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.
Nantale Muwonge
I’m lucky enough to have been raised by parents who taught me how powerful I am, so I’ve always known that no environment can diminish this. Even when I’m the only Black woman or Black person in the room, I’m not intimidated. But going to the University of Stellenbosch, and spending my college years around a lot white kids who had only seen Black people who were domestic workers, taught me a lot about how to engage people with limited experience of the world without losing your sanity. The main thing is to not internalize their projections and their ignorance. This can be difficult when you’re surrounded by them every day because the racism, microaggressions and gaslighting are constant. So do what you need to do to keep your mind right and to separate your idea of self from their cloudy view of you. Read more>>
Atalanta Moonfire
Throughout my life I have worn many hats. I have gone from being a dancer and model to a paralegal, studying forensic science, and even a judge’s assistant. Now an author, spiritual advisor, and teacher of bone divination, I have found my passion and true self. Knowing I was going to receive criticism from those opposing my decision to pursue this avenue for a career, I still pushed on to live my dream. Even though I have been pagan since I was a teenager, most of my family only found out about it 15 years ago. This was a whole new avenue of coming out of the broom closet. I was stepping into becoming a public figure in my community. Read more>>
Emmalee Mims
To be honest, I think what makes a person become successful is to grasp the fact that they aren’t the only one in the room. There are pioneers in this industry who have gone before me and there are plenty of people alongside me in the career paths of makeup artistry and esthetics. I think what pushed me off the ground and towards success was the choice to stop making myself be the only one in the room and isolating myself. I started inviting colleagues into the room with me. Networking has made an infinite impact on my career. I think something that a lot of people in our industry struggle with is sharing clientele and sharing success- AND sharing defeats! There are so many people in need of our skills; there are enough clients to go around! What each of us brings to the table is different and valuable. I have learned so much from other artists and am always happy to share what I know to those who ask. So I guess to sum it all up- community is what taught me what it is to be successful. Read more>>
Elizabeth Oke
Over time, we’ve observed a conscious effort toward more inclusive discussions and opportunities for individuals from Black and Brown communities. Therefore, I have no hesitation in using my skin color to gain access to opportunities that are deliberately being offered to me. However, once I am in that position, my focus is on the strength of my expertise, skills, and knowledge, not just on being the only Black woman present. Read more>>
Erica Walker
I’m not a stranger to being the only one in the room that looks like me. That’s almost always the case when I attend events, which is primarily because I’m an African American woman in a wheelchair. Read more>>
Maria Medina
Coming from an international background, I was never the only one in the room with a unique background. I grew up having been born in Bogota, Colombia and by the age of 16 had lived in Egypt, Spain and the United Kingdom. Read more>>
Dennis Doan
As a minority growing up in the United States, especially as the first member of my family to have been born here, I was programmed to withstand being spoken to with negative connotation, judged and stereotyped with false pretense, looked down upon and underestimated by the bulk of society. I was taught to ignore the condescension, to stay quiet even when I could decipher the American mannerisms and belittling towards my family, and to walk away at the first sign of social turbulence. Read more>>
Jamie R. Wright
As a known domestic violence survivor of color, who now, humbly serve on the board of directors for several domestic violence non-profits; one being the largest non-profit in the Houston area, which is, the 3 largest city in the United States, I’ve learned to be successful by remembering my ancestors that came before me. I have learned to become present, with a great deal of humanity, resilience, and tenacity, that I can not allow being intimated and struggling with imposter syndrome to stop me from sharing my story of overcoming life’s obstacles (e.g. homelessness, teenage pregnancy, domestic violence) with a goal of inspiring other’s to overcome too. Read more>>
Priscilla Asamoah Baffour
It stems from a place of resilience, dedication and sacrifices! Sometimes the journey of purpose can be exhausting and blurry, however when I reminisce the number of lives that depends on my success to live up to their dreams, it awakens a deep sense of duty! Being the only one in the room that looks like you leaves you with no choice than to constantly encourage, motivate and push yourself harder to always achieve your dreams because no one can do it better than you! Read more>>
Jaz
