Meet Hannah Norris | Social Entrepreneur & Humanitarian Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Norris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The journey to founding Arboretum Coffee is deeply interwoven with my personal and professional experiences, which have shaped my understanding of the complexities surrounding community development and refugee and asylum-seeker resettlement and integration. As a caseworker with The Matthews House, I was at the forefront of addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals striving to navigate their new lives amidst numerous challenges and systems. This role, coupled with my volunteer work at Genesis Coffee in 2021/22, provided a unique perspective on the power of community spaces in fostering connections and supporting personal growth. My academic journey, culminating in a M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership from Wheaton College in 2023, equipped me with a deeper insight into the structural challenges faced by refugees and the potential for innovative approaches to promote dignity, equity, and flourishing. This educational background laid the groundwork for envisioning a social enterprise that could transcend traditional aid models.

The inception of Arboretum Coffee was driven by a profound recognition of the systemic barriers that first-generation refugees and asylum-seekers face in their pursuit of safety, dignity, and economic mobility within their new communities. Our thought process was rooted in the lived experiences of these individuals, who, despite their resilience and potential, often find themselves confined to unsafe and undignified early employment opportunities. This situation not only hampers their economic mobility but also isolates them from meaningful connections within their new communities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exclusion.

The decision to establish a coffee shop as the cornerstone of Arboretum Coffee was not incidental. Customer service roles, particularly in coffee shops, offer an unparalleled foundation in job skills that are universally applicable and highly valued across various sectors. These environments are fertile grounds for learning, networking, and personal development. At Arboretum Coffee, we designed our apprenticeship program to ensure that refugees and immigrants could acquire these essential skills without having to forego their dignity or financial stability. By offering this program focused on barista-skills and business management training, alongside classes in customer service, workplace culture, financial literacy, and career preparation and one-on-one mentorship, we sought to equip our apprentices with the tools necessary for their personal and professional development. This comprehensive approach aimed at increasing access to quality work, activating career mobility, and building meaningful social capital, directly addressing the systemic traps that hinder refugees’ and immigrants’ ability to flourish.

Moreover, coffee shops serve as quintessential “third spaces” — not home, not work, but communal areas where people from all walks of life can gather, connect, and share experiences. For marginalized communities, access to such spaces is often limited, yet their value cannot be overstated. These settings offer a safe environment for cultural exchange and community building, playing a critical role in the social integration of refugees and immigrants. Coffee itself is a powerful social bridge, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, and facilitating connections between diverse groups. In choosing to center Arboretum Coffee around this concept, we aimed to leverage the universal appeal of coffee to bridge gaps between the local and refugee communities.

Finally, the model of a social enterprise allows us to address significant societal issues with agility and innovation, free from the bureaucratic constraints often encountered by traditional nonprofit organizations. This approach enables us to directly invest in the lives of refugees and immigrants, providing them with opportunities for growth, connection, and empowerment.

In essence, starting Arboretum Coffee was more than just opening a coffee shop; it was about creating a community hub where refugees, immigrants, and locals could come together to learn, grow, and enrich each other’s lives. It was our response to the need for a dignified and human-centered approach to refugee resettlement and integration, rooted in our values of growth mindset, craftsmanship, and reciprocal hospitality. Our ultimate goal is to see Northern Colorado become an epicenter for refugee and immigrant community empowerment, and every cup of coffee served at Arboretum Coffee is a step towards that vision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At its core, Arboretum Coffee is not just a coffee shop; it is a nonprofit social enterprise designed to empower refugees and immigrants through job training, holistic development, and community integration. What sets us apart is our commitment to not only serving high-quality coffee but also to fostering an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can learn, grow, and connect. This dual mission of delivering excellence in both product and social impact is the cornerstone of our identity.

I am most proud of the community we have built—a space where stories intersect, cultures are celebrated, and individuals are seen not as refugees but as valuable members of society with dreams, talents, and potential. Our apprenticeship program, which equips participants with essential workplace skills, language immersion, and cultural navigation, embodies our commitment to dignified and human-centered development. The success stories of our apprentices and their growing relationships with both local community members and other immigrants/refugees are a source of immense pride and motivation.

The journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. It required navigating the complexities of starting a social enterprise, securing funding, and building a team aligned with our mission and values. The challenges were manifold, from the very beginning stages of fundraising (which is continuing!) to creating a curriculum that effectively meets the needs of our apprentices to even getting a space for the shop. We overcame these obstacles through perseverance, a willingness to learn and adapt, individuals and organizations jumping in with us in funding and connections, a lot of prayer, and an unwavering belief in the importance of our mission.

