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.

Michelle Zattoni

Growing up as a biracial child adopted by a white family, I often felt like the only one who looked like me in any room. Straddling two worlds, I struggled with identity and belonging, feeling disconnected from both Black and white communities. Despite this, my family always treated me with love and support, never making me feel any different. Their unwavering acceptance gave me the foundation to embrace my unique heritage and turn these challenges into strengths. These experiences fueled my passion to create the International Cultural Festival and International Cultural Exchange Program—spaces where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Read more>>

Autumn Kendrick & Lora Orme

When you are doing something you love, you automatically become the only one in the room because your passion and light shines through those that are “just doing a job” or “just working to make money.” Lora and Autumn have had a passion for everything paranormal since a young age. It’s not only interesting to them, but nostalgic. As sisters, it is a topic they have loved and shared for over 30 years. The idea of a podcast was a natural fit. On the phone, the sisters could chat for hours about recent ghost sightings or historical phantoms that interested them. Why not record their ghastly conversations for other ghost-lovers to hear? The Boo Sisters have been successful because of their dedication to their podcast as a hobby rather than a business. They spend hours researching new stories, investigating claims, sharing what they’ve learned, editing the audio, and marketing their new episodes. The podcast has quickly become a hit within the paranormal world because the sisters have remained true to themselves, their unique personalities, and their niche. Rather than trying to gain financial support, their goal has always been to create a community. They have created a safe space for others who share their interest, and thus have been successful in gaining thousands of listeners in under a year of podcasting. Read more>>

Aurea Altamirano Cuaresma

When I am the only Spanish speaker, dark skinned person, even when I am the only woman in the room, group, project, etc. I work on facing and overcoming the feeling of underestimating myself, and look for my power of being unique. Changing my perspective, from negative to the one with possibilities can transform it into an opportunity, my moment to shine. Read more>>

Natalie Poindexter

I made a statement during a panel that I moderated recently, shoutout to Women Communicators of Austin for the opportunity, “be dangerously authentic.” I used to think that if I would “be smaller” or dress a certain way that I would blend in more and feel less like I was the only one in the room. What I realized, later in life, is that I could not dim my light to make others comfortable with me being the only one in the room. I also embraced that I am not obligated to teach anyone about me or ethnicity or culture, it is not my responsibility. Read more>>

Raa

It comes from that innate confidence and believe in the value I present regardless of the room I encompass. Some moments bring about taking the leadership role and delegate to achieve utmost success. Other times will be where I have to absorb the widsom and from peers who hold more knowledge than myself. There’s only one of me so I never look at it as looking down or envying another artist or person. I approach as jt “what are the ultimate goals in front of us and how driven are we individually to accomplish success as a whole?” Read more>>

Jamie Miller

I found my purpose through my own journey of survival, resilience, and transformation. Fighting—both in the ring and in life—taught me that strength isn’t just about physical power; it’s about awareness, perseverance, and the ability to reclaim your space in the world. Read more>>