I take advantage of being the only one in the room that looks like me. Honestly, Im so glad that I learned to love who I am, what I do, and what I represent. Of course I have insecurities, but more importantly I embrace who I am and how I look to the fullest. I am confident in myself and especially when I speak, some people judge me off how I look until they hear me speak and their perspectives change. Effectively, I use my voice and my appearance to be successful because I’m passionate and I see myself as a leader, so I will always lead the room to my advantage. Read more>>
Kristian Zenz
This journey of believing in myself, despite my differences, has been a long, non-linear process. I think the pain in the growth sustained from such pain is really what put me over the edge in order to come to terms with my true self. This is a wonderful question because this is exactly how I felt throughout high school as well as eighth grade, even. I never really felt like I fit in during high school. I never really felt like I was treated as an equal, so I did my best to try and be as equal as possible especially during freshman year. This iteration of me was largely an empty shell of who I truly am. I wanted to impress others to their own standards and lost sight of my own. Since then, I have grown and pushed through turmoil, and have emerged on the side side as a better version of my true self— the self that was evident as early as elementary school. Sometimes, I still am the only one in the room. My third book is having a release party, thanks to the help of the office staff at my on-campus job— my fellow coworkers seem to be unaware of it, or ignoring it. They will never really understand the dedication and hard work I have put into my craft, three times over. What drives me to be successful and to keep pushing are these instances. Rather than let them hold me back, I ask myself what I could do to get their attention. More is required on my end, and I’m fine with it. Read more>>
REISCHEL SAWYER-COBB
I think most look at being the only one in the room as an “awkward moment”. I can honestly say I’ve had that moment before as a young adult. Not because I felt unworthy because I knew I deserved to be there just as anyone else but just simply because no one in the room looked like me. My natural instinct was to put a wall up and read the room first. I soon shifted my mindset. Being the only one that looks like me in the room, is an opportunity to stand out and shine. An opportunity to teach and share insight on my world with others and an opportunity for me to learn about and from others. I’ve always been confident in who I am and my abilities, so I walk boldly in a room owning it. I feel just as important as anyone else in the room or seated at the table with me. What I’ve learned is that just because we don’t look the same, doesn’t mean we have nothing in common. I found that our differences bring opportunity to collaborate with one another to do some amazing things. I’m always looking for an opportunity to grow and learn from others so entering the room with that mindset allows me to be successful in any room I enter into. Read more>>
Myeshia Washington
As an African American business owner, I am usually the only one in the room with my background and lineage. In the baking and edible industry, it is rare to find a black owned business. This arena has very few minority business owners, therefore I put every effort in showcasing my talent as well as changing the stigma behind the African American Culture. I have learned to adapt in each situation, tailor my products to the customers that attend and ensure to provide education with each purchase. Read more>>
The Art Of Noise
That’s a great question and the answer is simple. I’ve learned that even if I’m in a room full of people to always approach the situation as if I’m the only one in the room ,simply because throughout my journey I’ve learned to surround myself in a room full of people who have more than me. Which doesn’t mean that they are better or above me but by doing so it does give me a different perspective and paints a more greater picture of what direction i see myself going thus far it makes me feel as if I’m the only one in the room but I’m surrounded by endless possibilities and opportunities. Read more>>
Jasmine Harris
In my younger, formative years, I was often the only person in my class that looked like me. I even got in a fight once because someone called me a really nasty, derogatory name. That experience made me resilient, confident, and tough. My parents always taught me to focus on what was important, not the peripheral nonsense, distractions, or negativity. As an adult, I walk in any room like I belong there. I am a Black woman, but I’m so many other things that allow me to find common ground and make meaningful connections with others. Being the only one in the room that looks like me is an opportunity, not a hinderance. Read more>>
Kae’ Marie Bass
Over the years, I’ve learned that your most effective and successful when your able to add unique value to people, the places you are in and the jobs you take on. This value can’t be duplicated because its your individuality and people often sometimes people run from it, but to me being “you” is this is the key to success. Read more>>
Lester Greene
We are all people. Human interaction is all about making a connection on a base level. I simply try to meet people where they are. I’m a good listener, and I am pretty good at taking what someone says and making it resonate with me. People appreciate empathy and sincerity. Read more>>
Lasheeda Perry
