How are the career challenges of minorities both similar to and different from those of women?

Similarities: There is an underrepresentation of minorities and women in upper level management positions, seats of boards, and in all levels of STEM, politics, and industries such as construction. This can create challenges for young minorities and women to find mentors as they strive to penetrate these industries and work their way up the ladder. The underrepresentation can also create an uncomfortable work environment for the minorities and women.

Differences: Women struggle with work-life balance, as they are often expected to raise children in addition to having full-time jobs. They are also more likely to take time off for maternity leave, than men are to take paternity leave, and this time off from work makes it more difficult to compete with men for a promotion or a raise.