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.

Shibani Shinde Patil

Remaining static or accepting the status quo was never an option for me. As a woman, an immigrant and as someone who has made drastic career changes and moved geographically numerous times (7 times in the last 20 years alone), I am frequently in situations where no one in the room looks like me. I have experienced some of my biggest failures and successes in these settings. In my corporate career on the trade floor of an energy company, I was often in roles where I was not only the only woman, but also a foreigner with no familial or cultural ties to the local community. In my current role as an entrepreneur, in a vastly different industry, I continue to be an industry outsider which strongly favors multi-generational industry background and connections. The learnings from these experiences continue to drive me to better myself personally and professionally and makes me even more determined to not settle on familiar and comfortable decisions. Bringing something better to the table is paramount and you have start somewhere. Read more>> 

Marlon Martinez

To succeed in music professionally, never give up on your dreams and your inspirations, even if there is no current blueprint for your venture. My experience as a professional musician, composer, performer and educator has taught me that today’s music business is one in which you must carve out your piece of the pie — get what you want out of it. Other people, no matter how much more connected they can be, might not open those opportunities for you. You have to take initiative first, before they come to you. Set your eyes on your interests, go after the specific people that will take the time to listen to your music, and keep trying when obstacles knock you down temporarily. Read more>>

Kevin Knight

I grew up in relatively diverse environments. My mother was in the military for 22 years. As an only child in a single-parent household, you’re taught independence at a very early age. Quite frankly, a military family at that time gave you no choice. They don’t pay enough to have someone watch your child daily, so I basically woke up to an empty home and came home to an empty home daily since 2nd grade. I was tasked with getting dressed, eating breakfast, and walking to the bus stop by myself daily. If my mom had to go on military training, I’d watch myself for a few days/weeks. The neighbors would check on me occasionally, but I was already disciplined and knew how to handle my business. My mother trusted me, and that’s what it was. This upbringing instills a certain level of confidence in your abilities. I never really felt like there was anything I couldn’t do, so being in a room with others that don’t look like me didn’t phase me. It was no different than going to my honors and advanced classes and being the only one that looked like me in the classroom. I thought I was smarter than the majority of them anyway, so it felt normal. The only difference was/is, they didn’t expect it. Read more>>

Davia Lassiter

This is an excellent question: It took me a long time to stop internalizing what others who didn’t look like me projected onto me. I began to recognize my own value. Years ago, my mom pointed something out to me that I continue to carry with me. After sobbing on the phone to her about how I was being targeted at work, she said, “You win awards, right? You’ve been promoted, right? Twice? You have a proven track record.” It was a reminder that my challenges in the workplace were not related to my performance. In fact, my performance evaluations always came back with the highest ratings directly from my supervisors. It was because people looked at me — young, Black, female, educated, attractive, ambitious, award-winning, etc. — and saw something that didn’t fit their ideology of what they thought I should be (belligerent, angry, unaccomplished, inarticulate, etc.). I didn’t fit their stereotypical assumptions, so they tried to break my soul (shout out to Queen Bey). My mother’s conversation with me, however, reminded me that the only way they could do that was if I continued to let them mistreat me. That talk was a game-changer. I now recognize my value and shake off self-doubt. Regardless of my exterior, I know the value I possess. And that is how I walk into rooms with confidence because I choose to be unshakeable and my work and professional reputation speaks for itself. I also mentor young people and encourage them to embrace their value in order to be better prepared for any challenges along their professional journeys. Read more>>

Tyra Racquel

This is such a great question! I’m currently attending a PWI for graduate school and through many of my classes I have been the only black woman in my class. I instantly noticed I know others did too just by their facial expressions or topics we discussed in class. Did I want to sink into the background, keep my head down, and just do my work? Yes, but I chose to make sure that my voice would be heard. I would great anybody because I show love to everybody out of kindness. I hopped in discussions when others didn’t. I also welcomed new people if there were any just so nobody would feel awkward. Kindness goes a long way. I represented myself very well regardless of what people titled me as just because of the way I look. Read more>>

Anuardi Cantre Santiago

My parents always thought me to let my actions speak for themselves. I always come to the table with an open mind and ready to use all the tools in the box. It’s easy to get overlooked but usually time lets others see what I can do. Showing up, trusting yourself with what you know, being honest about what you don’t and opened to learn it’s what I’ve found help me succeed. Read more>>

Korynne Mykal

I learned to become successful when I am the only Black woman in the room by learning to not dim my light, to be confident in myself/ my intellect, and to be comfortable with making others feel uncomfortable. If your light makes others uncomfortable, that is their problem. Be confident in all you do and have the knowledge to back up your craft, but also be gracious. Read more>>

