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50 minority- and women-owned businesses at Fox Valley Mall recognized ahead of Aurora’s MLK weekend celebration

With the addition of a handful of new businesses at Fox Valley Mall, the shopping center has reached a significant milestone in expanding diversity in entrepreneurship and creating jobs, according to city officials.

Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin joined mall executives and business owners Friday to recognize the 50 minority- and women-owned businesses that make up nearly 1/3 of the mall’s shops.

Of the 50 new businesses, 20% are Black-owned, 24% are Latino-owned, 52% are Pan Asian-owned, and 36% are women-owned.

“Dr. King said we must create full employment, or we must create incomes,” Irvin said in a news release. “So, it is very fitting that we begin MLK weekend by celebrating this powerful step forward for diversity and entrepreneurship in our community.”

The celebration included ribbon-cutting ceremonies for six new mall businesses — Calla Lilly, Kathryn’s Place, Las Michoacanas, NBC Wellness and Stretch, Signature Salon, and Top Trends — that also are owned by minority and women entrepreneurs.

Representatives from the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Business Development Center, and business leaders from the greater Aurora community were among the attendees.

“As we kick off MLK weekend, we will reflect on the values Dr. King championed, like economic justice and equitable opportunities,” said Aurora Ward 10 Alderwoman Shweta Baid, the first Indian American elected to the Aurora City Council. “We will honor his legacy by supporting the growth of local businesses and the success of local business owners.”

Fox Valley Mall now has 50 businesses that are owned by minority and women entrepreneurs. Courtesy of city of Aurora
Nivram Espinosa, owner of Las Michoacanas Ice Cream at Fox Valley Mall, speaks at a celebration of minority- and women-owned businesses at the mall.  With the opening of six new businesses, including La Michoacanas, Fox Valley Mall reached a milestone of 50 such businesses. Courtesy of city of Aurora
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