The Gateway To The Rockies Podcast

Midori Clark, Aurora Public Library

Along with heading Aurora's cultural services department, Midori Clark is the first Asian-American woman to lead a major public library, overseeing seven branches, 272,000 cardholders, and 1.1 million checkouts a year. Aurora Public Library is the city’s premier public learning institution, innovating the way Libraries serve the community. 

Yuriy Gorlov & Jonathan Woodward, Aurora Economic Development Council

With an unprecedented opportunity for thoughtful growth, The Aurora Economic Development Council, a private, non-profit corporation comprised of the leading 100 companies in the Aurora/Denver metro area, the city of Aurora, and Adams and Arapahoe Counties, is tasked with helping shape the future of the city.

Ahja Fox, Aurora Poet Laureate

Aurora native & resident Ahja Fox is currently serving as Aurora's third poet laureate. This University of Colorado Denver graduate has been published in dozens of online and print journals & has served as an editor & mentor in the poetry community at large. By merging her love of the literary arts with an innate understanding of human psychology, Ahja is creating poignant works that resonate in Aurora & Beyond. 

Eric Serani & Morgan O’Sullivan, FlyteCo Tower

A decommissioned air traffic control tower next door to Aurora has transformed into a 20,000 sq foot brewery, restaurant, & entertainment space. FlyteCo Brewing co-founders Eric, Morgan, & Jason, have merged their love of hand-crafted award-winning brews & elevated bar fare with important Colorado aviation history to create a unique & delicious experience at FlyteCO Tower. 

Denise Soler Cox, Project Eñye

Growing up a first-generation Latina in the suburbs of Manhattan was an amazing and at times, lonely experience for Project Eñye co-founder Denise Soler Cox. This award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, and keynote speaker is transforming how we think about culture, identity, and what it means to belong. 

Ally Fredeen, Stanley Marketplace

A former aviation factory, The Stanley Marketplace is home to more than 50 independent Colorado businesses. More than a retail center, it has become a cultural hub & community gathering space. General Manager Ally Fredeen gives insight into how the marketplace has managed to balance and preserve its rich history while also playing a critical role in Northeast Aurora's development.

Caroline Glover, Annette Scratch To Table

2022 James Beard award-winning chef Caroline Glover is no stranger to culinary acclaim. Her first restaurant Annette was named one of the 50 best new restaurants in the country by Bon Appétit magazine. With a mission to prepare simple, high-quality food that's meant to be shared by people she dearly loves, Caroline Glover has become a sensation in Aurora and beyond. 

Priscilla Smith, Cora Faye’s Cafe

For more than 15 years, Cora Faye’s Cafe has been the authority in the metro area for "home cookn' & soul food." Through her infectious charisma & by honoring family recipes traced back to the 19th century, Priscilla Smith is at the helm of an Aurora institution that has garnered national buzz & a loyal local fanbase. 

Javi Pérez Koch & Jennifer Pérez, Cheluna Brewing Co.

The brainchild of ER physician Javi Pérez Koch & lifelong public servant Jennifer Pérez, Cheluna is the first Latin-owned and operated craft brewery in Colorado. By infusing German beer traditions with Latin flavors, Javi & Jennifer have masterfully blended scientific precision with culinary creativity in a space that amplifies a sense of community & honors culture. 

Vanessa Guzman, Chef In A Box

In 2013 Vanessa & Leo Guzman turned their love of cooking & entertaining for family & friends into a thriving food truck business. Built from the ground up & strategically located at home improvement stores, Chef in A Box is far from your run-of-the-mill hot dog stand. By using locally sourced quality ingredients and elevated, creative recipes, Chef in A Box has become a popular culinary sensation in Aurora.