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.
Jessica Ahoni-woodburn
My whole life I’ve faced circumstances where I have been the only black woman in the room. Growing up in rural Indiana, I was one of few black students in both my elementary and middle schools. I attended Indiana University and was the only black woman in my entire MBA class. I currently work at Meta, and despite having other black women in the broader company, I am the only one in my immediate team. All of these circumstances have taught me how to be successful despite being the “only one” in the room. To be effective and successful in situations where I have been the only black woman in the room, it has been essential to focus on a few key strategies.
First and foremost, authenticity has been essential. Read more>>
Glorissa Rodriguez-corona
Over the years I think I have been doing an ok job at sticking to my own ideals and style and way I do things. I am not saying this as a negative thing but, I know it’s easier to make art/design based on what the people and audience want to see, relatable things based on mood, culture, music, etc. and it’s always 100% guaranteed to work but, I have always been stubborn and been trying to stick to my own background, things that spark interest and inspiration. So yeah, I guess I have learned to keep being me no matter how many times you get a ” no ” for an answer, I always get back up because I know someone somewhere out there will like and appreciate my art. Read more>>
Mark Nargi
I feel like this is a case of being effective or successful or standing out specifically because I am doing something unique and different. When it comes to private chefs/private dining, there tends to be a lot of sameness. “Here are my 5 summer themed menus – pick your favorite starter, main and dessert”. That’s how most private chefs seem to operate. My approach is closer to omakase than anything else and while often a surprise (in terms of both the overall approach and the actual meal) to my clients, they almost always appreciate the novelty and the uniqueness compared to the norm. Read more>>
Allie Beckmann
Honestly, I love being the only one who looks like me in the room. Why? Because it’s an instant differentiator—and differentiation is the secret to success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or financial planner, the ability to stand out and bring something unique to the table is a huge advantage.
When I started my financial career, I worked under a prestigious insurance and investment company. Within the first six months, I won a contest, earning an invitation to a special lunch with the other winners. Walking into the private dining room, I realized I was the only woman at a table of 20 men. It was a shock—I’d never experienced this in my previous careers in theatre, education, and yoga. For a moment, I froze. But then I took a deep breath, found my center, and said to myself, “F*** yeah.” I walked right into the middle of the table and sat down. Read more>>
Marie Lledo
Being a 5 feet tall woman, this is an everyday question 🙂 For my whole life I’ve had to adapt myself to situations where I was not always helped by my environment. You actually become quite creative with how you get what you want with what’s available around you, especially if you have no choice. This applies to my survival jobs as a server, if I needed to grab a specific bottle of wine that was all the way at the top of the shelf, I didn’t have time to ask someone to help me or to try to find a ladder, I’d just hop on the top of a counter or the bar and climb my way to the bottle! Same thing around my house where everything is built for people of 6’4. As for when being in an audition room or at a film callback, I tell myself that this, being tiny but mighty, is my strength and makes me stand out in a crowd. When you take less space, physically, in a room, you tend to make up for it with your personality, your sense of humor, your charm, etc… And I personally believe that over time, I became quite good at making a strong first impression (mostly a good one if I’m in a happy mood)! Read more>>
Emily Watson
I learned early on that I think differently than most of my peers. I was fortunate that in grade school I had people around me who valued that, and looked to me for creative ideas and solutions. I chose to attend a college with other kids who had “stuck out” in high school. Being around other creative, smart, and progressive students was a beautiful experience, but honestly it was sometimes overwhelming being in a crowd of like-minded voices. It taught me that I have a huge amount of respect for the voice of dissent, and that I’m okay being the person in the room who disagrees or offers a different point of view. I’ve spent enough time now as a working artist that I’m okay with the negative undertones that are part of someone calling me “quirky” or “artsy” or “unique.” Read more>>
Kamisha Johnson
I have been in many rooms where I am the only “Kamisha” in the room. I have worked for Profit, Non-Profit, State and Government Systems. Where most of my Systemic Racial Trauma comes from was being a supervisor at the state. Many days before meetings I would be faced with apprehension and anxiety. When entering the room I would count how many in the room looked like me. Then having to assess “Can I speak?” “Will they acknowledge that I exist?” My supervisor was a Middle age bald headed white guy with a Bachelor’s Degree. Here I was triple minority (Black, Female & Educated). I had 2 Master Degrees and a professional license. When I would speak in meetings it would fall on deaf ears or they would minimize my knowledge and education. Eventually the anxiety and fear got so bad I resigned and vowed to never shrink or become voiceless due to White Privilege. Every room I entered I demanded to be acknowledged and you would pronounce my name correctly. It was my birthright. Yes, they would call me “Aisha” or “Elisha.” Read more>>
Keith Hawkins
This question of learning to be effective/successful in a room where I was the only one in the room that looked like me is a very good question and if I am being very transparent and honest, it took years to identify and personally deal with those experiences.