Brianda Summers

It is honestly a deep knowing of i am carried with love every where I go. I have been the only one in a room who looked like me on several occasions but i honestly feel like it has always worked for my favore. I have just always had this deep knowing that i am good any where i go. Which has resulted in me being good every where I’ve went. Thankfuly. I believe that it steams from just having faith and believing in your own power. Several years ago i use to be a server and i remember on really slow days my co workers would ger stressed knowing they wouldn’t make enough money. I on the other hand, loved slow day i would make it a point to get to know my clients and i would always end the day with more money then my co workers. Which brings me to the point that it is all on us to choose to deal with what you call the daily challenges. Read more>>

E. A. Dodson

The beautiful thing about life, the world we live in, and all of the people that we may or may not come in contact with while living, is that we’re all wonderfully and uniquely made different. Every room, every situation, every opportunity, every success, and even every failure, requires that mindset. Don’t be afraid of the moments; frankly, the time when the room is the most quiet, all eyes are drifting towards you, they’re waiting, for a leader to be born. It’s in these moments when you, and everyone else, maybe even just for a beat or two, forgets about they look like and is schooled on who they are. These are the moments when all of your time, patience, and most importantly, your effort is showcased. Remember, every heave, every eye-roll, and every adjustment of a seat, it matters. It’s not your job to read the room, but to win it. You and I have always been more than the color of our skin or our eyes. Never stop learning about what God made you to be, the bliss he wants you to see, and that certain change he wants you to bring. Read more>>

Dominique Miller

Personal power is based on strength, confidence, and competence that each individual holds within themselves. We accumulate these qualities and strengths from personal goals we set for ourselves. With each experience comes with growth, failure, and victories. This is a small layer to success and what also sets us side from each individual we come in contact with. My path may hold experiences and lessons that the next individual may have not experienced and vise versa another individual may experience or learn something I have not. This does not make one more effective or successful than the other. It holds our individuality and our power. The goal in life to me is not to act like the person next to me but to share our stories and lessons. In hopes that we may encourage another to step out and see what their journey holds. Read more>>

Lenese Calleea

I have learn to be effective and successful regardless of being the only person in the room that looks like me, buy being assertive and confident. I’m not in these rooms because of luck but because of my skill set, my education and my work ethic. Sometimes as black woman CEO’s or black women in leadership roles in the corporate space we are just happy to be there so we keep our mouths shut. I am the complete opposite. I use my voice to make a difference and create change. Although I am sometimes I am look at as the aggressive black woman…..I call it not being the passive black woman. I earned my spot so they are the lucky ones to even have my presence in these rooms.  Read more>>

Tavelyn James

Leadership is a learned behavior that comes from unconscious and automatic over time. Many times I’ve walked in a room and intimidated my colleagues even before I had a title. I learned to be effective/successful even when I’m the only one in the room that looks like me by inspiring myself. “I Inspire Me.” I’ve always head my head high no matter who is in the room. No one else’s success determines the outcome of mine. Regardless of being the only one that looks like me, people listen when you know what you’re talking about. On my path to becoming successful, I’ve learned new things and now I think differently than before. Becoming successful does not happen overnight. Read more>>

Lynda Price

Success is relative to your mindset, if you believe that you do not belong you won’t. You have to know that despite your own insecurities and battles with Imposter Syndrome that you are exactly where you need to be otherwise you would not have been invited. I have learned to accept that I am a work in progress forever growing and changing however, I have come to achieve what I have through hard work and faith and it is ok to celebrate those accomplishments. Read more>>

Carlos Davis

My faith and family, God created me therefore there is no one else like me that automatically gives me the confidence to know whatever room I’m placed in I’m supposed to be there and stand out. My family is my motivation so knowing that my success can be a direct result to their well being, I have no choice but to succeed. Read more>>

Brianna Kelley

How have I learned to be effective and successful even when I am the only one in the room that looks like me? I have learned to always stand out whether that be my signature bantu knots, my radiant smile that lights up a room upon my entrance, or my sense of plus size fashion that oozes confidence that will leave you in ahhh. Oh, and let’s not forget my outstanding professionalism that will have you wanting to know how you can be in the same room with me again! I have always stayed committed to myself. My goal is to always make an impact on anyone I come in contact with. I have always chosen to learn from the people in the room. Taking notice of small things in the room only adds to your success. And me being in a room where I am the only that looks like me will always been an advantage. Outside of my appearance it is a great conversation starter for me. They want to know how I got here! Read more>>

