Even as there is a growing recognition for the need for representation, there are still many cases where folks will find themselves as the only person in a room representing their particular demographic – and often there is pressure to perform in such contexts to prove competence not just for yourself but for everyone who is like you. The burden and the stress of being the “representer” is real, and so we wanted to create a space where folks can discuss who they go about ensuring they are effective and successful even in contexts where no one else on the team or in the room is like them.
Tiffany Watkins
Many times I have been the only woman or the only black person in the room. I just lean into the topic at hand…I stay present in the moment even though I know there are some who may feel I shouldn’t be there or feel our differences are more important than inclusion. Read more>>
Candice Taylor
I believe that Authenticity is necessary when moving the narrative around an elephant in the room. Also understanding the opposite’s position and character. I am often perceived as too honest but avoiding the situation at hand is a waste of everyone’s time. Read more>>
Tony Jefferson
Being the only person in the room who looks like me can be frustrating sometimes. It requires being comfortable in your own skin and remembering you’re in the room because you belong there. Black people have made a lot of progress in the tech industry but not so much in ownership and leadership roles. It throws some folks off when I say I own a social media platform. Read more>>
Mike Moore
That’s a fairly simple question to answer. I used to think that when in a room full of people (whether you know them or not) that I needed to be the most interesting person in the room. In other words, as people were driving home alone or with their significant other they would discuss how Mike Moore was the most interesting person they have ever met. Read more>>
Najah Rahmaan-Oneale
Despite being the only person who resembles my appearance in the room, I’ve managed to overcome my fear, self-doubt and imposter syndrome. This is because I firmly believe in my abilities and the achievements I’ve attained so far. My accomplishments serve as evidence that I deserve to be present and have a lot of value to contribute. Read more>>
Ishara Henry
Growing up as a dark-skin, kinky haired young lady in the Ohio Valley, I got a lot of practice navigating environments where I would be the only person who looked like me. I attended predominantly Caucasian schools for all of my life, even College. I endured a lot of abuse surrounding the way that I naturally looked but it built resilience and self-assurance for me around my appearance. Read more>>
Melody Law
This is really a good question. Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me to embrace my uniqueness and leverage it as a strength. I focus on my expertise and the value I bring to the table, which builds respect and credibility. Additionally, I cultivate strong relationships and networks that support diversity and inclusion. Read more>>
Gemma Matsuyama
Navigating situations where you are the only one in the room who looks like you can be challenging, but it also presents unique opportunities for growth and leadership. I had to lean in that my unique background and experiences are assets, not liabilities. Read more>>
Lotti Lofgren
The short answer is that I do my best to pretend that I am not any different from anyone else and forge ahead as if no one sees my differences. Here’s the long answer… I have always been a self-proclaimed weirdo, choosing to self-express through my tattoos, piercings, sometimes androgynous style, hair (mohawks, shaved head, wild colors, etc), so sometimes that is what makes me standout. Read more>>
Krista Harris
If I find myself being the only one in the room that looks like me, I think I’m in a good place. These days it’s harder to be unique than it is to be one of many doing the same thing. If we are creating from a true place, with a clear vision and understanding of our work, then being unique isn’t even a concern or goal, you are already there. Read more>>
Maryna Yudina
Being the only one in the room who looks like you can be both challenging and empowering. It’s a situation that requires resilience, confidence, and a strategic approach to ensure your voice is heard and your impact is felt. As an executive coach specializing in neurofeedback, I’ve learned to leverage my unique position to drive success and inspire others. Read more>>
Abigail Albano-Payton
I’ve come to truly grasp the importance of believing in yourself rather than relying on external validation to feel worthy of your talents. The beauty of self-fulfillment is that it’s endless, as long as you keep nurturing your passions and finding joy in the things that matter to you. For me, that was making art. Read more>>
Jonric Watts
Knowing your capabilities and leveraging them creatively is key to effective work. My motto is often summarized as, ‘Work smarter, not harder.’ As a leader, understanding your team is crucial, even if they seem different from you. Each person has unique skills that can contribute significantly. Read more>>
Jay Henderson
To answer your question: In order to excel in any room or situation, I have found that understanding myself and being attuned to energy, posture, and persona are key. Success and effectiveness require confidence in our skills, attention to detail, and unwavering focus. To achieve our goals and pursue our passions, we must be willing to put in the necessary work. Read more>>
Brooklynn Hill
