In Glenwood Springs, Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to celebrate the women of Glenwood Springs, past and present, who have shaped and continue to shape our town.
Whether they hail from yesteryear or are active today, these women share many of the same qualities: determination, grit, creativity, vision, and leadership.
Pioneering Women of Glenwood Springs
Long before Glenwood Springs became the adventure-filled mountain town visitors know today, women were often boldly bucking cultural and gender norms of the day, helping shape its future.
One notable early female leader was Judge Marie “Marje” Shelton Halloway. Though her brother was designated to become the family lawyer, Marje pursued law anyway, becoming an attorney in an era when that career was not exceptionally welcoming to women. In 1933, she became Garfield County Clerk and Recorder, and in 1948, its first female judge. A popular magistrate, she was elected to three successive four-year terms.
Another remarkable figure was Pearl “Tommy” Thompson, an entrepreneurial trailblazer who turned her love of horses into a thriving tourism business. Beginning in 1938, Thompson led popular backcountry trail rides that brought visitors from across the country to explore the Colorado wilderness on horseback, offering an authentic Western Colorado experience to city dwellers.
And, Marian Duffy Smith made history serving as Glenwood Springs’ first female mayor from 1980 to 1982, and later as Garfield County commissioner from 1984 to 1998, continuing the Duffy-Smith family legacy of community leadership dating back to the 1930s. Her dedication to public service and local land stewardship left a lasting impact on the community and Colorado Mountain College.
These women and so many others have helped lay the groundwork for the thriving community we enjoy today.
Today’s Women Movers and Shakers
The tradition of strong women leaders in Glenwood Springs continues today in tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Angie Anderson, president and CEO of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, has spent nearly two decades championing local businesses and promoting Glenwood Springs as a vibrant mountain destination. Through tourism marketing, economic development, and community initiatives, her work helps ensure the local economy continues to thrive.
Cindy Daly is another woman helping shape the future of Glenwood Springs through leadership in the region’s outdoor recreation economy. Recently named CEO of Sunlight Mountain Resort, Daly brings decades of ski industry experience to the role.
Tourism Director Lisa Langer is a woman of many talents. By day, she sings the praises of Glenwood Springs, promoting the hot springs town far and wide to potential visitors; and, by night, she takes to the stage as a professional actress, with over 50 plays and musicals to her credit.
With more than 15 years of service, Loretta Ayala is the Lodge Manager at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, where she oversees accommodations and ensures guests experience the welcoming hospitality for which the resort is famous. Ayala was recognized as Tourism Champion of the Year, for 2024 at the chamber’s annual awards gala. She currently serves as Chair of the city’s Tourism Management Board.
Kaelyn Radden is Assistant GM at Hotel Colorado and also serves as secretary on the Tourism Management Board. She contributes to the continued evolution of Hotel Colorado, one of Glenwood’s most iconic historic properties, ensuring visitors experience the historic charm that has welcomed guests for more than a century.
Female-led entrepreneurship thrives in Glenwood Springs as well. Ana Sanchez, owner of Annie’s Bakery and pastry chef extraordinaire, bakes exquisite pastries that have customers coming back for more. Annie’s Bakery was recently named Top Brass Outstanding New Business of the Year for 2025!
A Legacy Still Growing
From pioneering judges and trail-ride entrepreneurs to business leaders and restaurateurs, women have played a powerful role in shaping Glenwood Springs.
As the community celebrates Women’s History Month, it’s clear that the legacy of these remarkable women is not just history—it’s still being written every day.