The fact the culinary industry, especially in fine dining is dominated by white men is no surprise, so I constantly find myself being the only African American pastry chef. As a high school culinary arts student it was made very clear to me that this would be the case. I was very much prepared. Despite the lack of diversity, I was very fortunate to have been mentored by several African American pastry chefs. My high school culinary teacher was black too. Having them in my life is what gave me the will power to be able to navigate through an industry that constantly overlooks black talent. Read more>>
Kiara Nguyen
I attended the University of Southern California, a predominantly white institution (PWI), for three years of my undergraduate schooling. While both of my degrees I obtained there were in the social sciences and a majority of my peers were people of color, I recall a White-filled International Relations course. The professor was a woman of color and a few of my peers were also people of color. However, during that course, I often heard my White peers discussing third world countries as if they were damsels in distress needing to be saved. The White students in that class seemed to have a savior complex. While International Relations was not my strong suit, I found that my experiences as a woman of color and the daughter of a Vietnamese refugee allowed me to be successful in that class (and save my grade haha). Read more>>
Zvestly Plantin
As a black woman of color, this is something that I experience quite often. Currently, this is something I experience and deal with daily being the only black woman in my cohort for my master’s program. Fortunately, in this setting I haven’t felt as if my peers or professors allow the color of my skin to dictate or define my place and success in the program. However, because my experience is different than theirs, it’s hard for me to relate with them on certain topics during class discussions. I have learned to be more open minded with hopes that they do the same. This semester, I am applying to internships and I do feel like I’m already at a disadvantage because I am a black woman. I worry about being underestimated and missing out on opportunities because of it. I have learned to sell myself and allow my knowledge and abilities to speak for me. This is something that is hard for me because it has always felt like bragging. Despite all of this discrimination could definitely still play a role and prevent me from getting an opportunity I’m deserving of but I just have to trust that God will place me exact where I need to be. I know that my name is already in room I have yet to step in, and the people in those rooms have no idea what I look like, I am slowly learning to use my differences to my advantage. For example, no one in my cohort is able to speak on diversity in mental health in the way that I can, Not only because I’m black but because being from Miami, Florida I have been able to be around and experience a multitude of different people and their cultures/ traditions. I have unique insight making my point of view different. Read more>>
Checa Aka Mirror Mom
By embracing it, it makes me happy to stand out! Ive had strangers ask to take my picture, give me hugs and ask for my social media info, simply based on my apperance. Checa Style is what my mom, Aurora, calls it. Recently at a gathering I said, “I still act and dress like I’m 5.” My niece Nyra responded with; “You ARE five…” It was hard to dispute while I was wearing my adorable ice cream cone purse… My family refers to me as the odd, weird, and unbalanced one… At least I’m not boring. I also have this thing about growing up, kinda refusing to do it, and it’s why I’d describe the way I dress as Toddler Chic. A lot of cuteness, cartoons and definitely some mismatching. I have extensive collections of sunglasses, shoes, bags, and headphones, but my biggest would be my t-shirts. Those always get a thumbs up. Best part is shopping in the kids’ section. My son loves it because we get to match! I appreciate when I get complimented on my outfit. My heart smiles, my day gets better. I feel the best when I’m dressed like “me”. It’s a motivator to spread more joy, as one of my favorite hobbies is to let others know how great they look and make them feel special too! By either saying it out loud, writing it on mirrors or handing out SMILE clips. I hope it encourages everyone to be comfortable being themselves and dress however they want. We all have an unknown expiration date, wear what makes you happy, live your life for you! Read more>>
KPMADMAN
There’s no one like you in any room if you bet on your own lived experience. This society wants to change you into one of these corporate weirdos that have no personality and no life outside of the work you get paid to do. I bet on myself because people who influence me and continue to influence me, they are themselves to a fault. Be yourself because there’s no one like you. Read more>>
Kay R. Thompson
In any room that I am in, I know that there may not be many or any other people that look like me but I thrive off of connection and community. It is super easy to identify what is different between myself and others, but understanding and learning how we are alike, takes some work and initiative. I have learned to speak up and be unapologetic about my skills and success regardless of the phase I am in. Now that I am coming up on 10 years being in this industry, I can truly say that being open to have conversations, reminding myself that I am in the room for a purpose, and being willing to learn from those who don’t look like me, has greatly and positively impacted my success. Read more>>
