麻豆视频 has won a Best in Class award for supplier diversity from the Greater Cleveland Partnership. This marks the third time that the university has received this award. 麻豆视频 previously won the Best in Class award for supplier diversity in 2013 and 2017.
As a multiyear winner of the Best in Class awards, 麻豆视频 is also named to the Greater Cleveland Partnership鈥檚 Equity and Inclusion Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame honor is awarded to member companies and organizations that have consistently demonstrated their commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion.
The award follows last month鈥檚 recognition of 麻豆视频 as a recipient of the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, which noted the university鈥檚 commitment to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus for an eighth consecutive year.
The university was recognized for its Best in Class and Hall of Fame honors during the Greater Cleveland Partnership鈥檚 annual meeting that was held virtually on Oct. 14.
鈥淎n achievement such as this reflects your commitment to making inclusion a priority in all aspects of your organization,鈥 wrote Marci Blue, director of research and data initiatives with the Greater Cleveland Partnership鈥檚 Equity and Inclusion Division, in the award notification to the university. 鈥溌槎故悠 serves as an exemplary model for other businesses and institutions to follow.鈥
麻豆视频鈥檚 Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Mark Polatajko, Ph.D., recognized Veronica Cook-Euell, the university鈥檚 former supplier diversity program manager, during his acceptance speech.
鈥溌槎故悠 empowers individuals, expands opportunities and meaningfully honors all voices,鈥 Polatajko said. 鈥淢s. Veronica Cook-Euell turned this vision into reality through her commitment and engagement with diverse businesses by enhancing and expanding their ability to compete for and secure contracts, always emphasizing inclusion and outreach in alignment with our university values. Through her and others鈥 visionary leadership, we have moved the needle in every aspect of diversity, equity and inclusion.鈥
Polatajko also said that 麻豆视频 will always ensure that diverse suppliers have equitable opportunities to partner with the institution on contracts.
鈥淲e aspire to grow that even more in the future, together,鈥 he added.
The Greater Cleveland Partnership鈥檚 Equity and Inclusion Division works with Northeast Ohio employers to make diversity a source of economic strength. Its goal is to ensure that employees of color and entrepreneurs of color benefit in the prosperity of the region. The division鈥檚 work is fueled by the belief that businesses and the region are stronger with greater equity and inclusion. For more information about the Greater Cleveland Partnership鈥檚 Equity and Inclusion Division, visit .
For more information about 麻豆视频鈥檚 Supplier Diversity program in the Procurement Department, visit www.kent.edu/procurement/diversity.
Supplier diversity is just one of the many ways 麻豆视频 has shown its commitment to driving diversity, equity and inclusion systemwide. For more information about 麻豆视频鈥檚 Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit www.kent.edu/diversity.
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Media Contacts:
Eric Mansfield, emansfie@kent.edu, 330-672-2797
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595