Shaunda Joseph Katurah Buchanan

We have embraced the idea of the being the only ones in the room by combining that with learning from others in the room. It speaks to our philosophy of “growing together” and the concept of reaching back to assist or help another. When we first sought out to own our very own hospice, we knew that the resources and individuals available to assist us would be fairly low. We quickly learned to that success comes with diligence, hard work, humility, and the ability to set attainable goals every week, month, and year. We want to grow in the health care community and it truly takes an effective team and strong leaders. We welcome the idea of the being the only ones in the room, but we are truly thankful for those individuals who paved a way for us to even have a seat at the table. Read more>>

Lauryn Evarts Bosstick

When I walk into a boardroom, with a bunch of strong men, I don’t give it energy either way. I walk in with the vibe like we’re all equals- I’ll even sit at the head of the table. Ultimately it is not my business how other people feel about me because I can’t control it, I can only control how I act. Read more>>

Jasmine Bombshell

That’s actually a great question! I will for starters say read the room and assess what’s going on around you. Pay attention and try not to easily just say the first thing that comes to mind. You may not always be able to prep yourself for whatever event or task at hand, how ever if you have a moment to yourself do just that. Tap in to you…. When I say that I mean that humble, grateful, charming, positive…. Version of you. You never know who’s in that room. You could be speaking to your next business partner, friend, or someone who just needed that extra confidence boost. Read more>>

Anthony McRae

It starts with Failure. To learn efficiency, effectiveness, competence, and ultimately garner success through your endeavors you need to fail. Be willing to fail. There’s this quote from Bruce Lee that I love. Bruce Lee said, “like everyone else, you want to learn the way to win. But never to accept the way to lose. To accept defeat. To learn to Die is to be liberated from it. So when tomorrow comes you must free your Ambitious mind…… and learn the Art of Dying.” Sometimes to be thee most successful one, or to be the smartest one in the room. To grow into the best version of yourself will include you knowing that there is more than what is in front of you, and that you are always a student. free yourself from the limited chains of always winning and only accepting that. Free yourself from the shackles of negativity and allow the duality to take place. Combine the two and you will always learn to be complete within yourself. Light shines bright when you comprehend the darkness around it. It also takes living in darkness and harnessing it, and making it a part of you to shine the brightest. The best people in the world suffered to become the best and smile the brightest Read more>>

Valerie Foster

My years of teaching have given me perhaps my greatest skill as a writer, and it all began with Frankenstein, the novel by Mary Shelley, that explores the question, “What is it to be Human?” Later, when working with a Holocaust survivor for my first memoir, The Risk of Sorrow, I realized that under the surface, we are all Humans. Our essential needs, fears, desires, and questions cut across how old we are, our religion, gender, even where we’re from. A secret weapon in relating to any group of people who don’t “look” like me lies in reminding myself to trust in that. And so, when I have spoken to a senior Jewish group or a class of Native American junior high students, two hundred participants at a conference, or one reader I just met at a book fair, I try to block out my own inevitable biases to find that thread. It’s there! Read more>>

Kiria Murray

I remember growing up attending magnet schools which meant further away from home and being the new black girl. I was always asked about my hair, or my not so typical features. I always wondered why I was told “you’re so pretty for a black girl”. I didn’t understand it then, but as I got older I realized how being in environments where I stood out only made me adapt better to any room I enter. Before I started KCMCreationz I was a young 19 year old working at a predominantly white law firm. As a teenager this was intimidating being one of the two black women there meant I was again in an environment that put me under the spotlight. However, instead of succumbing to the pressure, I excelled and for six years I learned how to work and converse with people of all ages and races. I grew my communication skills to be able to walk in a room now and confidently represent who I am to anyone even if I am the only one who looks like me. Transitioning to a now full time entrepreneur this is important for me to be able to grow KCMCreationz so I can appeal to people and women especially who may or may not look like me. Read more>>

Author Nekeria

How I learned to be authentic and different is by seeking out myself and the thing’s that I’m great at doing In order to find my purpose in life, by doing so I’ve went through many different hard obstacles like stripping, prostitution ect. at a very young age to find what I really enjoy doing it was not a easy task but it helped me to grow and become the women that I am today. Being authentic and seeking your purpose in life is what makes you different & unique from the people In the same room as you your Authentic self will make room for you Read more>>

