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.
Timala Stewart
I’m a self-proclaimed people navigator. I’ve been able to successfully collaborate with people of many different backgrounds because I speak concisely with empathy and authenticity. Engaging in small talk is a great way to break barriers. Read More>>
Michaeleigh Ward
By being who I am and surely by cultivating a strong sense of confidence in my abilities and worth. I Recognize that I bring valuable perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table and I believe in myself and my capabilities, even if others may not immediately recognize them. I also look for successful black women who have achieved what I aspire to accomplish. Their stories and journeys can serve as inspiration and provide valuable insights into overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers. I am my own advocate and speak up for myself & assertively communicate my ideas, expertise, and contributions. Read More>>
Geoffrey Dicker
I thrive in diversity! First of all, I am a gay painter and writer, a triple threat, if you will. I write stories and paint pictures that I’d want to read / view. Therefore, I have to come up with something I’ve never seen / read before. For example, I wrote a novel (entitled “Journal of Grievances”) that is a story told through the pages of the character’s journal. I have also written a novel called “Post Celebrity” that is told in 9 short stories over a 500 year period but when you put it all together it makes up a larger story. My paintings are all abstract and I am a huge lover of art so I make sure not to paint something that has been painted before. The originality and diversity is what sets me apart from others and is the key to my success. From my point of view, I see so many people paint someone famous to try and attach their name to that of a celebrity. Anyone can do that. But not everyone can come up with a completely fresh idea. Read More>>
M.L. Ruscscak
Growing up in an emotionally negative environment, I discovered the power of solitude and the strength that comes from doing things in silence. This background instilled in me a resilient spirit and an unwavering determination to succeed against all odds. When faced with the challenge of being the only one in the room who looks like me, I found that embracing my individuality became my greatest asset. Read More>>
Mia Logan
I was taught at a very young age, close mouths don’t get fed. So I took that to mean that whenever I go even when there may not be many like me to take my stand, hold my head up high and be. Be the best me that I can be because there’s no one else in this world like me. It requires honesty , communication and understanding those whom I come in contact with and reading the room! Read More>>
Gene Barron
I think as a artist not being like everyone else in the room is a asset and to remember that the reason you became a artist in the first place was because there was a need for you to convey something about yourself to the world And do it from a personal honest and personal perspective
Following trends , or relying on just what sells , comparing yr work to other ,only working for the gallery , or what you think people like and not risk taking and falling into the starving artist or sellout cliches ect can be very limiting to your label and not allow you to produce yr best work
Being innovative and standing out and being true to yr own voice is something you want to achieve in the art world. Read More>>
Fat Dreadz
You know it’s so funny my media name is “Fat Dreadz” I’ve been a bigger guy majority of my life and got teased for it but it came to a point in my life where I just didn’t care anymore and I made that the joke. So fast forward some years I literally have people in the crowd screaming my name “Fat Dreadz”. So my point is that you have got to learn to be comfortable in your own skin and know that whatever you bring to the table holds its own weight. Your you for a reason and I’m me for a reason we all have special things about us you just have to figure out what it is and start applying it so you can better yourself. So I love being me, being me has gotten me into doors I’ve never thought I could go through. So be yourself 100% of the time it will get you places every time because if somebody wants to have a Fat Dreadz show they will literally have to book Fat Dreadz with no if, and, or buts, and that’s why being unique can get you so far. Read More>>
Ayanna Mills Ambrose
With 22 years of experience working in corporate America- Risk Management & Insurance, I have always been the only one looking like me. As an honors student in college, I was one of the only ones looking like me. I was not too fond of it in college and dreaded attending class. I didn’t talk to anyone, and I ran straight out after class. However, I got comfortable being uncomfortable. Meaning I didn’t let it stop me from performing. By the time I got to the workforce, I was used to it, and it didn’t bother me. I even formed friendships because I was no longer uncomfortable. Read More>>
Rhonnika Clifton
As I began to maneuver through design school, and subsequentially the Houston design industry, I quickly found out what it felt like to be one black dot in a sea of “white”. Not that it hadn’t been the case before (I’ve also experienced that feeling in the corporate world), but I think it felt even more bitter because I had such high expectations for my new career in design, I had an expectation that designers and professionals in the industry would seamlessly be as kind & accepting as they were when they visited design school or connected with us at student-related events. Read More>>
Jen Sugermeyer
One of my greatest assets is that I DON’T look like anyone else! Why on earth would I want to fit in or be like everyone else? I’m a 6’1″ female and you’ll often see me walk in a room with 4″ heels. How does one get chosen for a promotion, win business, get noticed for anything if you look like everyone else?! You don’t. You have to stand out from the rest. I love who I am and I would NEVER want to look like everyone else. So, if you have a unique trait that is visible to you- own that! You’re already a step ahead of the others. Read More>>
Jen Summers
As an established bra fitter and business owner, I’ve learned to be most effective by listening to our community and focusing on what is the most positive move I can make to provide the greatest impact.
