Millete is an entrepreneur, founder of the local Denver staple, The Whittier Cafe and overall renaissance woman. In this interview she talks about her family's origins in Ethiopia and their journey from refugees in Sudan to the challenges they overcame to thrive in the U.S. Millete is a true leader, who is a personal hero and role model of mine. Her humility, selflessness and community-centered philosophy shines in this conversation. --- A few notes: Suzi Q. Smith, who is mentioned later will be scheduled as a guest on the show for a later date. Also, since this interview was recorded, her cousin's surgery, which we talk about at the end, has been pushed back to the end of January, the week this episode drops. Send her and her family all the love you have. Ok, now let's start the episode. --- Consider supporting The Soul Stories Podcast at Patreon.com/soulstoriesdenver where you can get bonus podcast content --- If you're in the Denver area, Millete wants to invite you to a Sunday coffee ceremony, poetry reading (when they happen), or donate to their Justice Fund. If you would like more information, please reach out to [email protected] --- Beginning - Founding a Denver community staple, the Whittier Cafe 8:10 - Freedom fighting in Ethiopia and being a refugee 17:48 - Moving and growing up in America 23:15 - Her father reconnects with his dignity in his final years 30:38 - Mom's natural medicines and cooking 33:23 - Interviewing historical figures as a journalist 41:29 - Giving to the community without expecting return 46:11 - Building and investing in the Whittier Cafe community 54:48 - Legalities of keeping ownership of the Whittier Cafe 57:28 - Coming together for her cousin's surgery