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, Annie is dedicated to creating spaces where equity, culture, and community thrive. As Executive Director of Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network, she uplifts Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI), inspires civic leadership, and works toward a more just and inclusive world. With degrees in health administration and journalism, her passion for storytelling led her to co-found Asian Avenue magazine with her mom in 2006. Nearly 20 years later, she continues to run the monthly publication highlighting Colorado’s AAPI voices. Born in Taipei and raised in Denver, Annie now shares her love of community with her three children at the Social Fabric Hub, the AAPI community center she helped establish in 2025.
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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.
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Frankie Anderson was Secretary/Treasurer of the Partnership from 1992-2023. She retired from the City of Aurora, working in small business development with the city of Aurora. The business services office was the city liaison with the Partnership before moving the staff office to the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs in 2023. She has remained on the Steering Committee and currently serves as Treasurer.
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Alexa Davis has been a member of the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership for nearly 15 years, serving as Secretary to the Partnership for the past three years. Currently the only Chamoru member of the group, she joined as a way to learn about other AANHPI cultures and to get involved in the local community.
A Look Back
Home of future photo gallery…