Representation from the Eyes of the Representer

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.

Mateo Serna Zapata

Take a deep breath in. Exhale slowly. Read more >>

Elle Liu

As a minority AAPI and woman founder in the entreprenurship space, being the only one in the room who looks like me has presented both challenges and opportunities. Embracing my uniqueness has been crucial in these situations, recognizing the value that my diverse perspective and experiences bring to the table. Confidence in my expertise and the foundation of my company has helped me navigate discussions and decisions with self-assurance. Read more >>

Janine Jarman

So, I am extremely short with a loud and raspy voice that always comes as a shock to people. Regardless of the fact that there’s always comments flying around about my size, I find it to be an advantage bc it makes me memorable and I much rather be memorable than forgettable. Although, it is super awkward when people ask me if they can pick me up. Read more >>

Debra Johnson

Being the only one in the room that looks like you can be a blessing and a curse depending on perspective. In these spaces, you are able to build your character and morals. Finding ways to be successful and effective in spaces that may not understand you culturally is a challenge but also a perfect situation for growth. Read more >>

Edward Blair II

I’ve learned that my successes are not anybody’s failures. My value and what I bring to any table will benefit whoever I am choosing to collaborate with and what we will accomplish will be beyond incredible. I am very confident in myself and my ability to lead and I am also big on team chemistry and being inclusive when sharing ideas and problem solving. I like to challenge myself and bring the best out of my peers. Read more >>

Joi Najae

Being the only one in the room… hmmmm, I have been in several of those rooms. I have fount the best way to be effective or successful in those kinds of rooms is by being truly confident in oneself. By doing so, I do not hide myself, or restrict from making eye contact, but I do the exact opposite of that. I make my eye contact, I smile, I hold my head up high and my back straight, believing that I am in this room because of opportunity, this is my moment to shine. Read more >>

Nila Varman

I still have a long way to go when it comes to being successful in the creative industry – I definitely have a lot of learning and unlearning to do. But I would say that at this point, I’ve acknowledged that often, in my chosen industry, I will always be the only person of colour in the room, at the retreat, at the table. It makes me want to work harder, and want to make sure I get my voice heard. Read more >>

Kris Adair

There are a few things that I make a specific point to do when I walk into any room: 1. My head is always up, chin projected and level. 2. My eyes are levels so I can see the room 3. My back is straight, shoulders down and relaxed 4. My hands are down to the side with my hands open. 5. I dress at or slightly above the attire required for the room. These are the personal steps I take to feel comfortable and confident in any room I’m in. But also, the main reason why I take these steps? Perception. It’s 100%. Read more >>

Jayden Cochran

I learned to connect with people by asking questions about them and seeing what we have in common. I am also not afraid to tell them about myself. I found it really helpful when you have a quick line to say to people to make them feel comfortable. My go to line is “Hey, don’t I know you?” It is something my mom said I would use all the time at the playground when I wanted to play with the other kids. I think I learned it from having to get familiar with meeting new people all the time from being a military kid. Read more >>

Fabiana Meléndez Ruiz

I have been blessed with a really wonderful career in an industry that I am proud to be a part of. But, in many of the agencies I worked at, I was the only Latina in the room, and a lot of the time, I was the only Latina or person of color in the ENTIRE organization. Read more >>

Emily Myers

If you choose to be a woman in music, you will the only woman in the room many times in your career. It will happen in recording sessions, bands you play with, and business meetings. Some of the rooms will welcome you in and others will question why you deserve to be there. Be in the room either way. Read more >>

Iman Serbones

You’re one of one in this world. Discipline, self-determination and open-mindedness are key factors on a journey to self-improvement and success. Each person’s journey is unique, each person is unique, and being the only one in the room that looks like me is something I use to my advantage. I know myself and my style well, and can use that to express myself, my art and connect with people genuinely. Read more >>

Kayla Merritt

Since elementary school I have often been the only person that “looks like me” in the room. When it comes to being the only person in the room who “looks like me”… I have learned to focus more on why I am there, versus who else is in the room. That has helped me to remain effective. When it comes to leaving a room feeling a sense of Success; I would say that comes from being my genuine self to whoever is in the room, no matter how they take it. Read more >>