We strive to encourage, empower, and support all clients who come to Story Essentials for bra fittings, curated shopping, or lingerie guidance. The most successful thing we can do for them is listen. Providing a safe space for them allows us to help them the best we can in that moment of their life. Read More>>
Chanel Jonas
This was a huge catalyst for starting my small business. When I began hiking in North Georgia, I noticed I would get lots of looks and stares majority of the time I was on the trails. It could be my big hair but it still made me feel out of place from time to time. I knew that was not right and wanted to spread awareness around the topic of being a woman of color who hikes and explores so that others who look like me would also feel at home being outdoors. Read More>>
Dan Brown Jr
Great question! It can be scary for some to step out on their own a do something different, something unique. Following the crowd has a certain amount of safety built in. You could just go-with-the-flow or move with the current and squarely fall in the center of trendy, relevant, popular and have an immediate sense of belonging. For me, doing such seemed much scarier and much riskier. We all have an inner voice and we either learn to trust it or learn to ignore it. I’ve learned to trust my inner voice even when I doubt what it is saying. Read More>>
Dylan Parra
Everyone is different. Everything depends on everything. And everyone’s outlook on life isn’t the same. For me, it can be easy to compare yourself in the world of creating. Wondering why you don’t have the same success as others or maybe feeling like you aren’t as good as the people that have already been successful doing what you love to do. So how could I myself possibly be as successful? Well, I believe we all view success differently. Everyone’s story is different and everyone’s idea of happiness is not all the same. I’ve had to come to terms with realizing I will never be in the same shoes as someone else. I only have my own shoes to fill. I have to carve my own path and put the pieces into place based off of what pieces mold better for my life specifically. If you’re stuck in comparison mode, you may lose yourself there and never truly figure out what you were meant to be. Do what fits YOU better, simply because you love it, and I promise someone else out there will. Read More>>
Cesar Lazarus
Being my own brand, it took time for me to learn the communities out there and I took every opportunity I could get. From becoming recognized by Adobe Max to having my work shown in Times Square, I had to go above and beyond and I did just that. It took lots of self-reflection, discovery, and little bit of luck to even be at those places. I’ll always be grateful for everything. Read More>>
La Shundra Worthy
I have learned to be effective and/or successful when I am the only one in the room who looks like me because of my confidence.
I don’t commit to, or do anything that I’m not confident that I can master. I know myself, my work ethic, my strengths and my weaknesses, plus I work exceedingly hard to perfect my crafts and immerse myself in my interests.
I’ll admit that there are some learning curves and of course in the corporate world there may be training involved but once that portion has ended, I make it my goal to become well versed in whatever undertaking is currently at the forefront. Read More>>
Tatina Lloyd
That is an excellent question and can be taken two ways. A female in a room predominantly of males, or as a Black Female presenting as the only minority. For me, I do not answer this question differently in either situation. I keep my head up, present confidently, and with the expectation that what I have to offer and bring to the table is just as important as the next person. I stand on my experience and education and celebrate the distinctive characteristics that qualify me to be “in the room.” I know what God has for me is for me, and in that place and time, I may be the “only one” representing my race and culture, but I stay aware that my presence can set the tone for the next. Being the “only one” does not mean you have to be alone; it means you find your “village” where you are. Read More>>
Tim Fields
Be confident in your abilities. Don’t let your race or ethnicity define you. Know that you are just as capable as anyone else in the room. Be prepared. Do your research and come to meetings prepared to speak up. This will show that you are knowledgeable and that you have something valuable to contribute.