I have been in the coffee industry for 28 years and for a large majority of my career, I have always been one of the only ones in the room that looked like me and for a long time, I received that to mean that I had arrived or I was truly unique. But as I gained more insight about systematic racism and specifically the details that related to economic and growth gaps for me compared to my peers, it had became painfully obvious that while I was accepted into those rooms, I wasn’t respected in the areas of both pay and opportunity standards. The system was designed for me to be in the room but it wasn’t designed for me to advance beyond that and especially not to have more individuals who looked like me in that same room. Read more>>
Jesse Ford
Running my own business has been an incredible learning experience. One key lesson I’ve embraced is the importance of standing out by offering something truly unique. In a saturated market like underwear, every launch needs to be distinctive, fun, and accessible to capture attention. Collaboration has also been a cornerstone of my success—partnering with others allows me to amplify my brand’s reach and connect with new audiences. Networking and building relationships are essential; the more people you meet, the more opportunities you create to showcase your product and grow your business. Read more>>
Andrey Vlasov
For me, being the only person in the room who looks like me presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges. When I’m in this situation, I often take a moment to reflect on what I have: my skills, my experience, my passion, and my perspective. While it’s easy to feel a sense of inadequacy or isolation, I believe it’s essential to acknowledge and appreciate the strengths I bring to the table. I then turn to prayer, seeking guidance and forgiveness from God and thank Him for everything. Sometimes, in the silence and quiet, I receive unexpected revelations. It’s crucial to learn how to find the world inside myself and expand it by following my heart and passion. I also believe that often, the best learning and growth happen outside the room – through serving others, collaborating with people, and exploring the world around me. Read more>>
Yumna Madi
I have never overcome imposter syndrome, though I have gotten better at managing it and checking it whenever it visits.
I experienced it most acutely when I went through a difficult period after co-founding a successful solar energy company in Egypt and then giving it all up after moving to, then having a child in New York. As I tried to revive my career in New York, I felt increasingly vulnerable. It wasn’t until I met a career coach who is now a dear friend that I learned to confront the thoughts that were debilitating my potential. My coach challenged my insecurities, primarily my concern about why I cared so much about getting a particular type of job. She would ask, and I would always begin my answer by saying it’s because I need to prove to myself that I can get this or that job. I was always striving for self-validation until my coach posed a simple question, “but why do you feel the need to get this validation?” I realized I had wasted so much energy on insecure thoughts rather than trusting myself and my capabilities as a person who was and remains eager to learn, grow, and work hard. Read more>>
Meisha Gaines
I learned over time that I have to work hard and strive to be the best at whatever I am doing. Being a black woman in media and entertainment, I know that I have a stigma attached to me before I say a word. Due to the nature of the graphic design industry and photography world, I have often been the only black woman in the room. I make sure to show that I have authority and expertise that qualifies me to be present. I realized that first impressions are key and to make a lasting impact in any situation. Whenever I am the only black woman or person I make sure to stay true to my brand, be professional and show the value in whatever I am offering. I have learned that despite us being different, that we all share similar skills and expertise that bring us together as a community. Read more>>
Veronica Deraleau
I have been lucky that from early on in my career, I’ve had excellent male and female managers and mentors of all colors in male-dominated industries (military, energy, real estate, fintech) who valued my voice and expertise and invited me to the table without hesitation. Because of that start, it never occurred to me that I didn’t belong in the room. Read more>>
Sabrina Hughes
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has been challenging and empowering. Early on, I realized how much representation matters—not just for others who see me, but also for myself. It’s not always easy to walk into spaces where my presence is an anomaly, but I’ve learned to view those moments as opportunities to educate, inspire, and pave the way for others. Read more>>
Ine’a J
Being a first generational college student, this is something that was new to me but had become very relevant.
During my collegiate and graduate days there were several time periods whether there’s classes etc where I may be the only black woman present.