Jessica Kirkwood

It’s interesting because I’m very different. When it comes to my physical appearance I don’t really have a typical look I consider myself to be very unique. Growing up I really disliked everything about my physical appearance. As I came into adulthood I started to accept myself for who I am and gained a lot more self esteem which really helped me especially when I decided that I wanted to become a model and be apart of the fashion industry but luckily for me my looks actually helped me in my career my awkwardness in terms of my appearance and body type were very much appreciated in my modeling and really worked out. Read more >>

Lacey Eidem

I have invested a lot of time in my painting and I am confident in my abilities. I believe that I am an excellent painter and that my work is highly respected by others. I am always looking for inspiration from other artists, but I never copy their style. Instead, I have developed my own unique style that sets me apart from others. As a woman artist, I am aware of the challenges that women have faced throughout art history. By embracing my own unique style and perspective, I hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation about feminism in art. Read more >>

Kolor

So, I’ve relocated from my home town a year ago and I was so timid having first arrived. As a queer black act it felt challenging to stand alone in a room full of other artists. Society has a way of quietly normalizing certain aesthetics and hiding behind a fake vail of inclusivity. I think that understanding the fact that this is apart of being a trailblazer in any industry is a key role in overcoming this obstacle. Experiencing moments where i don’t see myself represented has acted as a call to action for me. Read more >>

Margherita Fava

Often times in my field I found myself being in this situation. I think that the best way to approach it is by shifting your attention from you and the fact that you’re different from everyone else in the room, to the reason that got you in that room in the first place. I realized that even if I might be different from the people I interact with in the way I speak, or think, or act, I often share their same interests and goals in the work environment. Read more >>

Elizabeth Lambert

I create the work that I want to see myself and my people in. As the youngest and possibly the only person of color in influential meetings and projects, I used to feel intimidated. However, instead of waiting for an opportunity in the comic book industry, I took matters into my own hands and created my own comic. Once I realized that I am made of the same atoms and stardust as my idols, the world opened up to me. I made music videos and now I’m even working on a horror movie. Read more >>

Portia Riggins

Embracing Uniqueness: The Bold Yet Humble Journey of Success as the Only One in the Room Read more >>

Suha Kim

Not taking things personally. I learned it the hard way and I’m still learning; time to time I have to pull myself from taking any information people throw at me extremely personally. And sometimes it is devastating. But you know, even thinking “Okay, I’m devastated. I’m stressed. I’m doing this wrong. I’m taking this too far.” is a form of not taking it personally, so… I’m trying to be kinder to myself. Read more >>

Katherine Beggs

When I was seventeen and applying to music conservatories for classical composition, I had to accept the fact that almost no one looked like me. As a small Asian girl (who looked extremely young for her age), I could tell that people noticed. Almost all of the professors and students I encountered were, of course, white men (classic.) As a woman, I was treated differently of course. Read more >>

Katelynn Griffey

Creating resin jewelry is definitely not the most popular at the moment, and a lot of my styles can be so unique that there’s anything like it. It definitely makes it harder sometimes to become liked or seen by many people, because of the power that trends hold in our society. But I think that’s the beauty of creating, and existing in a world FULL of people trying to express their individuality when society wants to keep you in a box! It reminds me of the significance we have, how intricately we’ve been crafted to all be unique in our own ways! I’m honored to have the chance to reflect that in my jewelry through the natural canvas that the Earth creates! Read more >>

Tramaine Skeens

One of my many wonderful character traits is I like to observe. Everything from my environment to the people in it. Sometimes down to the most minute detail. I think there are some basic rules and subtleties to effectively engaging with people. Like body language. Being upright and having good posture. Looking people in the eye and giving a firm handshake. Speaking clearly and most of all being genuine. Read more >>

Sarah Spitzedr

You have to do something different that makes you stand out from everyone in the room. Always be sharp and alert because the right opportunity for you to make that difference could be at ANY time. Read more >>

Dj TheMixtress

When you are the only one in the room that looks like you, you develop the desire to become the change in the world you want to see. In this situation I pushed past the fact that Women are only 5% of my overall industry. Looking beyond any stereotypes, discrepancies and obstacles that are in front of you. I often think about someone that could benefit and become inspired seeing me preserver and how it can change their lives. Over time witnessing the rooms becoming more inclusive is one of the many ways I like to define success. Read more >>

LaDonna Williams

Just being myself! I made the choice to not let anyone, society or anything define who I am as a person and entrepreneur. Once I mastered my true authentic self, the possibilities were endless to me! Don’t limit your beliefs, focus on your strengths, leave the past behind, get out of your comfort zone, be vulnerable and find your community of people! Read more >>