Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring leadership, progress and empowerment

Colorado leads the nation for women-led and women-owned businesses; learn ways to honor Women's History Month locally

Women's History Month is celebrated each March and the 2025 theme of "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations" resonates deeply within the public transportation industry and RTD.

Paving the way for progress in public transportation

Women have been catalysts for change in the public transportation sector, overcoming societal barriers and challenging the status quo to pave the way for future generations of leaders, innovators and advocates.

Here are some examples of notable women in public transportation

• Dr. Mary E. Walsh –Dr. Walsh made history as the first woman to serve as the American Public Transportation Association (APTA)’s President, advocating for safe, equitable and sustainable public transportation. She focused on improving services for underserved communities, particularly women and families.
• Edith M. Houghton –As General Manager of San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit(BART), Edith Houghton broke new ground as one of the first women to manage a major U.S. transit system. Her leadership helped shape the future of transit management, demonstrating that women could excel in leading complex operations.
• Carmen E. Turner – Carmen Turner made history in 1983 as the first Black woman to lead a major transit agency–the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Turner expanded WMATA’s system and set a precedent for inclusivity in transit leadership as its General Manager, showcasing how diverse perspectives strengthen public transportation.
• Judith Heumann – Judith Heumann was a trailblazer for accessible transportation and public spaces. Her advocacy was key in advancing accessibility, ensuring that people with disabilities had equal access to public transit systems and other essential services.
• Elaine Chao– Elaine Chao made history as the first Asian American woman in the U.S. Secretary of Transportation role, which she held from 2017 to 2021. Her tenure was marked by a focus on infrastructure, safety, and the importance of modernizing U.S. transportation systems.

Colorado leads the nation for women-led and women-owned businesses

In Colorado, over 244,000 small businesses are owned by women, representing nearly 45% of the state's total. Colorado is one of the U.S. metro areas with the highest concentration of female business owners!

To celebrate Women’s History Month, support some local women-led and women-owned businesses, including:

• Angelia Han, Not Yo Mama’s Cupcakes:A unique take on baked goods that blends Han’s love for hip hop, her Asian heritage, and the universal pursuit of happiness.
• Fathima Dickerson, Welton Street Café: Visit the new location for this family-owned soul food staple that remains a culinary and cultural pillar in the Five Points community.
• Risë Jones, TeaLee’s Tea House and Bookstore: A Five Points tea house centered on the “art of conversation and engagement.”
• Brittany Iseli, Joy Fill: A household goods store offering refillable and sustainable products for an eco-friendly lifestyle, including beauty and personal care items.
• Robin Lohre, Talulah Jones: A Certified Green lifestyle boutique offering home décor, children’s toys, handmade jewelry and small-batch self-care products.
• Julie Nygard, The Chocolate Therapist: A chocolate shop and gourmet coffee bar founded on the health benefits of all-natural chocolate.
• Paige Briscoe, ReRoot: A one-stop-shop for plant-lovers offering workshops, classes, and opportunities for community connection.

Activities around town to celebrate Women’s History Month:

• Self-Guided Public Art Tour:Explore public art created by or depicting women in Denver. This collection features works by talented sculptors, painters, muralists, and designers. Review a list of pieces and plan your own art adventure.
• Women's History Month at the Depot Museum:On March 8, celebrate with the Broomfield Historical Society featuring trivia, games, and a special appearance from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Local historian Colleen Sawyer will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Center for Colorado Women's History: Visit this museum dedicated to the bold stories and experiences of Colorado women. Take a guided tour to learn more about the impact of women on the state’s history.

Women’s History Month can renew a commitment to empowering the next generation of women leaders in public transportation and beyond.

• Watch a video about RTD career growth and achievements among its female employees in this video: Why RTD? Inspiring Stories of Career Growth, Achievements, and Leadership