I am often the only woman in the room. I work in a male-dominated industry, but that really does not hurt my feelings.
I have no spite or anger toward those men I sit amongst.
They are my friends, my coworkers, and, more often than not, my biggest cheerleaders.
My temperature might rise when they confuse me for a wife at business dinners.
I occasionally get short when they assume I am a secretary.
I may fight (and fail), raising my eyebrows at the tone of surprise behind their compliments, but those occasions are few and far between.
I have never been worried or threatened by the amount of testosterone around me because I work with some of the best people in the industry.
There is a stigma that because women are not in the room, they are not welcome; but I have not found that to be the case.
My opinion is respected.
My experience is valued.
My future is regularly considered and discussed.
Most importantly, I’ve nearly always been given the respect my position, age, experience, and education warrant.
Women, don’t let the fact that you may be the “only” woman in the room intimidate you. Go open that door and hold it open for the women who follow you.
I understand there is a chance my experience is unique, but I have really enjoyed watching more women get involved in this industry and I want to keep encouraging that growth by sharing my perspective.
