Aurora Sister Cities International (ASCI), in collaboration with the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs (OIIA), recently sent a delegation to Chihuahua, Mexico, from September 2–6, 2025, to participate in a series of high-level meetings, networking events, and cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two cities.

The Aurora delegation, including ASCI CEO Samuel Gebremichael, Board Chair Yuly Williams, Mexican Committee Chair Ana Valles, board Member Jeanette Rodriguez and senior protocol officer Ricardo Gambetta, engaged with mayor Marco Bonilla, senior city officials, business leaders, and nonprofit representatives in Chihuahua to explore opportunities in economic development, education, cultural exchange, and tourism. Delegates were joined by representatives from Albuquerque, NM; Pueblo, CO; and El Paso, TX.

Key Highlights of the Mission:

• Economic & Business Opportunities: Delegates met with Chihuahua business leaders at COPARMEX and CANACO to discuss trade opportunities, sustainable business practices, and the promotion of regional products such as sotol, wine, and handcrafted goods in Aurora. The delegation explored potential SME collaborations, joint trade shows, and investment initiatives.
• Public Safety & Civic Engagement: Meetings with senior public safety officials and tours of the Chihuahua Public Safety Command Center highlighted local crime prevention strategies, emergency services, and innovative technology applications in public safety.
• Tourism Promotion: Aurora representatives collaborated with Chihuahua officials on tourism initiatives, including festival promotion, Copper Canyon tours, and cross-marketing strategies to encourage travel between the two cities.
• Educational & Cultural Exchange: Both cities expressed strong interest in student and youth leadership programs, dual-enrollment opportunities, and scholarship initiatives to foster long-term educational ties.
• Women Empowerment & Youth Leadership: Aurora Sister Cities highlighted programs focused on empowering women and youth as future leaders in both communities.

“Chihuahua has a rich history of innovation, commerce, and cultural heritage,” said Samuel Gebremichael, ASCI CEO. “Our delegation was inspired by the opportunities for collaboration and the shared commitment to fostering educational, economic, and cultural ties between our cities”. This mission marks a pivotal step in strengthening Aurora’s global partnerships. “We are grateful to the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs (OIIA) and the Chihuahua Mayor’s Office of International Cooperation for their assistance and support to this great international mission”

This mission builds on the successful international fire training initiative organized by Aurora Fire & Rescue and OIIA earlier this year, which brought Aurora Fire and Rescue personnel to Chihuahua and received widespread state media coverage. The delegation’s visit from September 2–6 further solidifies Aurora’s commitment to international collaboration, economic development, and cultural exchange.