Be assertive. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. If you have something to say, say it.
Be a team player. Be willing to collaborate with others and build relationships. This will help you to be more successful in the long run.
Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be proud of your culture and heritage, and let your unique perspective shine through.
I have also found it helpful to find mentors who can help me navigate the challenges of being the only one in the room. These mentors can provide me with support, advice, and guidance. Read More>>
Leonard Tatum
Being the only one in the room that looks like me comes with the territory. I feel that this is often the case for most Black Americans. Whether it is being the only Black representative in your honor classes, your graduation stage, or your workplace. That is an expected part of life.
For me, there are too many instances where I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders trying to represent Black excellence and break the bonds of negative stereotypes. It is sometimes jarring to think about this, but in my 20+ years of working in tech as a software engineer, I have never had someone who was Black working directly with me on my team/squad. The closest to that is recently at my current employer, Fox, where there is one other Black engineer working on adjacent technologies. I have never worked with someone who looked like me to teach or mentor. And in reverse, I never had someone who looked like me to learn from. I have never had a Black boss or even witnessed a Black Tech Lead, VP or CTO. There has never been a time where I sat at an interview table with someone who was Black. I have always been the only one. Read More>>
Victory Rodriguez
It’s important to acknowledge your own power and uniqueness, even if you’re the only person in the room representing a certain demographic or marginalized group. I’m a Latine trans non-binary, neurodivergent, fat femme with bright pink hair. There’s only so much of me you can ignore. I don’t think we need to focus on success or effectiveness, but rather authenticity. What really worked for me and continues to work for me is acknowledging the power I carry being the only person in the room who looks like me. We have to learn how to not shy away from our magnetism, and rather embrace it. We are conditioned from our infancy to conform to eurocentric and cis-heteropatriarchical standards so much so we inherently shame and turn away from the very essence of what makes us unique — somewhere, at some point in time, we all internalized “to be successful, one must conform to what the world perceives as successful”. There are people out there who are waiting to witness someone like me unapologetically live my life, yet still be successful, still be grounded, still be for the people, because it’s important to know individuals like myself and many other people can thrive even through adversity. I’ve learned if I remain authentic to myself and my purpose, which is to seek liberation and healing for all people through art, music, and community, then I am successful. I do not need to measure it, nor question it. This, inherently and solely, makes me successful and effective. Read More>>
Aña Monique
As a minority woman, being the only one in the room who looks like me has presented its share of challenges. However, I have learned to be effective and successful even in these circumstances by employing several strategies.
First and foremost, I have chosen to embrace my uniqueness. I am a WOMAN in a predominately male-dominated industry which is difficult as it is to have my voice heard and to have a seat at the table. Second, I am multi-racial. Instead of allowing myself to feel self-conscious or out of place, I recognize that my diverse perspective and experiences bring value to the room. I understand that my background offers fresh insights and alternative viewpoints that others may not have considered. By embracing my uniqueness, I can showcase my authentic self and contribute in meaningful ways. Read More>>
Kristy Zimmerman
I am the only one that looks like me, so I don’t really get to caught up in what everyone else is doing. I focus my time and attention to what directly pertains to me and my business. I am a big cheerleader for everyone, I think we can all win! I don’t even think about trying to compete, I am my only competition! I am doing what needs to be done for my team, my business and our futures. Read More>>
Chris Fury
I speak from what I know. I also manage to use my knowledge of comics to help people relate to real life experiences. They may understand my plight, but they will relate to whatever struggles I may have had.I produce and host Blerd’s Eyeview Podcast and livestream. We talk entertainment and geek subjects from a person of color’s perspective. While also providing a platform and safe space for POC creatives. What makes it fun is how I treat the show like an actual talk show. I have funny commercial breaks, hilarious commentary and topics that keep the guests and audience engaged. We are having our first live in person event at Blerdcon on Saturday 7/8/23 at 8:30 pm in the Lincoln room. Read More>>
Sharah Denton
