Felica Clark, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Metroparks Toledo, is the recipient of the 2023 Minority Supplier Buyer of the Year Award from the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council.
The honor was in recognition of her leadership of Metroparks strategy to increase purchasing from minority-owned businesses. She accepted the honor November 17 at a gala in Gahanna, OH.
In her role at Metroparks, Clark has worked with the Council and its members to expand opportunities for minority-owned companies in the Toledo area.
“There are many talented business enterprises in our community that have so much to offer, but may not have a foot in the door with local buyers of their products and services,” Clark said. “It is important to Metroparks and our whole community that everyone have the opportunity to play a part in our growth. What we are creating here at the park system is a culture of inclusivity, where everyone is invited to participate.”
“I and the OMSDC team has worked closely with Mrs. Clark, Matt Killiam and Metroparks Toledo leadership team to develop and implement a quality supplier diversity program,” said Calvin Brown, assistant vice chair of the Northwest Ohio region of OMSDC. “Metroparks Toledo has been the public sector standard in Northwest Ohio, and we are extremely fortunate to have them as a member of the OMSDC.”
The Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (Ohio MSDC) is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing a direct link between Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and its Corporate Members. Founded in 1972, the Ohio MSDC certifies minority businesses, provides MBEs with access to procurement opportunities, and assists Corporations in the development and maintenance of effective corporate supplier diversity programs. Over the past four decades, Ohio MSDC has been a bridge between corporate America and minority owned businesses. Every year, Ohio MSDC’s Corporate Members spend over $7 billion with MBEs certified by the Council.