This also fostered into musical situations where I may go to a studio or writing session and there are only men and I’m the only woman there. Read more>>
Jay Jones
Over the years I’ve learned that just by me BEING in the room, means that I am 100% qualified to be there as much as/even more so than anyone else. The unique perspective that comes with being the only artist/woman/Black person in a space often offers me not only the opportunity to shine, but to introduce others to a new way of life/thinking. At the end of the day, I know the knowledge and creativity I hold is invaluable and I trust that those who are meant to, will see it as well. Read more>>
Bailey Skaggs
Being the only one in the room can be difficult yet empowering. One of the biggest challenges I faced as a business owner was learning to be okay with “being the only one in the room.” This was a challenge for me because I have always struggled with being different. I felt like I never fit in anywhere, when I was a child in school, as an adult in friend groups, I have always felt like I was the only person in the room. When I started and created my business, Charmed Esthetics Holistic Facials & Reiki, my dreams and goals were different from the average esthetician or even a Reiki practitioner. My goal was to effectively combine skin health with energetic health. As a holistic esthetician, I automatically became the odd one out. While a holistic approach is becoming more popular now, it wasn’t always that way. Read more>>
Diamond Franklin
There have been many instances in my entertainment career that I was the only woman of color in the room. This has been common when acting and auditioning, but more notably with my work as an opera singer in the classical music world. There is a constant battle not to be categorized or made a stereotype and to prove why I belong there, yet I don’t allow that to intimidate me or make me feel self-conscious. I am very comfortable in my own skin, and it allows me to stand out in a positive way and makes me even more determined to showcase my talents despite any bias or lack of representation. Read more>>
Charla Daniel
Being the only one in the room, I’ve learned to lean into my uniqueness and let it be my strength. It’s been a journey, especially since I haven’t seen anyone who does exactly what I do. Sure, there are plenty of talented people who create intricate, elaborate designs on a stick, but my focus has always been on cake balls without the stick. At first, it was challenging. I doubted whether people would embrace something different and struggled with my confidence. But over time, I realized that what made me stand out was also what made me special. Read more>>
Lindsay Dyan
Being the only one in the room has been both a challenge and a powerful source of growth. It can feel isolating at times, but I’ve learned to view it as an opportunity to stand out, own my voice, and bring something unique to the table. I focus on showing up, knowing that my perspective is valuable precisely because it’s different. Read more>>
Tabatha L. Gomillia
In Great Lakes, IL, 1990, at the United States Navy Electrician Mate “A” School, I found myself in a unique position. Among approximately 30 classmates, including five women, I stood out as the sole female persevering in the electrical class. Week after week, my female peers gradually left, leaving me as the last woman standing. It was then, in a defining moment, that a male classmate confronted me in front of everyone, expressing his doubts: “This course is hard; you’re not going to make it. You’re going to flunk out just like the other girls,” he sneered.
Despite the skepticism and the smirk on his face, that precise instant marked the birth of a leader. Read more>>
John Jiang
Being the only Asian in the room for me as an actor has been a norm in most of the time. However, in the past year or two I start to see a lot of more people like me and these moments remind me of why I am still trying my best all the time. When I am the only representation in the room, I often take it as a sign and an opportunity to be an ambassador for my people and my culture. And in today’s American’s creative industry people want to hear voices that haven’t been given spot lights before. I encourage everyone to not hold back but to embrace who they are more especially when you are the only representation. Read more>>
Reggie Lynch
Being a six foot ten inch tall mixed race guy with funky hair, I have always been unique and interesting person. Not only my appearance and stature is unique, so it my background. I am half white and half black, but I am one of the rare ones-I have a black mom and a white dad . I admittedly have only seen one other person in my life who has a black mom and a white dad, usually when I see someone who is mixed, they have black dads and white moms. Diving into my mother’s side of the family, my mother was born and raised in Harlem, New York City, which is an extremely unique place to have a parent from. My mother’s New York City roots and personality shines through and made me into a much more cultured person than a lot of other people from Minnesota. Read more>>
Miranda Tate
Being the “only one in the room” has been my reality for much of my career. As a Black woman navigating the luxury real estate market and television industry, I’ve often found myself surrounded by people who don’t look like me or share similar backgrounds. But instead of feeling intimidated, I’ve learned to harness that unique position as a source of strength and empowerment. Read more>>