Basia Bowens

I’ve been in Software Engineering for 10 years this year and a photographer for around 6 years. Women make up around 22% of the Software Engineering field, and African Americans, 4.9%. In contrast, the photography field is far more diverse. I find that I’ve only encountered being the only person that looks like me in the room whilst working as a Software Engineer. I’ve loved developing apps and beautiful web experiences ever since the days of MySpace. It’s a passion for me. My passion for the work that I do is a major reason why I’ve been able to be successful in my field in spite of the lack of representation that exists in it. I’d also attribute the amount of work I put in to be pivotal in my success. Kobe Bryant was one of my greatest heroes, and his level of dedication to his craft was unmatched. He worked tirelessly for a long time. I watched so many documentaries and interviews about him, and I aspire to that level of commitment to my craft everyday. Being the only one in the room made me not want to be the only one in the room. I worked hard and delivered time and time again because I felt like I was representing my community as a whole by being the only representative and I wanted to set the best possible example, so that when the time came, race and gender wouldn’t be held against who was next. I hope to live in a world where that simply is not true, but there are still interviewing bias in the engineering field. I will say that things have never been better than they are right now. I have my own company called Basal House. I had an app make it to the top 10 in the iOS App Store. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work on some pretty cool gamified experiences for a couple companies. There are numerous programs dedicated to teaching young girls, and African Americans to code… I hope the Software Engineering field only continues to get better and more diverse, because Software influences society so much, and the people writing it should represent society as a whole as well. Read more>>

Apryl Witherspoon

In the Aesthetics industry, unfortunately there are usually very few people in the room that look like me. The percentage of minority nurse injectors is very small, and the percentage of those that own a thriving Medical Aesthetics practice is even less. I make it a priority to attend as many trainings and conferences as possible, in order to network with other injectors as much as I can. Since opening my practice, my desire has always been to be a resource to providers of any skin tone, so they are also motivated to start their own career in Medical Aesthetics. I truly believe Representation matters, and all I ever strive to do is provide the best outcome for all of my patients, and encourage medical providers that look like me, to live out their dreams in the beauty industry. Trust me, patients are yearning for it! Read more>>

Leila Offner

When I first started Precious Petcare I certainly wasn’t the only petsitter in San Diego. I knew there was a lot of competition. However, I also knew that not only do I love and care for the pets as they were my own but I am a very trustworthy and reliable person. I think personality trait is huge when you are dealing with people and coming into their home. I respect client’s home and always leave their homes cleaner than they left. It’s important to me to make the pets happy but the client’s happier. I think I am successful now because I knew I will go above and beyond for my client’s and they could always rely on me. I will never cancel on a client and will always find a solution for them if they are in need. I started my petsitting business by myself but after I got too busy with too many client’s I had to hire and that probably was the hardest part. I wanted to only sitters who were like me and who had the same value. Someone who cared deeply for pets but also had good people skills. I am very happy with my team of pet sitters. I 100% stand behind them and trust them. I plan to grow Precious Petcare and keep on giving the same personable experience to all our clients. Read more>>

Kita Fatale

Being the only one in the room that sets me apart is my client interaction and how I relate to them. By talking to them, walking them through my process of piercing and showing them what I do, it helps ease the anticipation quite a bit. The anticipation and anxiety of a new piercing is always the worst part of the whole process for most so if I can get them to relax then I’ve done the hardest part of my job and all we have left to do is the piercing itself! Read more>>

Kristen Banner

I think there is beauty in the courage to want to be different. It’s not just about the way you look but the way you think, live, act & the ones that surround you, too. Those kinds of people are creative, witty & accepting of the unseen. This works better in business because when an issue arises, you can jump over that hill or mountain with ease. Problems can be a hidden reminder that you might not be going the right way, or, maybe there is a better route. When I started Real Estate, there was a lot of pressure on competition. How do I stand out? How do I find my own clients? I worked in an office with 200 other agents and I was one of the youngest ones. I had my nose pierced & tattoos in visible places. Their culture was more old school & I found out quickly that was not my speed. I am glad that happened, because I gained the confidence to find my own groove and stick to it. That is what makes me stand out. I may have my own style & run my business in a non-traditional way but that is what my clients like about me. If I am not scared to make a fool of myself or make a power move in my business than I am willing to go above and beyond for them, too. Read more>>