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and trust, the power of community support, and the value of listening—to our team, our apprentices, and our customers. These lessons have shaped not only our business strategies but also our approach to leadership and community engagement.

I want the world to know that Arboretum Coffee is more than a coffee shop; it is a movement towards a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate society. Our story is one of overcoming adversity, bridging divides, and creating opportunities for those who have been marginalized. We invite everyone to join us in this journey, not just as customers but as partners in creating a world where everyone has the chance to thrive. Arboretum Coffee symbolizes hope, resilience, and the transformative power of community, and we are just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d ensure they’d experience the vibrant essence and natural beauty of Fort Collins and its surroundings, immersing them in activities that encapsulate the spirit of Northern Colorado.

Day 1: Old Town Exploration
We’d start our journey wandering through the charming Old Town, the heart and soul of Fort Collins. Our morning would begin with a leisurely coffee at Wolverine Farm, a café that doubles as a bookstore, fostering a deep connection with the community and creativity. As we meander through the historic streets, we’d stop for lunch at La Boutique, a new French bakery/café, to enjoy authentic sandwiches and pastries. The afternoon would be dedicated to exploring the unique shops and galleries that dot the area, including the Museum of Art. Dinner at Little on Mountain would offer us an intimate dining experience, showcasing local ingredients in a cozy setting.

Day 2/3: Outdoor Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park
We’d dedicate our second day to backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park, exploring the majestic landscapes and breathtaking vistas. It’s a day for reconnecting with nature, from the serene lakes to the rugged peaks. Our backpacks filled with essentials and a picnic to enjoy amidst the wilderness, this day promises an escape into the heart of Colorado’s natural beauty.

Day 4: Relaxation and Kayaking at Horsetooth
After the previous day’s exertions, we’d take a slower pace, starting with a late brunch and then heading to Horsetooth Reservoir for some kayaking. The tranquility of the water and the scenic backdrop provide a perfect setting for relaxation and conversation. Dinner would transport us to the flavors of India at Star of India, a local favorite known for its authentic cuisine.

Day 5: Bike Beer Tour
Fort Collins is famous for its craft beer scene, and what better way to explore it than on a bike beer tour? We’d cycle between some of the city’s renowned breweries, enjoying the crisp Colorado air. This day is not just about tasting beer; it’s about experiencing the city’s vibrant culture and the community that makes it so unique.

Day 6: Food and Concert
We’d have a picnic lunch along the Poudre River, enjoying the serene water flow and natural beauty. No visit to Fort Collins is complete without experiencing a concert at the Mishawaka, a legendary venue nestled along the Poudre Canyon. The combination of live music, fresh air, and stunning surroundings creates an unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Coffee Shop Hangouts and Farewell Cocktails
We’d wind down our week with a relaxed day, starting with coffee and conversation at Bindle Coffee, known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to sustainability. The evening would find us at Ace Gillett’s and Sunrise Lounge, savoring cocktails and reflecting on a week well spent.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In reflecting on the journey that has led to the creation of Arboretum Coffee, it’s evident that the tapestry of our success is woven from threads of support, mentorship, and encouragement from countless individuals and organizations.

I’d like to dedicate a heartfelt shoutout to The Matthews House and Genesis Coffee, organizations that have been instrumental in shaping my understanding and commitment to social change. The Matthews House, with its unwavering dedication to empowering youth and families navigating poverty, provided a foundational experience that deeply informed my approach to community work. Likewise, Genesis Coffee served as a living example of how spaces can facilitate meaningful connections and foster personal growth through a job-training program.

Moreover, my educational journey, particularly the insights and knowledge gained through my M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership from Wheaton College, has been a beacon guiding my path. The principles and values instilled during my studies have been instrumental in shaping the ethos of Arboretum Coffee.

In all of this, I see the hand of God guiding, providing, and opening doors that seemed impenetrable. It’s a gentle reminder that while we labor in love and dedication, there’s a greater force at work, weaving together our efforts with those unseen threads of grace and purpose.

Thus, my shoutout is a tribute to these organizations, to my educational journey, and to the divine guidance that has been constant and unwavering. It’s a recognition of the collective fabric of support that has made Arboretum Coffee not just a dream realized, but a living testament to the power of community, faith, and the belief that together, we can create spaces where everyone belongs and can flourish.

Website: www.arboretumcoffee.org

Instagram: arboretum_coffee