Show Notes
Aurora is home to immigrants and refugees from around the world. To help them succeed, the city created an ambitious integration plan that
focuses heavily on supporting foreign-born entrepreneurs. And for good reason; immigrants and refugees have higher rates of starting new businesses than American-born residents. Throughout the city there are immigrant-owned businesses like food markets, restaurants, beauty salons and transportation companies.
“Aurora, it's welcoming and if you are comfortable, you achieve,” said Ayelech G-Michael. “First impression, you see somebody who look like you, you would be comfortable. I think that's why Aurora (has) a lot of entrepreneur(s).”
G-Michael is one of these entrepreneurs. She came to the U.S. to go to college in 1995 and then moved to Aurora five years later. She has owned a liquor store and a home health agency. Now, she works as an interpreter for medical and law offices, schools and the community. She interprets two Ethiopian languages: Amharic and Tigrinya.
She also performs Ethiopian coffee ceremonies at events around Aurora, including the city’s annual Global Fest.
“That's how I start serving the coffee,” she said. “To show my culture to other very diverse Aurora.”
Credits and links
To see photos of the tea ceremony and Ayelech G-Michael, as well as other extras from the series, go to the Colorado Dream website.
The Colorado Dream: Newcomers Welcome
is a production from KUNC. It was written and reported by Stephanie Daniel. Editing by Johanna Zorn. This season's theme song was composed by Jason Paton. Ashley Jefcoat is the digital editor.