Shauna Garrett

As a black woman in filmmaking, a field dominated by non-women and non-BIPOC creatives. it can be difficult to be the only one “in the room” that looks like me. It took a long time for me to reckon with the fact that every set I step onto, I have to do my most excellent, best work in order to make a lasting impression. And it’s hard to be in that mode all the time! But it gives me soul-satisfaction to know that every creative task I take on, whether I do well or fail in it, I have learned more and given my all into it. Things that have strengthened my competency and effectiveness beyond aptitude: approach every new project as an opportunity to learn new tricks of the trade and make lasting bonds with other filmmakers, finding creative solutions and troubleshooting on-the-fly, and seizing opportunities for leadership when they arise. Codeswitching is another element that has come into play for me, personally; while I never minimize myself to fit a mold, it is important to modulate my language and tone in order to communicate professionally, safely, and succinctly. In a professional environment and particularly in leadership positions with many safety hazards and protocols, it’s imperative that each creative be on the same page and getting to that point has been an interesting skill I’ve had to develop. By adjusting my syntax and using proper on-set language/lingo, I am then able to provide clarity, safety, and camaraderie with whomever I am communicating with. Read more>>

Charmia Elam

Since an early age I’ve always been comfortable “in my skin.” Saying that, I think that self-awareness has allowed me to exude my strengths in a great manner through my confidence. I’m so grateful to have a prosperous career pursuing my passion in my God-given talent(s), fashion/style. At the end of the day, I know that only “I” have my mind, & that’s my superpower. I’ve been in my career field for my entire life, honestly. With that brings confidence, which is key especially when you’re clear in knowing what you bring to the table. Being true to myself always has made me standout in any room & has allowed me to prosper with grace in the presence of others whether “they” looked like me, or not. Read more>>

Evangelist Dr. Evelyn Barrett-Abraham

Evangelist Dr. Denise Barrett-Abraham Is Anointed, Purpose-Driven and Empowering Women Around The Globe For God’s Glory She is a woman on the move. Evangelist Dr. Denise Barrett-Abraham wears many hats. She is more than an evangelist who preaches the word, she is a transformational public speaker, Authoress, TV host, PR manager, advocate, activist, mother, sister, friend, and mentor on a mission to inspire, encourage and support women and girls globally. Read more>>

Chris Fulcher

So this question was actually a huge turning point in my career. My editorial photography has always stood out. I loved breaking the rules when it came to portrait work, I created a unique lane for my style of content. 3 years ago, my partner and I started another business where we do luxury travel content. We work with tourism boards, travel agencies, and resorts/hotels. Not only are we photographing specific locations, but we also model within the pictures too. What we felt made this path unique and eventually effective (even though it took some time) was not changing our style when photographing ourselves. We have many tattoo’s, dress a lot edgier, and overall have a different look than I think most people are used to seeing within travel marketing. When we first started doing travel content, we were scared to make that jump. Read more>>

Faiz Imran

It can be challenging to be the only one in the room who looks like you, especially if you feel like you have to represent your entire group or community. However, there are a few things that you can do to be effective and successful in these situations: Read more>>

Nikki Gal

I am a firm believer of being in the driver seat of your own life, rather than the passenger seat. Facing self-control head on can be a challenge— but it is a challenge one has to be comfortable with in order to obtain any amount of success. Success is never derived by the act of comparison, and that is where the driver seat mindset takes place. Whether it is an element within your professional career or a challenge within your personal life, comparison must be defeated to see the full picture. The expression of individuality is a gift, but unfortunately not all can identify their own individual growth. Being the only one that looks like you in the room is not a downfall, but rather a power tool for individuality. I personally feel that being able to shine your own unique and expressive light is not only powerful for you, but it is also powerful for others. As humans, we are made to inspire one another. By doing so, we can create the unlimited power and freedom of individuality, expression, and creativity. Read more>>

Jeremy Wang

In the cleaning world, we haven’t come across many who are of the same age bracket and who look like us. As a result, we are able to provide a service that many need, and still stay in a niche while there ar many competitors out there. Read more>>

Akira Nakano

I grew up in an area in Los Angeles where most of my friends were Asian and LatinX. I didn’t see color until the 8th grade. My parents sent me to summer camp where even there I didn’t realize I was the only Asian person until I invited some of my camp friends to a party with my friends from home, and one my camp friends asked me if I had any white friends. In the safety in numbers, however, color wasn’t an issue until college. Read more>>

Dr. Lani Cupchoy

In my personal journey, as a CEO, creative, scholar, professor, and woman of color, there have been many moments where I have represented an identity thriving in that space for the first time. And although challenging to navigate in new spaces where people tend to be highly critical, I have found that learning to draw from my unique strengths to build relationships and community is key. This often meant choosing projects and collaborating with people that aligned with my spirit. Read more>>