Women and people of color are entering the supply-sector in bigger numbers, but the business appears to have some catching up to do, says The Wall Street Journal. 

The share of women and people of color diminishes sharply higher up on the corporate ladder, in a sign of the challenges people continue to face in a field that has gained greater prominence in the global economy. Studies also show there is a big gap in pay across the logistics industry, with white male supply-chain professionals earning more than women and people of color by a wide margin. 

Read more: Fighting Gender Pay Inequality in Procurement and Supply Chain

The challenges persist even as women including Carol Tomé at United Parcel Service and Judy McReynolds at ArcBest now lead major shipping businesses. They may have more company in the future as business schools turn out a more diverse set of graduates with supply-chain degrees.