Bradley Rapier
Born and raised in Canada I grew up as the only black kid in my neighborhood. In a town known for oil, rodeos and ranching I was the only one in school rocking a sweet Afro amidst a sea of feathered haircuts. Saturday mornings you would likely find me learning a couple Motown steps from my older sister or listening to jazz music with my dad while the rest of the week I was immersed in a culture of rock ’n roll and country. Read more>>
Jazmine Robinson
It is not an easy way to answer this question, as it requires so many different components. Practicing discipline, displaying humility, having self-control and integrity even when those around you break rules, cheat others, and use immoral methods to obtain success is definitely one of the ways I have learned to be effective and have remained a steward over all God has allowed. This day there are so many get rich quick scenarios and if you don’t intentionally choose to do what is right you can easily fall into the traps of deceptive principles and practices, which we both know are not a place you should ever aspire to be. I would much rather be honest and have nothing verses having it all through dishonest gain. SO even when I am the only one in the room coming from a different background, I choose daily to practice such principles and morals. Read more>>
Benton Thompson III
This is a great question and very thought provocative, because it invokes so many emotions for me. On many occasions in my life, more than I care to say, I have walked into a room, been to a meeting, attended a conference, or on a call, where I was the only one that looked like me in the group. Sometimes the feeling has been very unnerving, and a little overwhelming. If I’m being truly honest here, sometimes I’ve wanted to retreat, hang up, or just run and hide somewhere. Feelings of ineptitude would attempt to flood my heart and my mind. I would often have to make a call to someone and share my fears, and they would thankfully encourage me to forge ahead. Sometimes I’ve gotten angry and questioned why. Read more>>
Jamie Sterling
I truly believe that what makes me stand out in a room from others is my ability to be able to relate and connect to individuals from all walks of life. I am certainly not the loudest in the room, and I prefer not to be the center of attention in a group of people (probably due to the nature of my job). However, I have learned in my 46 years of living that overall, people long for relationships and connecting to others. That is what sets us apart as human beings from animals. The ability to talk and interact. Therefore, I strive to make people feel comfortable talking to me and assure them I am really interested in what they have to say, and most importantly, they can trust me with intimate details they may not share to everyone- such as their fears, their goals, or past experiences (good and bad). In order to do this, it requires engaging with the person through eye contact, relating to what they are talking about personally, and asking questions so they feel valued and safe talking and sharing with me. Read more>>
Courtney Besser
Growing up in southern Illinois in a small town, I was the only black girl in many if not all of the activities that I was interested in like playing the piano, dance classes, and theatre. It was challenging at times, but definitely gave me the confidence, resilience, and motivation to want to live in larger diverse cities where I could meet and be around more folks that looked like me and had the same interests. I moved to Chicago after college and presently now live in Denver. With my career in wellness, there are more folks that look like me practicing massage, Reiki, teaching yoga, and facilitating sound baths. We are still in the minority, and at times I am still the only one in the room that looks like me. I’ve learned to always lean in on just being myself no matter what! Read more>>
Jadinah Gustave
One thing I’ve learned about myself, and people generally is that we are created for a purpose. A part of my purpose is to remember I am not living for myself, but for those that are coming behind after me. We are all created uniquely to paint our canvas of life. The canvas is the moments we face every day. Our daily walk will include encounters that are joyful and some that bring anxiety or fear. Nevertheless, it is essential to understand who I am and that my identity, ability, education, faults, weaknesses and uniqueness are always with me in every room I enter. Therefore I have been able to enter into any room even when I’m the only one who look like me because I am aware of my purpose and my identity. This remains the same even If I am the only one unfamiliar with the terminology or culture of that room. I persist with self-assurance and poise. The room does not change who I am. As a matter of fact, entering a new room provide an opportunity to add my special sauce, my style and flare to that room. I do not sulk away because every room I enter into is a blank canvas for me to paint for those who will be entering the room after me that will look like me. God forbid they enter the same room I was in and not see the painting that I left on the wall. Read more>>
