U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris knows a thing or two about being the only black woman in a room full of people who don't look like her. Harris, who has become a passionate voice for oppressed and marginalized groups in the age of Trump, released a post on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook encouraging black girls to be excellent even if they are in a room alone.  

My advice to Black girls everywhere: Whenever someone tells you your dreams aren't achievable, whenever you feel alone or under pressure, whenever you find yourself in a room where there aren't a lot of people who look like you — be it a classroom, or a boardroom, or a courtroom — remember that you have an entire community in that room with you, all of us encouraging you and cheering you on.

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris) on Feb 2, 2018 at 9:49am PST

Her post inspired other women to share their stories of overcoming loneliness in mostly white spaces. 

I’m often the only black/brown person in the room. I mentor teens and teach them, “if you are going to accomplish something worthwhile, get comfortable with being the only one of YOU in the room. You may be the only one of you there for a while.” Someone has to be first.

— lariemw (@lariemw) February 3, 2018

Twitter user @mscheer, who is not a woman of color, wrote that there are allies out there who want black and brown girls to succeed too. And they are rooting for you. 

Remember your allies are in that community cheering you on, too. There are so very many of us. We might not look the same, but we are the same. Also, become an awesome engineer . The computer industry needs you. Let me know if you need help with that.

— mscheer (@mscheer) February 3, 2018

Another user by the name Alana Green connected with @mscheer's call for female engineers by stating that she is encouraged by the strides made so far but wants more women to enter the industry. 

I agree. I am an engineer and I am so encouraged by how many women engineers I see entering the workforce. And I would like to see the numbers be even for women of color engineers entering the workforce.

— Alana Green (@alanamichgreen) February 3, 2018

Others were just glad that the rising senator was bold enough to say black female representation matters. 

oh I just teared up a little

— Sharika Soal (@LadyThriller69) February 3, 2018

Thank you ma’am. (One of the two only black female metal bass players and guitarist in the south from 99). There are more now. And representation did and does matter.

— DeaconFATAL (@fullofbass) February 3, 2018

Harris continues to be an inspiration to many. As one of a handful of women in the Senate, she is surrounded by people who don't look like her. But that has not stopped her quest to make America a place of opportunity for all. She is currently sponsoring major legislation that will help HBCUs, criminal justice reform and healthcare.