Carla Ladd, Black Economic Success Trust

Sarah Ibrahim, Camel International Market

What does a grocery store mean to a community? For Sarah Ibrahim, of Camel International Market [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560694176940] on Havana Street [https://onhavanastreet.com/], it's about much more than food. In this episode, Sarah shares her personal journey, the inclusive evolution of the market, and how international flavors, halal products, and cultural traditions help people feel connected and at home in Aurora.

Katrina Karczewski & Charlie Larsen, Mershop Market Days

Mershops Market Days [https://www.towncenterataurora.com/events/mershops-market-days] at Town Center at Aurora, the last two Saturdays of each month, blends fantastic local vendors with live music. Katrina Karczewski from Grateful Garden LLC [https://www.gratefulgardenllc.com/contact] and Wolf Creek Fresh [https://www.wolfcreekfresh.com/] owner Charlie Larsen discuss local entrepreneurship, fresh food, wellness, and the power of community at this innovative new market.

Jay Kim, Havana Street Night Market

Jay Kim from Bonfire Events talks about the wildly popular Havana Street Night Markets [https://onhavanastreet.com/events/2026-havana-street-night-markets-last-saturdays-of-the-month-may-to-september/] in Aurora, which take place on the last Saturday of every month through September. New for 2026, the HAVANA BITES program, a delicious way for visitors to sample walkable bites from participating restaurants. From food and music to community and entrepreneurship, this conversation explores why the Havana Street Night Market has become one of Aurora’s most exciting cultural experiences.

Carla Ladd, Black Economic Success Trust

In this episode, we sit down with Carla Ladd to discuss entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and the importance of creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses in Colorado. Carla shares the mission behind B.E.S.T. The Black Economic Success Trust, her personal journey, and what attendees can expect from the upcoming B.E.S.T. Success Summit & Expo [https://www.bestsuccesssummit.org/] in Aurora.

Lorena Cantarovici, Maria Empanada

The founder of Maria Empanada [https://www.mariaempanada.com/], Lorena Cantarovici, shares her inspiring journey from Argentina to Colorado, how she built one of the region’s most celebrated food brands, and the powerful role food plays in culture, community, and connection. We also explore Aurora’s growing identity as one of Colorado’s most diverse culinary destinations.