I have found that just being myself is all it takes. Instead of focusing on being the only one in the room that looks like me, I focus on being the energy in the room that I like to receive. There are times where it may not be the most ideal situation, but I have learned the importance of being who I’m purposed to be and not being distracted by the fact I’m different in particular settings.. Read More>>
Kylah Currie
Being a black woman in America that is dominating different industries has truly been a blessing. Navigating through different worlds is not as easy as people make it seem. Honestly I was not always this confident. Learning to be effective is also learning to be comfortable in your own skin. The more confident and comfortable you are being YOU, the more doors will open for you. My voice and personality alone has gotten me in rooms that are hard to get in, especially as a black girl. It all starts within. Once you get the mindset that you can do anything you put your mind too regardless of how you look, you will see the opportunities pouring in just because you took a chance on yourself. I always take risks and chances on myself. Most of the time the worst that can happen is a simple no. Read More>>
Andrea Hopkins
Any space that I have been in, I earned my place there. I always make it a point to make sure that my talents, qualifications and overall confidence speak before I ever do. A lot of the times when entering new spaces some people get intimidated by who or what could be waiting for them, for me, I take it as a chance to show my strengths, improve on my opportunities and learn from those around me. Read More>>
Jae Rattanakongkham
The biggest thing I have learned in my entirety working is to be true to yourself. As a business I already exist in a space where there is no one that does things like I do. Others may come close, but I am my own individual person which shines through in what I do. Imagine you are going to a market and you see lots of vendors with pink or black set ups. When you walk towards my set up, it’s blue. A nice baby blue with white accents. Is it on purpose to stand out? Am I trying to catch your eye? The real answer is no. I have often been asked why my set up is blue and I tell everyone, “It’s my favorite color! How could I not?” I have not changed that aspect of myself to look like others because that is just not me. When you are true to yourself and your values, people will remember you online and at these in person events. “I couldn’t find your booth, but then I remembered you have the blue tablecloths!” Why you might ask? It’s because there is no one that looks like me like me and no one that looks like you either. I find that if I do something I genuinely like or enjoy, you can see it in my face and my work. THAT is the key to my success. Everything I do or create is centered around if I personally like it. If you do not like what you are doing, then it will be harder to do it. The passion to do things for yourself will always outshine the desire to do things for others. Read More>>
Joshua Leonard
Being the only one in the room, I have learned to be effective/successful by listening, learning, remaining humble, and communicating. As a character designer/artist for animation, games, and film, it is an opportunity that I am very grateful for, but it is also important to read the room. Another important skill you have to have, is the ability to communicate. Communication is good, but great communication is crucial, as it makes work much clearer. Time is money, so understanding what a studio is asking for will save a lot of time. Read More>>
Marcus Ellison Jr.
Honestly by just doing my best to stay true to who I am at my core. Despite us still having a LONG way to go when it comes to racism & representation in this country, I’ve been fortunate enough to be around during a time where there have been noticeable strides in the right direction in my industry; so it happens less & less. But times where I do find myself to be the only Black man (or person) in the room, I try to focus less on the discomfort that that may bring and more on the fact that I’m supposed to be there. I let my actions and my acumen make it so that IF someone were to question my right to be in said room, the ground that they’d have to stand on would be shaky at best. Read More>>
Valencia Neptune
Firstly, I’ve learned to be effective/successful even when I’m the only one in the room by allowing myself to express my thoughts and opinions without shrinking back. As an African American woman, being the only person in the room that looks like me will never be a pleasant experience, especially when stereotypes and microaggressions are present. Unfortunately, I used to be someone who would shrink and let everyone else talk because I didn’t feel worthy to speak. I thought to myself “I am privileged to just be in the room”, but I was wrong and that is a very toxic way of thinking. I had to remind myself that I deserve to be in the room, I worked hard to be there, I am intelligent, I have something to say and their opinions are not any better than mine. I had to remind myself that I am worthy and my perspective needs to be heard. Read More>>
