Mission: The Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership…
is a nonprofit organization working together with the community toward creating and maintaining a high quality of life for all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander residents and businesses of Aurora.
Background
In 1989, the initial goal of the late Mayor Paul Tauer was to learn more about the fast-growing AAPI population within Aurora, especially the Korean business community along the Colfax corridor. The Partnership’s original focus expanded to include education and cultural awareness about the area’s Thai, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Korean groups, as well as those ethnic communities with smaller populations. From the beginning, Aurora's First Lady and Founding Member, Kate Tauer, became a valuable asset to the Partnership, participating in programs and events throughout the years. Both Paul and Kate have highlighted the enduring friendships they have made over the years within the AANHPI communities.
In 2021, we recognized the Tauers and their contributions to the Partnership.
History of the Partnership
The Partnership was founded in 1989, as a cultural education cause, led by then Mayor Paul Tauer. The initial direction of the group was to help City leaders learn more about their Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) constituents, as well as clear language/culture barriers in order to connect with leaders and resources within the residential, organizational and business communities.
With thoughtful, helpful beginnings, the Partnership has dedicated services and resources towards AAPI in the arts, business, education, and healthcare. We have collaborated on many projects, such as the 10-year Aurora Asian Film Festival (1998-2007), the Aurora Asian Education Awards (2000-2007), Aurora History Museum's exhibit "An Epic Journey: Aurora's Asian/Pacific Communities" (2012), Aurora’s Global Fest Fashion Show and Parade of Nations (2014-2016), and the Census (2000, 2010, 2020).
The Partnership has served as a role model for working together toward pan-Asian events, bringing together many diverse cultures to discuss common issues and developing leadership. It continues as a networking resource to Aurora’s Asian/Pacific communities and beyond.
Future Leaders Wanted
Addressing many important current issues, the Partnership creates opportunity and a network within the Steering Committee to cultivate organic leadership. Sometimes involvement starts small, like volunteering on a subcommittee; other times, there’s a cause to champion. Either way, our group has the connections and experience to nurture the leader in you!
Co-Chairs & Staff
Our current member Co-Chair is Gigi de Gala (top left), who joined the Partnership in 2019 and steps up to help whenever asked. Gigi knows she is fortunate to live in this country. In gratitude, she uses her energy, time, and voice in giving back to the community. She is an advocate for mental health, education and initiatives for actions against hate. Gigi also currently serves as the board Vice Chair of Aurora Mental Health and Recovery. She is a member of the Asian Roundtable of Colorado. She has been the Board Chair for Asian Pacific Development Center and Aurora Chamber of Commerce Leadership Aurora. She volunteers for Junior Achievement teaching children and youth financial literacy and for the Global Down Syndrome Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show. Knowing the importance of U.S. citizenship for our refugee and immigrant communities, she consistently assists at APDC’s Citizenship Workshop as N-400 Preparer helping community members achieve this valuable milestone.
Gigi is inspired daily by her husband and two sons. With a cellist, a violist, and an ukulele player in the family, she aspires to learn to play a musical instrument one day.
Our city Co-Chair, Minsoo Song (top right), is a Community Outreach Coordinator for the city of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. She assists OIIA with providing international protocols and overseas programs for immigrant and refugee community. She manages citywide Language Access Plan providing language assistance to meet the communication needs of diverse community.
Minsoo is a certified Equity Champion and completed Aurora Natural Helpers Training and Train the Trainer program. She has been overseeing and assisting non-profit partners to provide Aurora Natural Helpers Training. She also a graduate of Leadership Aurora Class of 2023.
Minsoo holds B.A in History from Duksung Women’s University in Korea and M.A in Art History with emphasis on Museum Studies from the University of Denver.
Our Treasurer, Inass Bounouar (not shown), is a city of Aurora employee and has experience managing multiple projects and budgets.
With big shoes to fill, Alexa Davis (bottom left) has stepped into the role of Secretary for the Partnership. She has been a member since 2011 and enjoys volunteering on the party planning subcommittees.
A Look Back
Photo gallery under construction…