Parker Clay Wins U.S. State Department’s Award for Corporate Excellence in Women’s Economic Security
At Parker Clay, we have always believed that business can be a force for good, and today, we’re excited to share a significant milestone in our journey. We are honored to receive the 2024 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) from the U.S. Department of State for Women’s Economic Security. This recognition celebrates our unwavering commitment to creating sustainable and dignified job opportunities for women in Ethiopia, where we have been working to make a difference for over a decade.
A Recognition That Reflects Our Mission
The ACE award is more than just a prestigious accolade—it symbolizes the impact we’ve made together with our incredible team, partners, and community. Since 1999, the U.S. State Department has honored companies that embody American values in their global operations, including sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical standards. Receiving this award is a testament to our dedication to these principles as a certified B-Corp, blending premium fashion with a purpose-driven mission.
“Congratulations to Parker Clay on receiving the prestigious Award for Corporate Excellence from the U.S. Secretary of State. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication and impactful work, both in Ethiopia and globally,” said Melaku Alebel, Ethiopia’s Minister of Industry.
Empowering Women Through Work, Not Charity
Our journey began in Ethiopia over a decade ago, driven by a simple but powerful idea: to create better choices for consumers and brands that don’t sacrifice values. We saw an opportunity to do business differently—by empowering women with living wages, benefits, and opportunities for growth.
Parker Clay now employs 200 artisans in Ethiopia, 80% of whom are women. We have become the country’s largest exporter of finished leather goods while providing a pathway to a brighter future for our team members. Our initiatives include career training, financial literacy, and programs that support employees’ families, like healthy lunch programs and daycare options.
“I am honored to congratulate Parker Clay for winning the Award for Corporate Excellence in Women’s Economic Security,” shared Ervin Massinga, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia. “Parker Clay’s work has shown that economic empowerment and countering exploitation can go hand in hand, offering women opportunities to thrive through their skills and talents.”
Building a Brighter Future—Together
As Ethiopia continues to be one of the fastest-growing economies, and as Africa positions itself as a future global manufacturing hub, Parker Clay is committed to laying the foundation for a more ethical, sustainable industry. Our efforts have been recognized, but they wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community—people like you who believe in the power of conscious choices and the impact of their purchases.
Co-founder and CEO Ian Bentley notes, “We’ve crafted a better bag, in a way that’s better for the people who create it. Now, it’s time to take that model to the world. We’re building the future of fashion and manufacturing in Africa, and we invite other brands to join us in redefining what success looks like in this space.”
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
This award is a milestone for Parker Clay, but it’s also a celebration of the thousands of lives we’ve touched through our work. It’s a reminder that when we lead with heart, we can change the world. Thank you for standing by us, for believing in our mission, and for helping us create opportunities that matter.
As we continue to grow, we hope you’ll remain a part of this journey. Whether you’re a customer, partner, or simply someone who believes in what we’re doing, we invite you to keep walking with us as we build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Here’s to many more milestones—and the impact we’ll create together.
Amesaganalo—Thank you.
Warmly,
The Parker Clay Team