traditionally characterized by exclusivity and white dominance, I found myself in spaces where I was often the only international full-time staff member, the only Chinese individual, and a young woman. These factors posed unique challenges—how I look, how I speak, and where I’m from made me stand out in ways my American peers didn’t experience. Read more>>
Megha Jain
My journey started 15 years ago, as a 18 year old who wanted to pursue a career that was very different in the time. Coming from a conservative family, it was extremely hard to convey being a young female photographer in India ( a super conservative family in North India), especially when no women in our family had ever worked before or some of the smartest minds only topped the class but were never really given an opportunity to put that in practice. I was clueless when I started, I had no one to look up to, only my mother cheering hard for us (me & my sister) to stand somewhere, be self reliant in a society that only saw as having sons in the family as a normal family. Read more>>
Sarah Pyrda
Even as a child, I was always very independent and very creative. Leadership roles came very naturally to me and this gave me a lot of confidence in my individuality at a young age. I participated in a lot of sports as a child, with horseback riding becoming the center of my focus around middle school age. Riding is a sport that requires a lot of discipline and can be very humbling at times. Your competition partner is a 1000+ pound animal that has its own feelings and preferences, so this can sometimes create unique challenges. Read more>>
Rachel Udeh-jackson
I’ve been very fortunate to always have some sort of role model or community of equally yoked individuals to remind me of what I’m capable of. My longtime role models included my great-grandfather and his wife. He was one of the first American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chefs of Color in Louisiana. She was a highly respected, in-demand gospel singer within the Second District Missionary Baptist Association in the 1940’s-70’s. Being that my great-grandfather was getting up in age; he made it his mission to appoint me to be his culinary protégé at the age of 5.
Dr. Ellenita Blanton
I have experienced this scenario on many levels in my journey. The annunciation of my name suggests that I am not African-American; therefore, after submitting my resume or vitae,. I have been invited to attend interviews and events via email, phone, etc., only to witness visual shock or confusion when I entered the room. I had to equip myself to change the narrative without responding to the awkwardness presented. I became a connoisseur of body language and presentation. Read more>>
Aaron Norris
You’ve Got to remember one thing! There are hundreds of thousands of people that may indulge in the same profession as you. but no one is you! you may be able to reach a niche of people that others can’t. where your at in your journey someone may be able to relate to you, there in that point of time. as opposed to someone higher up! so for me i remind my self these things and that if i can inspire just one person to be great! Then ive done my job. Read more>>
Alia Elasmar
Being the only one in the room has taught me to transform isolation into an opportunity for impact. I’ve learned to own my expertise in mental health, systems approaches, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work, to use my voice to validate marginalized experiences. When I’m the only one who looks like me, it’s crucial to recognize the power of sharing my perspective. I know it can bridge gaps and reveal blind spots that others might overlook. As a crisis counselor, I’ve honed the ability to read the room and center myself, leading the team through difficult moments with clarity and care. I call it being the ‘eye of the storm.’
Valrie Kemp-davis
I was born in Florida, the Dirty South February 1962, prior to school integration in the early 70s. I am the oldest of three and the only daughter born to a school teacher and a college educated city worker who was a sanitation worker. My first 6 months of life I lived in a project in Tampa, Florida. I have no recollection of that..My parents who would eventually become quite established and accomplished within this major city in such a temperamental and racially charged state could have hid this tidbit from me. They in fact, made it their business to let me know! Read more>>
Schakara Arrazola-tiscareno
Being the only one in the room who looks like “me” can be both challenging and empowering. I say, Embrace Your Uniqueness! Recognize that your unique background and perspective can be an asset. Bring your full self to the table, knowing that your individuality is a source of strength. Personally, confidence is essential to project your abilities. Even when you may feel like an outsider, trust in your expertise and experience to command respect. Read more>>
J Leonard Costner
For some, being unique is a trait they are given at birth. In my case, being different or hard to miss was something that I inherited. At six feet and eight inches tall, I am closer to being seven feet than I am six. Likewise, being shy of three hundred pounds, I am what most people would consider a massive human, but in my family, I am the small one. My brother is 6’9″, my father is 6’11″/7′, and his brother, my uncle slightly taller. Added that we are a melanated family my experience learning how to navigate the world started from an early age. Read more>>
