Crystal Mariscal recognized as 2026 Athena Young Professional Award winner

This story about Crystal Mariscal appeared on the front page of  the April 14, 2026 Glenwood Springs Post Independent. Mariscal is CMC's marketing and community relations strategist and is based at Central Services in Glenwood Springs. 

By Jaymin Kanzer, Glenwood Springs Post Independent

For Crystal Mariscal, receiving the Athena Young Professional Award doesn’t mean as much as what it could mean for those who want to follow in her footsteps.

Mariscal’s intense experiences through the first 21 years of her life shaped the Colorado Mountain College marketing and community relations strategist into a strong and resilient woman who knows she serves a greater purpose.

She explained that the Athena Young Professional Award means more to her than words can say, but it could never compare to the pride she takes in her last name. She said that her grandfather instilled in her, from a young age, what it meant to be a Mariscal, and she’s dedicated to living up to the legacy he created.

“My grandpa always used to tell me, ‘If you’re going to do something, do it for the right reasons,'” Mariscal said. “He used to say, ‘If you’re doing something with your right hand, don’t let your left hand know, because then you’re going to start applauding yourself.’

Visit Crystal Mariscal for the complete story.