The Gateway To The Rockies Podcast

Kim Stuart, City of Aurora

Kim Stuart has served as the Communications & Marketing Director for the city of Aurora for more than 30 years. Her department's initiatives include Access Aurora, AuroraTV, & The Aurora Eats Guide, which features nearly 300 authentic, specialty restaurants representing countries on almost every continent.

Aaron Vega, The People’s Building

A burgeoning community arts scene is emerging on historic Colfax avenue in Aurora. The People's Building offers a space where artists of all disciplines can explore, educate, & perform. Similarly, The Colfax Canvas Mural Festival adds world-class art to the heart of Aurora's Arts District, giving voice to the artists of our diverse community. At the helm of these institutions is Aaron Vega, a talented artist in his own right. 
 
 

Fendi Despres, Plains Conservation Center

One of the gems of Aurora is The Plains Conservation Center, a nature preserve & educational space that showcases pioneer and indigenous life from the late 1800s. It encompasses over 1100 acres of short grass prairie with breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Biologist & Natural Resource Specialist, Fendi Despres, explains why this ecosystem is so vital.

Joel Boyd, Town Center At Aurora

At over one million square feet of retail & entertainment space, Town Center at Aurora is a cornerstone in the heart of Aurora. This fully enclosed regional shopping destination, home to over 130 stores and eateries, is leaving behind the notion of the traditional mall & transforming into a vital community space. 

Rick Crandall, Colorado Freedom Memorial

Air Force Veteran & 30-year local radio fixture Rick Crandall is the founder of The Colorado Freedom Memorial, the first memorial of its kind in the US. Through perseverance & a strong connection to the community, Rick has created a Memorial that honors the fallen from Colorado while enriching future generations with a forthcoming education center. 

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.