Your Unique Voice: The Power You’ve Been Carrying All Along

Kenya Dunn
Aug 28
3 min read

For too long, women, especially women of color, have been told to adjust, soften, or reshape our voices to fit into spaces that were never designed with us in mind.

Speak a little lighter. Don’t sound too aggressive. Lower your pitch. Raise your pitch. Explain yourself. Don’t explain too much.

It’s exhausting.

And it’s silencing.

Let me be clear: your voice was never meant to be small.

Your voice is not just the words you speak. It’s your presence when you walk into the room. It’s your rhythm, your cadence, your personal style; even the sound of your voice, whether it’s deep, soft, or high-pitched. Your voice is the courage to speak up, speak out, and speak from within.

It’s the bridge between what you know and how you lead.

When I Decided My Voice Mattered

I can remember several high-stakes moments as a leader when I made the decision that my voice being heard was more important than the discomfort stirring inside me. Each time, choosing courage over silence shifted more than just the meeting or the moment, it shifted outcomes.

Leaning into my unique voice wasn’t easy, but it changed lives. It influenced how women were intentionally developed in a company where I once served as a Director. At that time, I was one of only three women Directors out of twenty. Today, more than half of those positions are held by women—many of whom worked for me directly or were mentored by me. Choosing to use my voice created space for other women to step into theirs.

Another example: my personal style. As the organization shifted to a more casual, branded work environment, new attire was rolled out for employees. But the clothing and accessories reflected a heavy masculine style that simply wasn’t me. Staying true to my style mattered to me and to my leadership.

My commitment sparked a conversation that eventually led to a more inclusive line of branded attire, giving everyone the ability to express themselves authentically while still representing the company.

These moments taught me something invaluable: your unique voice includes your choices, your style, and your courage. And when you honor it, it not only earns respect, it opens doors for others.

Your Unique Voice as a POWER Skill

I believe in the power of your voice as a leader so much that I’ve developed it into a POWER Skill, a set of leadership skills I believe are required for any leader who wants to be effective.

That skill is “YOUR UNIQUE VOICE,” and it underscores a sacred and powerful truth: your voice is key to your legacy as a leader.

Every courageous decision I’ve made to lean into my voice whether in high-stakes leadership meetings, mentoring women leaders, or staying true to my personal style has reinforced that truth. Your voice is more than a tool; it is the bridge between your presence, your influence, and the lasting impact you leave on others.

Why This Matters Now

Every time you hesitate to use your voice, you leave leadership on the table.

And every time you step into it fully, you model for another woman, another young leader, that she can do the same.

Your unique voice is not just about self-expression. It’s about transformation. It’s about reclaiming space, reshaping narratives, and leading with the weight of your full presence.

This is why at my October Retreat, we’re going deep into this POWER Skill. Because your voice is not optional. It's the foundation of your leadership.