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.
Desmond Qi Hong Loh
The first time I walked into a production meeting in Los Angeles and realized I was the only Southeast Asian in the room, I felt both the pressure and the opportunity. At first, it was intimidating, like my accent, my background, my path into film weren’t the typical blueprint for “success” in Hollywood. But over time, I realized those differences were exactly my strength. Read More>>
Andy Michel
Being the only one in the room can feel intimidating, but I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity to stand out. Whether I’m stepping into a meeting as a marketing professional or showing up to an event as a content creator, I walk in with the mindset that I already belong there. Read More>>
TRANSCENDENCE
I have learned that being authentic despite societal expectations or stereotypes in any given situation is the key to success. Qualities that highlight the quirks that make me unique are what make me stand out. Being vulnerable is one of the greatest assets I can possess. I believe sharing my truth, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be at times, is always necessary. Read More>>
Dr. Katie Appling
Being the only one in the room means that you are allowed to pave your own path. You are allowed to define what success even means to you. You are not restricted by the norms and rules that society puts on you based on looking and being like everyone else. Read More>>
Barbie Rivera
I had no choice. It was either I submit to the false idea that my six-year-old was ‘mentally handicapped’ and in need of psychotropic medication–mostly likely for life–OR I would take matters into my own hands and do something effective.
Kati Hampton
I have learned to find my confidence in the outcomes I see with my clients. Practicing natural medicine can feel like going against the grain, and I have faced a lot of doubt and questions along the way. What keeps me steady is seeing the changes my clients experience and knowing the work is making a difference. Read More>>
Jai Harris
Wow. This question resonates deeply with me because it truly is the story of my life. As a Black woman who grew up in Denver, Colorado, I was often the only person who looked like me in most rooms whether in school, at work, or in the film industry. Read More>>
Praysha Spearman
I’ll never forget watching a young woman give her class presentation my junior year of college. She was bold, confident, and had a country twang in her voice that was so strong, it almost distracted me from the presentation itself. I’m not proud of this, but I judged her at first, because of her country accent. Read More>>
Martin Hill
Great question! There have been many times in my life when I’ve been the only person in the room who looks like me. I believe in the saying ‘Carpe Diem,’ which means to seize the day. I use those opportunities to debunk stereotypes for those who will come after me.
KP Smith
Being the Only One in the Room: How Bodistry Evolved Into a Holistic Wellness Brand At its core, Bodistry has always been about the ongoing evolution of self—teaching the body to perform at its optimal level while restoring balance and harmony. What started as a yoga mat line, crafted from eco-friendly and ethical materials, has now evolved into a full holistic wellness brand. Read More>>
Montana Rose
I’ve learned how to build teams, think innovatively and strategically, and speak with influence. I use my differences as an advantage, I’m the person people call when they want something expansive, impactful, and unique. I’m specialized. If you know BMW’s they call this the M package. Often, people assume that because I’m beautiful and look young, I don’t pack a punch. Read More>>
Sanicole
There’s no way to run away from yourself in a room. And most times, you stand out regardless, so I’ve learned to just lean into that. Today, I’m always sure to be present, aware and proud of who I am because, if I am in the room, I belong there. Read More>>
Kelly3 Burton
As I went to nursing school to obtain my registered nursing degree and care for patients, I never thought I would now be an entrepreneur. I never formally learned business skills or marketing. Through trial and error as well as seeking wise council from a local marketing agency and connecting with a business mentor, I slowly developed a streamlined process for my clients. Read More>>
Tim St Clair
Stepping into a room composed of what you are not is accepting a challenge… Effectively presenting your originality is taking on sceptics while allowing others to determine a value and need- this sets your stage for success. Your success is knowing your true value and holding on to its worth. Read More>>
Jeremiah Woodard
I’ve learned to be successful by just genuinely being myself. My family has always taught me to be who I am or else no one will ever take you seriously and more importantly, you won’t take yourself seriously. Read More>>
Isaiah Jamal
Although this kind of situation can be daunting, I tend to look at it as an opportunity to offer a new perspective to those who normally wouldn’t interact with me. It serves as a teachable moment where my voice can really shine and I enjoy taking full advantage of that. Read More>>
Alana Gillis
When you find yourself on a journey where you’re the only one that looks like you, clarity and persistence are everything — you have to know what you want and you can’t take no for an answer. If there’s a will, there’s always a way. Read More>>
Ye (Yolanda) Tian 
After four years at Rightway Healthcare, a Series C health tech company where we had a small but collaborative design team, I joined GreenLite, a Series B startup, as the sole Senior Product Designer. At GreenLite, I work alongside three product managers and nine engineers, which means I’m often the only one bringing the design perspective into the room. Read More>>
Donna Jarvis
Being the only one in the room who looks like me has taught me how to turn what could feel like isolation into a source of strength. Early on, I realized that effectiveness doesn’t come from blending in, but from showing up fully prepared, knowing my value, and letting my results speak first. Read More>>
David Ford
To be effective and successful in those moments, I focus on being useful — deeply useful. No matter where you are, indispensability is a virtue. That means becoming a subject matter expert not just in the obvious areas, but in things most people overlook. When you know what others don’t, you become respected, reliable, and—often—favored. Read More>>
Nathan Sear
When you’re often the only one in the room who looks like you, you have to shift the focus away from assumptions and onto undeniable facts. Early on, I realized people weren’t just judging my age; they were seeing a skinny kid who looked barely 16, complete with tattoos and long hair. Read More>>
Stacie Weisman
Have you ever tried to be a woman leading in a male dominated industry? If you want to talk obstacles, that one is HUGE! To get meetings or in front of potential buyers, was challenging as a female but I overcame. I did not take no for an answer. When men tried to be the loudest in the room, I was louder. Read More>>
Erica Mitchell
In the Untied States, the percentage of women that work in technology is around 25-28%. Black women represent approximately 3-4% of the technology workforce, so I have certainly been the only one in the room, and it definitely has its challenges. There are several things that I have practiced to still be effective and successful. Firstly, I have always stayed authentic. Read More>>
Stacy Richardson
I’ve learned that being the only one in the room that looks like me isn’t a disadvantage, it’s an opportunity. At first, it didn’t feel that way. Early on, I walked into rooms where no one shared my background, my perspective, or even understood the path I had taken to get here. Read More>>
Jordan Gastion
I hadn’t really been the only one who looks like me in a room until I went to college. Getting accepted into the Joffrey LA dance intensive was when I knew I’d be around people who were different from me. I came from a predominantly Black high school and a historically Black university, so I was used to a very similar cultural environment. Read More>>
Alessio Filippelli
Being the only one in the room has never been easy. Growing up, I didn’t really have someone who looked like me, lived like me, or loved like me to look up to, and that often made me feel isolated. For a long time, I thought my difference was something I had to hide or work around. Read More>>
Peiran Zhao
In most of my work settings, I’ve often been the only Chinese woman in the room — visibly younger-looking, smaller in frame, and very different from the majority. At first, that difference felt like a barrier. For example, when I couldn’t understand students’ slang, I assumed it was my weakness. Read More>>
Angela Bell
Honestly, being the only one in the room that looks like me has pushed me to see it as a strength instead of a setback. I make sure I’m prepared and confident in what I bring to the table, and I’ve learned to trust that my perspective adds value because it’s different. Read More>>