Being in a room where I am the only person that looks like me is kind of like an unspoken job. Needing to represent people who look like me is something that takes a special type of skill to adapt to under certain circumstances. Read more>>
Kimberly Ayers
I grew up in a very small town. I did not dress, think or communicate like anyone else. My general feeling is that society is determined to fit everyone in a box of their choosing. Our brains are programmed to see patterns and sort things to make sense. I don’t feel like it’s from malicious intent but if you don’t learn to quiet the noise around you it’s harder to create great work. Part of our job as creators is to bring new ideas and fresh air. Read more>>
Abiodun Koya
I understand that everyone is unique and so in the uniqueness, there’s something rare and beautiful to be brought to the table that people can benefit from. Also knowing and understanding that fear is nothing but a crippling and preventative agent, it’s always a better alternative to remain confident and effective in any situation. Read more>>
LaChelle Chrysanne
Growing up just outside of Minneapolis, MN, where I was often the minority, prepared me well for being the only one in the room who looked like me. I’ve learned to be very adaptable, which is essential in my field, where I encounter a lot of different personalities and sometimes big egos. Read more>>
NATHAN WATERS
Stop, sit still. | Take a deep breathe and tell me..what you see. Do you visualize something negative? After that, I would like you to then ask yourself, “Have I even thought to consider something positive within this time of visualization?” Read more>>
Lené Magro
I believe the key to doing what you love is truly understanding yourself, your passion, and why you want to share your skills with the world. For me, it’s always been about adding value—enhancing others’ businesses, lives, and well-being. Helping others succeed in their entrepreneurial journey boosts my own confidence and success. As Maya Angelou says, “Success is liking what you do and how you do it.” Read more>>
Nichole daher
The overwhelming majority of all ABA therapy clinics in the US only serve children up to age 6. When my step daughter aged out of her autism therapy program, I was told that she would never be able to find help. If there was no place in the world where she belongs, I was determined to MAKE it. Read more>>
Anna Mendelson
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has not only been a challenge but also a catalyst for my success. Running Vibrant Guide in a college setting, where the norm was pursuing more traditional career paths, forced me to think outside the box and be resourceful. Read more>>
Pamala McCoy
When being the only one in the room that looked like me occurred, it presented unique challenges, but I learned early on how to adapt. The key to best navigating the situation was and still is to leverage the opportunity. Read more>>
Sorrel Kay Cherie
We didn’t let that stop us because we were confident in what we were doing and what we bring to the table. While there is comfortability when there are others that look like you, we were not looking at the room to make us comfortable. We understood that us belonging in the room is based on our uniqueness, personality, and skillset. Read more>>
HANA KIM
I learned to be effective and successful by redefining success itself. Once, I believed success was all about money, fame, and education. So, I chased them hard, worked tirelessly, and ended up feeling exhausted with little to show for it. The real game-changer came when I shifted my focus to what truly made me happy – that’s when desired results started falling into my lap effortlessly. Read more>>
Frankie Endo Ondo
Being the only one in the room as a gay, Black man has taught me resilience and authenticity. Growing up with strict diplomat parents, I learned to embrace my differences as strengths. When I created ‘Draw the Line: The Game of Dealbreakers & Red Flags,’ my goal was to bring honesty and vulnerability into the dating scene. My unique perspective allows me to connect with others and foster inclusivity. Read more>>
Lenny Mika Bonk
While the majority of people around me were very similar to each other, I was always “the different one.” In the beginning it hurt a lot and it took me a long time to accept who I truly am, and also to be able to say I am good the way I am regardless of possible similarities or differences between me and others. Read more>>
Katrina Giuffre
There have been several instances in my life where I have been the only one in the room that looks like me. I am a petite latin woman in the accounting industry. I have been in several meetings with clients, business owners, and networking events where I could have easily been intimidated and shied away. Read more>>
Dj Boogs
I observe. I find the room I feel like I need to be in, I go and I observe. I see what I can add to the room, what’s missing from the room then I find a way in so I can showcase what it’s missing. Read more>>
Christina Hammond
Being the only one in the room who is effective and successful has a snowball effect when you share your opportunities and successes with other people. I will never gatekeep knowledge or an opportunity to anyone who comes my way. If my star is shining bright, I’ll help the next person shine brighter. Read more>>
Kennyetta Watkins
In my life, I have always felt different one way or another, whether it is because of the color of my skin, being introverted or just going against the crowd because I feel I can find my way on the path that I choose verses the crowd or by what is comfortable. I have learned being different and doing things differently in a room that lacks diversity, is being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Read more>>
