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, Mary Jeneverre Schultz, serves as the energy efficiency project manager at the City and County of Denver under the Office of Nonprofit Engagement in the Human Rights & Community Partnership (HRCP). During the weekends, she is the editorial director of Asian Avenue Magazine. She has served on numerous boards including Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership and The Women’s Foundation of Colorado. As a Filipino American, who grew up in California, settling in Colorado, she has learned how to navigate between both worlds. She followed her heart and moved out of sunny California to be with her then-boyfriend, now-husband, Frank Schultz. Her experience comes from 20 years plus in the nonprofit sector, working in the foundation world and grass-roots organizations. She started her career as a business reporter for two daily newspapers --The Greeley Tribune and The Inland Valley Business Bulletin. As a champion of diverse and indigenous populations, she hopes to inspire her family, friends, and colleagues to broaden their horizons to encourage equity and explore cultural differences. When she isn’t working, you can find her traveling through her Instagram feed, sampling a variety of Asian cuisines throughout Colorado or diving into books by Asian American authors. Residing in Aurora, just across the street from Southlands, she is the mother of three and a grandmother of one.
Our city Co-Chair, Minsoo Song, 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, is a city of Aurora employee and has experience managing multiple projects and budgets.
With big shoes to fill, Alexa Davis 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…