Heart & Soul of Aurora Asian Pacific Community Partnership celebrates retirement

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz & Annie Guo VanDan

For more than 30 years, Frankie Anderson has served as the secretary/treasurer and city liaison for the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership. In April, during the Partnership’s annual meeting, members recognized Anderson for her service as she retired that same week.

In addition to this role, she also worked as the business program specialist for the City of Aurora, coordinating programs for the Aurora-South Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and supporting the Aurora economic development loan programs.

“Frankie has been such an advocate for my professional and personal growth over this past decade. I know that many of the awards or recognitions I have received were because she wrote testimonies and nominations for me,” said Chance Horiuchi, executive director of Havana Business Improvement District.

Always the one to volunteer at community events or to take photos, she is known to place others before herself.

When she wasn’t working, she was involved with her church’s choir during the weekends. She enjoyed the music of Indonesia and founded the Gamelan Tunas Mekar 28 years ago. She also coordinated a music series to promote Colorado composers as a member of the Colorado New Music Association.

One of Horiuchi’s favorite memories working with Anderson included a holiday event. They volunteered to sing carols from store to store at the Gardens on Havana in frigid temperatures back in December 2019.

“We had lots of laughs sharing the holiday cheer and gift cards to shoppers,” Horiuchi said. “It was a fun memory, and I will always cherish it. She is extra special because she is one of those people that you can always count on to show up even in the most tepid temperatures.”

Partnership member Alexa Davis enjoyed working closely with Anderson at SBDC and marvels at her memory. “She remembers the details that have kept the Partnership afloat for years,” Davis said.

Remaining behind the scenes, Anderson has worked tirelessly to uplift and elevate others who are trying to make a difference in the Asian community.

“She has helped countless businesses and always went above and beyond,” Horiuchi shared. “She is a person that I admire and am so grateful for her friendship and leadership.”

“I’ve worked alongside Frankie for over a decade. Her dedication to the groups she’s involved with is inspiring.”

- Alexa Davis

“She is a true friend and hero in our community. She is incredible with her words and always shares great words of wisdom.” - Chance Horiuchi

“I have known Frankie since 1998. Frankie is always keeping the Partnership’s mission in focus. I am really honored to work with her and share our community activism with her.”

- Peter Lee, past Partnership co-chair