Lora Engesser

GWiB’s Founder

Lora, originally from Chicago, IL, has lived in Golden, CO since 2006. She is married and has 4 young adult children.

In 2012, with an entrepreneurial spirit, Lora wanted to keep herself active in the Golden Community. With that, she started a small events business, Altitude Events and Marketing. She helped plan and organize local fundraising events for businesses, schools and non-profits.

A year later, the idea of pulling together a women's networking group, came to fruition. In 2013, Lora created the Facebook group, Golden Women in Business. The group doubled and tripled in size, and within a couple of years, GWiB held community 'Expos' to showcase its members and their businesses. Bi-annually, GWiB hosted large shopping events at local Golden event spaces such as; The Buffalo Rose, Table Mountain Inn, The Golden Hotel and Connects Workspace. These events created visibility for GWiB in the community while helping GWiB's businesses grow and thrive.

In 2017, Lora took a step back from GWiB, to focus on her kids and family life. With confidence, she handed the reins to Jennifer Thoemke (owner of Connects Workspace and Morris & Mae). Jen's determined and thoughtful leadership helped GWiB evolve both within the organization and within the Golden community.

In January 2020, Lora rejoined GWiB, as both an active member and Board Member. In 2021, She started a new small events business, Maven Events LLC.

Over the years and today, GWiB Diamond Members have actively empowered, supported and connected with each other in paramount ways, building their personal relationships and small businesses. Because of these genuine interactions, collaborations and meaningful events, GWiB is a revered women's networking group.

Lora enjoys being with family and friends, laughing, live music, playing cards, cooking and gardening. She also frequents the high country - skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. She is forever grateful for the friendships and heartfelt connections made within GWiB.