Alumni in Action: Micki Alamirew
Micki Alamirew is a CCA alumni who owns and operates Lucy Coffee House in Aurora, CO. Micki describes his journey from Ethiopia to Aurora, and how he wants to engage and support his community by bringing individuals from all walks of life to his coffee shop. To learn more and get involved, visit https://ccaurora.edu
Video by CCA Dept. of Strategic Communications
A morning cup of coffee feels different at Lucy Coffee House. The rushed grab-and-go feel of a chain coffee restaurant gives way to a calm and relaxed pace. The shop is decorated with earthy tones, bright and cheerful furniture and of course, the delicious smell of fresh-brewed coffee and pastries.
On a quiet weekday summer morning, a group of moms, with their children nearby, gather to chat, laugh and share stories. They say they’ve chosen this particular place because of their connection with the owner, Mickias Alamirew.
Alamirew, who goes by Micki, has small children who go to school with the children of this mom group. He cheerfully greets them as he does with all of his customers who walk through his door.
For Micki, these connections are the heart of his business.
“A coffee shop is a culture,” he says, describing how in his native country of Ethiopia, coffee is more than just a beverage, but a cultural staple, which helps bond people.
“When people come to your house, you sit with them and you have coffee. And you talk about your experience. So I want that environment to be here.”
During his time studying at the Community College of Aurora (CCA), Micki was exposed to a vast array of vibrant cultures and experiences. He credits the experience for opening his eyes to the differences each person brings from their cultural background.
As Colorado’s most diverse college, people from all walks of life gather in a singular place, bringing their unique backgrounds to a shared experience.
“There’s a lot of people that if I didn’t go there, I would never meet them. People from Kenya, people from Nigeria, people from Guatemala, Latinos, Cubans, White Americans, Black Americans, all of them,” he says.
He says although people leave college and go on to live their lives, he wanted a place where people could come and continue to learn and share their stories. He considers his business a sort of classroom or workshop for life.
“You might not get credit for it. You might not get an A or B, but this is ongoing education.”
Micki earned his Associate Degree in Science, where he studied Structural Engineering. After graduating from Overland High School in 2001, he knew CCA was the right place for him. Living in Aurora, he says the proximity to his house made it a logical choice, but more importantly, it offered an affordable education.
“What you pay for what you get is very reasonable. So that’s why I chose CCA” he says.
Though studying science was his amain focus, he says everyone he encountered helped guide him on his journey to business owner. From his fellow students and teachers to the people who work in registration, he says his interactions paved the way for his success.
“Going there helped me to navigate my skills interacting with other people. And helped me also with my educational background to have a business mindset, to see what is possible and what is impossible.”
Miki’s unique blends of delicious coffee are made possible by importing coffee beans directly from Ethiopia from his own washing station. Dozens of large bags of coffee beans are stored in a room just behind the main café area.
“When we bring this, we connect African culture and American culture with no barriers. So, from the farm to your cup is a direct relationship,” Micki says.
Despite being a 16-hour flight away, he says it feels the same as having a cup of coffee in the same spot as the farmers who grow the product.
Though his time at CCA ended more than a decade ago, he still feels pride to be a CCA alumni. He says he will always feel a connection to the campus, especially as a local business owner who has a vested interest in the community.
“It makes me proud to be part of this big family. That all these people before me
and after me and also through my time there…we are all connected, so it’s a big deal for me.”
Now, he offers advice to others who are on their journey at CCA. He says the next generation should take small steps to be successful.
“Just dream to do something better in your time. So I will advise, you know, like,
you know, just give a leap of faith. You don’t know what tomorrow holds,” he says.
“Have a little bit of faith in you saying that, hey, I have this dream. I can do it, and you’ll be surprised how many people will be cheering you on the side.”
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