As I began to think about challenges facing African American women in corporate America, I thought it best to write about some of the challenges I've faced because it's something I know and can share how those challenges have hampered or aided my career. Many of the challenges have been created by society or by us, African American women. If you don't get anything else from this article, I hope you remember that a challenge is an opportunity to help you be the BEST you can be.

You have to be the BEST
I faced this challenge early in my career when I took an entry level position with my current employer. Although I had my MBA I was constantly asked to compete with a white female who only had a high school education. In my mind, education alone should have been enough to distance me from her but it wasn't. I had to take on the assignments no one else wanted, I had to work extra hours and be more creative than my white counterpart within the department. Yet, when it came to opportunities for promotions, I again had to compete with the white female who had fewer skill sets and only completed high school. As we, progressed up the ladder, the work became more complex and I eventually distance myself because I knew I had to be better than her if I was ever going to get ahead. I attribute my success to faith in God, to my education and past experience in competing at a higher level during college and graduate school. African American women must not settle for being just an equal, we must constantly strive to be the best.

Stereotypes
I hate to admit it, but I do watch "reality" TV. But I've recently reduced the amount I watch because I was so tired of the "angry African American female" on every show. Whether it was "The Apprentice" "Real World" or "Big Brother" there was always one. These shows do large ratings so I know your co-workers are watching too. These representations did not reflect me or many of the African American women I know, but society now sees us all that way. Trust me, there will be times when you will want to get with a co-worker or a manager, but you can't act out that desire and let them see you as an "Omarosa". You want them to see you as a cool, sophisticated African American sister who can handle herself in any situation and not loose her temper. There were many times I could have walked into my manager's office, put my hand on my hip and complained that I'm so much better than the white female with the high school education, but I had to be humble and let God do the work. Remember this battle is not yours it's the Lord's.

Other African American women
This challenge is a tricky one because it's not coming from society or white people. It comes in disguise and is very hard to recognize. I can only speak from my experiences. We judge each other on where we shop, where we get our nails done, what kind of car we drive. We don't celebrate each other's successes. Is it because society has taught us to think that only one of us can make it? We take it further by even suggesting, since she made it, she stole my spot. What a misconception, there is room on the success ladder for more than one. For those sisters who climb up the ladder; you should constantly be looking to reach back. Even when you don't have a job to give your sister, you should always find ways to help her with a presentation, give feedback on the way she's carrying herself or just teach her how to play the game. If we don't help each other, who will?

As you progress through this corporate maze, there will be many more challenges you face as a double minority (being black and a woman). Yet to succeed, it's important to recognize the challenge and learn from it. Use the challenge to be the best you "You" can be for no matter what you do, you will always have to be the "BEST".

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