I am the only Black/Afro-Caribbean person in many spaces. That means I carry the responsibility of proper representation—not just for myself, but for those who came before me and those who will come after. I cannot afford to let my guard down. I must be intentional about my presence, my speech, and how I show up in every space.
If you’re a newcomer to Canada, you may find yourself in a similar position—perhaps the only person of color in your workplace or the only newcomer in your community. Here are three key lessons that have helped me navigate this journey:
Acknowledge feelings of imposter syndrome—but don’t let them define you. It’s natural to feel out of place, but remember: you belong here. You bring value, perspective, and skills that enrich the spaces you enter. Embrace your uniqueness and resist the urge to shrink yourself.
Do not dim your light. You may feel the temptation to hold back, to blend in, or to stay silent. Don’t. Speak up with confidence. Your voice matters, and by standing in your truth, you create space for others to do the same.
Share your culture and story. Many Canadians are genuinely curious about different cultures. Take the opportunity to educate and engage. Personally, I keep a short four-slide PowerPoint ready whenever I need to introduce myself and the Caribbean—it’s part of The Shelly Brand.
Representation is powerful. Step into every room knowing that you belong, and don’t be afraid to shine brightly!
Representation Matters.
I am the only Black/Afro-Caribbean person in many spaces. That means I carry the responsibility of proper representation—not just for myself, but for those who came before me and those who will come after. I cannot afford to let my guard down. I must be intentional about my presence, my speech, and how I show up in every space.
If you’re a newcomer to Canada, you may find yourself in a similar position—perhaps the only person of color in your workplace or the only newcomer in your community. Here are three key lessons that have helped me navigate this journey:
Acknowledge feelings of imposter syndrome—but don’t let them define you.
It’s natural to feel out of place, but remember: you belong here. You bring value, perspective, and skills that enrich the spaces you enter. Embrace your uniqueness and resist the urge to shrink yourself.
Do not dim your light.
You may feel the temptation to hold back, to blend in, or to stay silent. Don’t. Speak up with confidence. Your voice matters, and by standing in your truth, you create space for others to do the same.
Share your culture and story.
Many Canadians are genuinely curious about different cultures. Take the opportunity to educate and engage. Personally, I keep a short four-slide PowerPoint ready whenever I need to introduce myself and the Caribbean—it’s part of The Shelly Brand.
Representation is powerful. Step into every room knowing that you belong, and don’t be afraid to shine brightly!